LSD should be legalized for recreational use.

I would first like to point out that my opponent failed to cite his definition. I will accept that LSD does in fact stand for lysergic acid diethylamide which is indeed an illegal hallucinogen in the United States. I will also provide a subsequent definition: a semi synthetic illicit organic compound C20H25N3O derived from ergot that induces extreme sensory distortions, altered perceptions of reality, and intense emotional states, that may also produce delusions or paranoia, and that may sometimes cause panic reactions in response to the effects experienced —called also lysergic acid diethylamide [1]. I will first present my arguments and then assess my opponent's. I negate the resolution, LSD should be legalized. LSD should not be legalized due to its nature as a semi synthetic compound. Though LSD is derived from ergot, which is a natural fungus which plagues certain grains and grasses, its goes through a process known as semi – synthesis; the process of semi synthesis is used for several reasons. These include, cost, expedience and complexity. If, for example it would cost too much money to structurally recreate something through full synthesis, semi synthesis would be used. Semi synthesis is also used as a means of expedience – which somewhat intertwines with what I stated above with money, if it would be faster to semi synthesize something due to its organic make –up, it would be done, for the sake of expediency. Unfortunately, when we are manufacturing something that is ingested, and in turn can affect a person's internal system quality and safety should not be sacrificed for expediency and money. In addition to this, it has been noted that semi synthetic compounds can, and generally do outperform the original molecule. [2] Second, LSD impairs judgment. By way of its sensory distortions, and altered states of reality, LSD users are seriously impaired and can make poor choices that can control not only their well – being, but the well – being of others. Despite the fact that many mechanisms of how these hallucinogenic drugs work are not clearly understood, it is believed that they work by impairing neurotransmitter reception as well as binding the receptor sites [3]. Due to the fact that it creates sensory distortions users generally do not make good decisions and therefore put the lives of others at risk. This being said, when an LSD user is "tripping" and is not in a controlled environment such as his/her home he poses a risk to other citizens, this is unsafe and irresponsible. LSD needs to remain illegal so that we don't have citizens getting into their cars under the influence of a strong hallucinogenic. Third, and finally, LSD is a date rape drug. Though my opponent state that no one is victimized if someone ingests LSD I must illustrate that he is incorrect. Many people take LSD and put it into drinks in order to intoxicate the person and ultimately manipulate their impaired judgment and rape them, and for that reason, we cannot take the chance with allowing LSD to be legalized. LSD can also have an effect on short – term memory receptors. Therefore, once a person has been date – raped under the effects of LSD they may or may not remember them which could ultimately lead to the difficult decision of whether or not they will have/ or will want to abort the child. I will now asses my opponent's points. A: "LSD use is a victimless crime. If someone ingests LSD, no one is being victimized in any way, shape, or form." I would first like to point out that my opponent provided no fact to back this claim. As I illustrated, it is possible for date rape to occur, as well as deaths from irresponsible driving etc. B: "LSD is less addictive than many legal drugs in America" Though my opponent is correct, LSD may be less addictive than tobacco or alcohol, it produces the tolerance effect. This means that LSD users who take the drug repeatedly will need to take progressively higher doses to ensure they receive the same high, and this, is ultimately dangerous [4]. It has been noted, that those who use copious amounts of LSD are prone to psychotic conflicts as well as recurrent hallucinations which can result in permanent desensitization to reality [5]. C: "Only one person has ever died of LSD overdose. However, this man died of because of his own ignorance. He was under the impression that the LSD was speed, ergo, he ingested 320 G of LSD, which is much higher than the recommended dosage. However, more than one person has died of alcohol poisoning. (3)" Though my opponent is correct that users do not die from overdosing on LSD, LSD users do in fact die. They die from the hallucinogenic powers of the drug. Death can also be preempted due to the side effects of the drug such as: raised body temperature, chills, profuse perspiration etc. Death from LSD can however result from, panic reactions, hallucinations and the paranoia experienced while on LSD. [6] D: "LSD has medical uses, where as alcohol and tobacco, do not. If nothing else, this should make LSD a class B drug instead of a class A one. (4)" My opponent has proved one medical use for LSD – cluster headaches. In his own article, it states that the LSD works on cluster headaches due to the fact that it helps the shortage of Serotonin. However, these same results can be achieved by eating certain foods. For example, eating high carb food helps increase Serotonin levels, without the hallucinations or paranoia. [7] Sources: [1] - http://www.merriam-webster.com... [2] - http://en.wikipedia.org... [3] - http://www.nida.nih.gov... [4] - http://www.narconon.ca... [5] - http://www.addictionsearch.com... (Scroll to the bottom) [6] - http://www.narconon.ca... [7] - http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu...