Psychedelic drugs should be legalized for recreational use.

Seriousness of Health RisksI accept my opponent's statement that hallucinogenic drugs can result in physical harm. This physical harm, however, is not any more severe or detrimental than the possible effects of prescription drugs and other drugs or substances that are used in recreation.Example #1: Abilify (aripiprazole)Abilify is a prescription drug; specifically, an antipsychotic often used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other such mental disorders. This and other antipsychotic drugs such as Seroquel, Risperdal, and Zyprexa have been shown to increase blood sugar levels, elevate lipid and cholesterol levels, and promote weight gain.[1] All of these conditions can, over time, lead to other more complex and grave health issues, and even death. Certainly more pressing than this is the longtime neurological damage these drugs can have on a user.[1]Example #2: MethamphetamineWhile not legal, methamphetamine, commonly called meth, is still widely used today. The physical health risks of methamphetamine include extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. Chronic methamphetamine abusers can also display a number of psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions.[2] Abuse of meth can also result in reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning.[2]Example #3: Nicotine/cigarettesNicotine is a notoriously harmful substance. While not a technical "drug" in the eyes of many, it is nonetheless an addictive and prevalent substance in today's society. 19% of all people aged 18 and older currently smoke cigarettes[3], the most notable source of nicotine. Smoking has also been directly related to 90% of all lung cancer cases.[4] In addition to these findings, smoking can increase the risk of heart attacks, peripheral artery disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and thyroid disease, amongst other things.While the consumption of psychedelic drugs does, as my opponent stated, carry some health risks, said risks are inarguably much less serious than those of other drugs and substances, both legal and otherwise, that people abuse in their everyday lives.OverdosesNearly every drug known to man has some risk of overdose, from Vicodin, to heroin, to generic brand Tylenol. The case is different with most psychoactive drugs. There have been no deaths reported from LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) overdose [5], and this is so because the sheer amount of the aforementioned drug that one would have to take to overdose would be nearly unfathomable. The same is true of shrooms, as well as mescaline. It is nearly impossible to overdose on these drugs.The exceptions to this rule, such as PCP, is where the idea of practical limits would come into play. If legalized, there would be regulation and restraints placed upon the amount of a drug that the individual could possess, and also an age limit would be enforced. An example of this would be marijuana regulations in Colorado. Possession of less than one ounce, by someone aged 21 or older, is no penalty [6]--perfectly legal. Distribution is illegal, as well as cultivation of more than six plants.[6] The same types of restrictions could be placed on the use of psychedelic drugs, limiting both the amount one can posses and also who can posses it, while making distribution punishable as a felony. With a regulated amount of the substance, one would have no greater a chance of overdosing on a hallucinogenic than John Q. Citizen does overdosing on Advil.Positive Effects of Hallucinogens Steve Jobs claimed that taking LSD was a positive life-changing experience for him.[7] He is not alone in this sentiment. Many people can attest to this. Hallucinogens have had immeasurably beneficial effects for many who have taken them. They can open the mind and open new gateways for creativity. There are, of course, individuals who have had negative experiences with hallucinogens; but, there are also individuals who have had experiences with negative things such as driving, swimming, et cetera, et cetera. While there are the bad experiences, with these come the positive experiences--the life-changing, mind-opening ones, such as the one Steve Jobs had with LSD.A commonly held belief is the one that hallucinogens are directly linked to mental illnesses. A Norwegian study conducted from 2001 to 2004 revealed that there was no connection between psychoactive drug use and increased mental problems; it was actually found that psychedelic drug use was associated with a lower rate of mental health problems.[8] Another study shows that the drug ketamine may be effective in treating depression.[9]Sources [1] http://www.naturalnews.com...# [2] http://www.drugabuse.gov... [3] http://www.cdc.gov... [4] http://www.healthcentral.com... [5] http://www.emsvillage.com... [6] http://norml.org... [7] http://www.dailymail.co.uk... [8] http://www.dailymail.co.uk... [9] http://www.3quarksdaily.com...