Psilocybin ("magic") mushrooms should be legal in the United States.

First and foremost, I would like to apologize for missing my only round in 25+ debates on this site; it's finals time and school got in the way of this particular hobby. I do hope that people take my arguments into consideration and do not hold it against me that I missed only one round. Next, I would like to give my opponent a huge pat on the back for reminding us all that magic mushrooms are hallucinogens. For a minute there I thought this debate was actually about legalizing the mushrooms I just had with my chicken marsala last night. But anyway... Mushrooms are drugs the same way that alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine are also drugs. The difference is that these drugs are LEGAL and very widespread -- there is no social taboo. Anyway, Thomas Jefferson's quote still applies. Less close-minded individuals can see how his words apply not only to food and medicine, but revolve around the notion of limiting government interference in people's everyday lives. For a more specific drug-related reference, how's this: The growth of drug-related crime is a far greater evil to society as a whole than drug taking. Even so, because we have been seduced by the idea that governments should legislate for our own good, very few people can see how dangerously absurd the present policy is. -- John Casey. I could go on all day quoting doctors, philosophers and even government officials advocating for the legalizing of (certain) drugs, But let's move on to the facts. My opponent suggests that he has "refuted my claims" and have therefore proved that mushrooms should remain illegal. Let's take a look back and see what really went down: 1. Drugs & Religion I noted that people should be able to ingest etheogens for spiritual purposes if they so choose. My opponent asked that I provide an example of a religion which utilizes magic mushrooms. He also asks, "if it really is for religous purposes, shouldn't people's own self made states of euforia and joy be enough WITHOUT the help of halucinogens?" I will first respond by stating that millions of religions exist throughout the world - documented or not. And even if I can't provide an "official" religion which uses mushrooms in practice, I can cite a real one anyway. It's called Lwerdism and it originated about an hour ago. It has sevaral followers and our official doctrine states that magic mushrooms may be used to seek spiritual refuge or for any type of enlightenment that its followers wish; in fact, we encourage it. I would also like to point out that there is evidence for Psilocybin Mushroom use in the Cï¿½te d'Ivoire. Other religious/spiritual groups that use entheogens as a part of their culture include the small doses of MDMA to enhance meditation by some Buddhist Monks, Peyote by various Native Americans tribes, and Cannabis with Rastafarians. Additionally, I don't think it is up to my opponent to decide how and why people reach euphoria or meditate, whether it's alone or through the use of hallucinogens. Spirituality is PRIVATE. That's like saying, "Can't Catholics still practice their religion without things like the Eucharist or wine?" The answer is yes, probably, but those things are important aspects of the mass and nobody should interfere with that. 2. People's Rights I concluded that people should be able to ingest anything of their choosing (with limitations of course, such as possible age restrictions) especially if it's grown in the wild with no chemical or artificial tampering. My opponent's response was this: Because they effect your mind, and cause you to do, think, and feel ways and things that you may not do under normal circumstances, they cannot be cosidered food, but halucinogens as I said. So they can't be eaten where ever and whenever, because they can make you do things, while actual foods don't. What a crock! As I've mentioned, there are plenty of other widely consumed legal drugs including caffeine. Studies show that caffeine can and does affect you physically AND mentally. Not to mention, what about Robitussen (the cough medicine)? That is certainly legal - even sold in some $1 stores - and surely everyone has heard of "Robotripping" or ingesting large amounts of Robitussen to 'trip' such as one can with a hallucinogen. If you wanna discuss STRICTLY food, my opponent is still wrong: Studies have shown that some foods, like turkey, whole grain breads, and sugary snacks, have definite effects on the brain -- ABC News Medical Unit This same source also cites salmon as "making you do things" (positive things - but nevertheless) as well as chocolate, milk, and more (Source: http://abcnews.go.com...). And let us not forget the most important argument here -- ALCOHOL. However, we will get to that a little bit later. 3. I pointed out that mushrooms are addictive neither physically or mentally. My opponent said, "But people would still want the desired effects." Um, so? Milk is known to have calm and soothing effects on an anxious or stressed out individual. Milk is not addictive in any way, but if I like the effects from it and seek out a glass of milk every once in awhile... what's wrong with that? Clearly my opponent will point out that milk is NOT a hallucinogen. But if someone wants the desired effect of mushrooms and will be safe about it (i.e. enjoying the results in the privacy of their own home), why should we take away that right? 4. I pointed out that mushrooms were legal until 1968 - no biggie. Con provided undocumented/unsourced info that was pretty irrelevant and pointless in terms of arguing the resolution. 5. I pointed out that mushrooms aren't poisonous. Con agreed. 6. I pointed out statistical facts regarding people's enjoyment of mushrooms and even the 'bad trips' -- studies show that they have no long term effects on an individual. My opponent pointed out some possible side effects (what TV advertisement of ANYTHING you ingest doesn't have possible side effects?) and said, "I've never seen a perscription drug commercial where 'fear' was one of the side effects." Uh, clearly he doesn't watch much television; almost every anxiety medicine has the side effect of anxiety or fear, ironically enough. Let's take the example of Benzodiazepines which has side effects of anxiety and psychosis (Source: http://www.panic-anxiety.com...). 7. I noted that legalizing mushrooms would eliminate a lot of the black market drug ring. My opponent came up with, "I think we'd see a massive increase in job loss, bringing about an even greater recession in the economy than we already have." Um... say WHAT?! Hold up. What the HELL kinda BS is this? It's actually really funny and totally absurd and untrue (can you prove it or even defend it? Nope.). 8. Con agreed that mushrooms are a lot safer than most (probably all) other illegal drugs, except marijuana, I'm assuming (though MJ can give you lung or mouth cancer, I guess). 9. I brought up that tripping people probably do not want to harm others. Con agrees but notes that people who are drunk often kill people via drunk driving. This is true (and incredibly sad); however, laws no longer prohibit the consumption and buying/selling of alcohol because it is OUR RIGHT to enjoy it as long as we're being responsible. Laws encouraging responsibility exist and promote safety. 10. Finally, I argue that people consume mushrooms for a variety of reasons just as people consume other drugs for a variety of reasons (i.e. Prozac for depression). Everything in this world can be abused but it's up to the INDIVIDUAL to make good decisions. Because mushrooms are nowhere near severely harmful (and less harmful than a lot of legal drugs), there is no good reason to criminalize them. My opponent has not successfully argued my claims (they're rooted in FACTS, not opinion, afterall) OR provided good reasoning as to why they SHOULDN'T be legal.