Decrinminalizing (Not Legalize) All Drugs (controlled substances)

I will be using two different arguments to counter Pro. First, I'd like to point out that many drugs with good reason should be completely legalized. This is different from my opponent's proposition of mere decriminalization. Second, I'd like to point out that perhaps not ALL drugs should become decriminalized. Throughout this debate I hope to use one or both of those positions to help establish a case for the negative. So without further adieu, I'd like to define some key terms which will be tantamount to our arguments. * Decriminalization - The removal of criminal sanctions on a prohibited activity [1] * Legalization - The process of removing a legal prohibition against something which is currently illegal [2] Pro's arguments are as follows: Decriminalizing drugs will. .. 1. save citizens a lot of money which can be better spent elsewhere 2. drive drug prices down, meaning gangs and mobs make less money = less crime 3. encourage Social Darwinism (kill off the druggies) That said, I'd like to point out that the LEGALIZATION of drugs will accomplish all of those goals and more. So, at this point Pro has given us absolutely no incentive to favor decriminalization over legalization. At this point in time I'd like to explain why the legalization of certain drugs - say marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms - is preferable over decriminalization. Indeed many times these terms are used interchangeably; however, do not mean the same thing. "Decriminalization" usually means the absence of criminal — but not civil — penalties for possession of a small amount of marijuana for "personal use. " Also, "decriminalization" means leaving production and sales in the black market, which is a disastrous social policy. That is a point that we have to make at every opportunity. "Legalization" usually means some form of "regulated" sales. In fact, "legalization" generally implies something like the alcohol and tobacco models [3]. To decriminalize something only means that one might not be charged with a crime if they are caught doing it; however, they still may be subject to fines or other penalties. I believe that with a drug like marijuana, it should be completely legal barring some form of standard regulation (such as an 18+ rule). That means marijuana should be completely l free of any civil or criminal penalties for the using or buying and selling of the product. Again, it establishes all of Pro's goals and extends citizen's rights to make their own decisions about personal use and responsibility. So, now I leave it up to my opponent to begin discussion on why decriminalization is preferable to legalization of certain drugs. The other part of my argument is that perhaps not ALL drugs should be decriminalized. While nicotine is widely regarded as the most addictive drug, substances like crystal meth, heroin and crack cocaine are among the most deadly. Not only do they have a high addiction rate with a physical dependency that becomes agonizing to ween off of, but they pose a threat to both users and society at large given their effects on individuals. While users seek a euphoric effect (as most of these drugs originated as pain killers), they often become extremely paranoid and delusional. This makes them a threat to everyone around them. Additionally, these drugs take a physical toll on people and cause them to have all sorts of bodily damage ranging from frequent convulsions and hypothermia to brain damage and cancer [4]. Meanwhile, drugs like marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms do minimal physical damage to the body and in some cases even have medical uses [5] [6]. Now ideally, I'd point out that the government has no business controlling what people put into their bodies. However, considering that the programs Medicare and Medicaid exist, and the reality that everyone is treated in the Emergency Room to at least stabilize life, the reality is that the government (citizens) pay for people in poor health. For that reason and many others, the government should have a say in limiting or criminalizing certain drugs with little to no medical purpose and whose harms cause severe damage to both the individual in terms of physical and mental health, and society as a whole. I should point out that I would love for the government to be more honest and realistic in their assessment of various drugs (for instance, substances like MDMA and *especially* marijuana most DEFINITELY have legitimate medical uses though the DEA denies it). Again, I believe that certain drugs should be criminalized - such as crack, meth and heroin - and that certain should be completely legal - like marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms. I'll see how my opponent responds to this rebuttal before making any further clarifications or argument distinctions. Thanks again to the Pro for beginning this debate and good luck! [1] . http://www.google.com... [2] . http://www.google.com... [3] . http://marijuananews.com... [4] . http://www.drugrehabtreatment.com... [5] . http://www.letfreedomgrow.com... [6] . http://www.thegooddrugsguide.com...