In your initial post, provide your thesis statement, argument, and a corresponding counter-argument. It's fine if your chosen counter-argument doesn't directly counter one argument but corresponds to several. In this case, provide details for each argument to which your counter-argument is linked. Then, compose an objective response supported with evidence that increases the credibility of your overall argument. In addition, reflect on the other counterarguments for your research paper: Do any of your current responses need strengthened? See the ‘What to Include’ section for specific instructions.


What to Include
1. Begin by considering the counter-arguments you have developed for your paper. Select a counter-argument and corresponding response that needs further attention.

2. Include the following in your initial post:

State the thesis statement, argument, and counter-argument you have chosen from your paper. Develop and provide a response to this counter-argument that effectively counters the objection with objective and credible evidence. Ensure that you cite all evidence with both an in-text and full citation. 
Reflect on the other counterarguments you've included in your research paper. Do you believe that any of the responses need strengthened with evidence? Provide a reflection that addresses this question, as well as any remaining challenges you're experiencing with your counterarguments.


what I have:
Research Question:
How would the legalization of all currently illegal drugs impact crime
and homelessness rates across the U.S.?
I. Introduction
A. Key Background Information
1. Overview of the U.S. drug problem, including opioid addiction
2. Brief history and outcomes of the War on Drugs, particularly its
impact on crime rates and incarcerations
3. Example of Portugal’s drug decriminalization and its outcomes
B. Significance or Importance
1. The growing debate on drug policy and criminal justice reform in
the U.S.
2. Potential economic implications, including tax revenue and public
health cost
3. Effects on marginalized communities and the broader societal impact
C. Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement: Legalizing all currently illegal drugs could
potentially reduce crime rates and homelessness in the U.S., although
it may also bring challenges including increased drug abuse and public
health burdens.
II. Arguments
A. Reason #1: Reduction in Crime Rates
1. Evidence: Case studies from countries that have decriminalized or
legalized drugs, such as Portugal, have shown decreased incarceration
rates for drug offenses (The Health Effects of Cannabis and
Cannabinoids, 2017).
2. Supporting Point: Redirecting resources from policing and
incarceration to rehabilitation and mental health services.
B. Reason #2: Economic Benefits
1. Evidence: Potential tax revenues from legalized drug sales can be
estimated by examining currently legal substances like alcohol and
marijuana (America’s Marijuana Evolution, 2017).
2. Supporting Point: Savings from reduced law enforcement and
incarceration costs.
C. Reason #3: Public Health Improvements
1. Evidence: Availability of safer, regulated substances can reduce
overdose rates and drug-related health issues, similar to the evidence
seen with the legalization and regulation of marijuana (Marijuana
legalization and historical trends, 2016).
2. Supporting Point: Improved access to addiction treatment and harm
reduction programs.
your sources are all good and your arguments are solid.
III. Counter-Arguments
A. Objection #1: Increased Drug Use and Abuse
1. Response: Reviewing the data from decriminalized markets to show
trends, highlighting education and harm reduction strategies
B. Objection #2: Burden on Healthcare System
1. Response: Examining how redirected funds from law enforcement can
bolster healthcare services, including treatment programs for
addiction
C. Objection #3: Persistence of Black Market
1. Response: Discussion on pricing strategies and regulation to keep
legal market attractive; enforcement focus on illegal trafficking
IV. Conclusion
A. Main Points to Emphasize or Summarize
1. Recap of potential benefits: reduced crime rates, economic gains,
and public health improvements
2. Acknowledgment of potential risks and the importance of
comprehensive strategies to address them
3. Reiteration of thesis: the overall positive impact of drug
legalization on crime and homelessness with managed risks
V. Challenge/Concern Section
One challenge I have about my outline is ensuring that I provide a
balanced view of both the potential benefits and the risks of drug
legalization. I want to avoid being overly optimistic or overly
pessimistic, and I’m concerned about finding enough credible sources
to support all points of the argument and counter-arguments,
particularly newer data from countries that have implemented similar
policies. I am generally happy with my thesis statement as it provides
a clear stance while acknowledging challenges but I would appreciate
feedback on whether it needs to be more specific or if it flows well
with the arguments laid out.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and
Medicine Division,
Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, Committee on
the Health Effects
of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health
Effects of
Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and
Recommendations for
Research. National Academies Press, 2017,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425763/.
Trumble, Sarah, and Nathan Kasai. “America’s Marijuana Evolution.”
Third Way, 24 Aug. 2017,
www.thirdway.org/report/americas-marijuana-evolution.III. Counter-Arguments
A. Objection #1: Increased Drug Use and Abuse
1. Response: Reviewing the data from decriminalized markets to show
trends, highlighting education and harm reduction strategies
B. Objection #2: Burden on Healthcare System
1. Response: Examining how redirected funds from law enforcement can
bolster healthcare services, including treatment programs for
addiction
C. Objection #3: Persistence of Black Market
1. Response: Discussion on pricing strategies and regulation to keep
legal market attractive; enforcement focus on illegal trafficking
IV. Conclusion
A. Main Points to Emphasize or Summarize
1. Recap of potential benefits: reduced crime rates, economic gains,
and public health improvements
2. Acknowledgment of potential risks and the importance of
comprehensive strategies to address them
3. Reiteration of thesis: the overall positive impact of drug
legalization on crime and homelessness with managed risks
V. Challenge/Concern Section
One challenge I have about my outline is ensuring that I provide a
balanced view of both the potential benefits and the risks of drug
legalization. I want to avoid being overly optimistic or overly
pessimistic, and I’m concerned about finding enough credible sources
to support all points of the argument and counter-arguments,
particularly newer data from countries that have implemented similar
policies. I am generally happy with my thesis statement as it provides
a clear stance while acknowledging challenges but I would appreciate
feedback on whether it needs to be more specific or if it flows well
with the arguments laid out.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and
Medicine Division,
Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, Committee on
the Health Effects
of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health
Effects of
Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and
Recommendations for
Research. National Academies Press, 2017,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425763/.
Trumble, Sarah, and Nathan Kasai. “America’s Marijuana Evolution.”
Third Way, 24 Aug. 2017,
www.thirdway.org/report/americas-marijuana-evolution.

Yu, Bin, et al. “Marijuana Legalization and Historical Trends in
Marijuana Use among US
Residents Aged 12–25: Results from the 1979–2016 National Survey on
Drug Use and
Health.” BMC Public Health, vol. 20, no. 156, 4 Feb. 2020,
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-8253-4. Received 15 June 2019,
Accepted 21 January
2020.