The punishment based drug use prevention model, which has led to the U.S. having the highest incarceration rate in the world, has done little to stop the use of drugs in our country. Our usage rates are among the highest in the world.
Prohibition in the 1920's led to dangerous violent gangs whose open disrespect for the rule of law led to a dual economy-exactly what we have today. It is easier for children to get marijuana than it is for them to get tobacco or alcohol because drug dealers don't card them.
No one wants to see increased usage of what are today "illegal" drugs, but by legalizing, regulating, and taxing them we can have an honest dialogue with those who would use them.
Will you have the courage to stop the failed "War on Drugs" and replace it with a treatment based model?