That being said, if some fool wants to waste his life stoned on a salad green I don't like, that's his problem. I am not willing to part with tax dollars to protect fools from their folly.
I am unconvinced that usage or availability would substantially increase if it were legalized. Alcohol was readily available during prohibition and anyone who really wanted it could get it. If marijuana were legally available tomorrow, I would avoid it as I do alcohol and tobacco now. I think most people would as well.
Alcohol and drugs are not a good analogy.
Think of legalizing drugs and allowing the drug cartels from Mexico and Columbia on the same level as what would happen if we legalized the Mafia.
And in many ways we have (i.e. Las Vegas)
Legalized gambling is good for the State, right? So, Libs argue that allowing Mexicans to ship tons of dope to the US is good business, right? And just as the State makes millions of tax dollars from gambling, tobacco, booze, and other sins, do you think - for one second - that the State would not turn a profit from dope?
They would have to. Overnight, the US would see the need to build thousands of new hospitals and prisions to house the addicts and criminals.
Alcohol and gambling is a Sunday School picnic compared to the mind, body and soul damages that occur when drugs are involved.
Damages not just to some bum on the street. But to the foolish nation stupid enough to legalize it.