Exactly. Unfortunately, many types of the harder drugs really cannot be used responsibly. The very act of using them is itself personal irresponsibility.
I don't, btw, apply that to marijuana, which I think ought to at least be decriminalised, and certainly ought to be open for medicinal use. What I have in mind are the hardcore hallucinogenics like angel dust, PCP, etc. as well as crack and the like. These very clearly do introduce "issues" for those around their users, even when relatively little amounts of the substance are used, which is much of the reason why trying to draw an argument between these drugs and, say, alcohol are illegitimate.
I understand your point, but I still have to disagree.
Mainly I guess my view is this: It’s not the government’s job to decide that for someone.
If they take drugs and then do something illegal, then by all means they should be punished to the full extent of the law.
As for alchohol, you have to admit it too hurts others than the user. Drunk driving? Neglected kids?
All that is horrible. But it is the person, not the substance that is responsible.
Have you read “Saying Yes - In Defense of Drug Use” by Jacob Sullum? He goes through the (so-called) recreational drugs & discusses the effects. He also interviews responsible users. A lot of the worry about irresponsible use is just hype by gov’t or anti-drug folks. The reality isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be. It’s an interesting read, regardless of where you stand on the issue.
I don’t use drugs, but I’m certainly tired of the militarization of our police forces. That has got to stop & it would be stopped if we could stop the WoD.
Less gov’t, more freedom.
What I have in mind are the hardcore hallucinogenics like angel dust, PCP, etc. as well as crack and the like. These very clearly do introduce "issues" for those around their users, even when relatively little amounts of the substance are used, which is much of the reason why trying to draw an argument between these drugs and, say, alcohol are illegitimate.
A user can reduce the dose of any drug to lessen the pharmacological effect, all the way down to zero.