>>>>I don't think it should be legal for minors any more than alcohol is....plus, better education is required. The situation now is worse than ever - kids are getting hooked on everything and getting into serious trouble with the law at the same time. I'd much rather they get rehab, education, and support.
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>>In many parts of the world, alcohol is legal for minors if provided by a parent. Which is cool: IMHO the law is like the financial system, set up and paid for by communities to foster the way of life that they want to pursue. But if the law falls out of step with community then (as Bumble says in Oliver Twist) the Law is an Ass. If that's the message we want to send to kids, we're doing a fine job.
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>Argentina is an example of that. In my case (and I was not the exception) my parents would allow me a small drip of wine or champagne in big family meetings, like Christmas, since very early age, and from around 15 years old my mother would by me a can of beer for my lunch every day. In college I drank lots of different "white beverages" having a preference for vodka, but usually limited to weekends/parties; and now, for at least the last 15 years I barely drink alcohol, so based in my limited experience, my mother's wasn't a bad idea after all.

Or smoking: http://blog.djapoc.com/2010/05/calvin-and-hobbes-learn-about-smoking/