>Now, do you deny that the prohibition of marijuana is a problem in itself? Money getting re-routed from our capitalist society into the hands of thugs and outlaws? Gang wars and money laundering?
>
>It would seem that problems associated with the war on drugs already exist, and the scientific evidence suggests that legalizing marijuana wouldn't legions of new users that create new problems in society.
>
>So the questions we are faced with is: what other problems would we be introducing? And with what arguments do you dismiss the claim that legalizing actually solves some other important problems?


The bottom line is that the general public is against it and that has been reflected in recent elections on iniatives. As for legalizing, the "studies" are just that and usually backed by people with an agenda. Many of the "medical marijuanna" iniatives are simple part of an incremental assault. First get medical marijuanna, then a limited amount for personal use, then total legalization. Do you think smoking dope makes you smarter, more aware, able to think more clearly, or do you think there's a good reason for calling it "dope?"

I agree, we can discuss this issue for a long time and never reach a consensus. I have grown tired of the back and forth. Neither of us is convincing the other.