saw something disgusting today

[boutons_deux]

Except in Holland, foreigners/tourists can no longer purchase drugs.

drug tourists/non-residents aren't "(holland) population"

[DisAsTerBot]

I'm talking about the ones that did do drugs when they were younger.

so why did they stop then? Let's see, it's called responsibilities, growing up, being able to make an informed decision.

You're making a point against yourself. If they did it when they were younger (while still being illegal) then stopped (while still being illegal) why start again? Unless you're an addict, which the law would have no effect on

[cantthinkofanything]

so why did they stop then? Let's see, it's called responsibilities, growing up, being able to make an informed decision.

You're making a point against yourself. If they did it when they were younger (while still being illegal) then stopped (while still being illegal) why start again? Unless you're an addict, which the law would have no effect on

I stopped because I got married, had a child, got a real job, etc. Other friends did the same. Now, I don't think I know anyone that could score me a gram of coke if I had the urge. Not without going to considerable trouble. But if it was readily available and legal, I'd probably buy some now and then. I don't think my situation is unique. My guess is that there is a large % people that have similar stories. And some portion of these would probably try it again from time to time, and some portion of these would let it get out of control. I don't know what that % is but I think it's greater than you think.

[DisAsTerBot]

So, in other words, if it was still readily available to you (without going to considerable trouble) you'd do it. I think you're fooling yourself that the law is holding you back. Maybe the policies of your work place holding you back would be more accurate

[cantthinkofanything]

So, in other words, if it was still readily available to you (without going to considerable trouble) you'd do it. I think you're fooling yourself that the law is holding you back. Maybe the policies of your work place holding you back would be more accurate

It's not directly the law that's holding me back I guess. It's the inaccessibility resulting from its illegality. If I had a trusted friend that got me some, I'd probably do it. But if I've got to try to find some new connection to score for me, it's not worth the trouble or risk.
I don't sit and crave coke all day. But if it were readily available to me and there were no legal repercussions to me having it or using it, I would probably do it from time to time. I'm not subject to any drug testing so that's not an issue.

I'm sure that there aren't many people that don't use based solely on its legal status. But I do believe that there are many who would start using again if it was made readily available (facilitated by legalization).

[TheSkeptic]

If I lived on the Canadian border and smoked, that'd be an interesting answer. But, to your point, there is a pretty lucrative black market from Canada and Mexico for liquor, smokes, and prescription drugs.

That's why I advocate simply decriminalizing drugs. No taxes, no laws, no regulation. If you want to grow it, make it, sell it, buy it, smoke it, shoot it, share it with your friends and strangers...go for it.

There are plenty of criminal laws against most of the illegal activities in which people might engage to pursue a non-criminal drug enterprise. If you worried about self-destructive behaviors and health issues related to drug abuse -- get in line behind those of us who are similarly sick of the same issues related to smoking and alcohol abuse.

Fair logic

That would put the cartels out of business.

Not necessarily.

[cantthinkofanything]

Not necessarily.

Bingo. They'd just find other ways to make money. They could increase their activity in human trafficking. Or possibly try to work with terrorist groups against the U.S.

[TheSkeptic]

Bingo. They'd just find other ways to make money. They could increase their activity in human trafficking. Or possibly try to work with terrorist groups against the U.S.

Well the other option would be for governments to make everything legal and go from there.

Quite a few of them make money through blackmail, dealing weapons, human trafficking, pros ution rings, etc. I'm not sure where people get this idea that the ones running these cartels from the very top don't diversify.

I agree that something like marijuana should be legalized and regulated though because the resources put towards fighting a relatively harmless drug are a net drain on society. Increasing access to hard drugs doesn't really benefit anybody and you'll just see the cartels shift more heavily towards other criminal activities.

[Yonivore]

Not necessarily.

On all but the exclusive markets; absolutely.

But, most illicit drugs can be synthesized by nerd stoners and entrepreneurs here in the States. The cartels will have to come up with a value add that makes their product more appealing -- and, I don't think threats of throwing 46 headless bodies in the middle of the road will work for very long.

[Axe Murderer]

i don't want to get my drugs at the pharmacy. i want dark alleys and a chance of murder involved.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

On all but the exclusive markets; absolutely.

But, most illicit drugs can be synthesized by nerd stoners and entrepreneurs here in the States. The cartels will have to come up with a value add that makes their product more appealing -- and, I don't think threats of throwing 46 headless bodies in the middle of the road will work for very long.

They control the production and distribution of the product as it now exists. They cannot use thug tactics to block startups but by definition they will start off controlling market share. They would have if nothing else a tremendous compe ive advantage.

Those that are already wanted criminals would have issues but if you haven't been caught yet you would be golden. You would have all manner of fronts and the like.