Reply #58: A response to a response [View All]

"Does this mean we should analyze the health risks of all the foods that come out? America has a huge problem with obesity, but the foods that cause this problem are not illegal."

That's not a good analogy. We do test pharmaceuticals for safety, and explicitly warn people of their side effects, interactions and contraindications. I think that that is the bare minimum that should be done for narcotics before legalisation.

"Obviously drugs are not safe, but what is? Riding a bike on the road is incredibly dangerous, same with driving."

With both of those things we attempt to remove as much risk from the situation as possible. Car safety is constantly being improved, in regards to pedestrian and occupant wellbeing. Cyclists wear helmets, high visibility clothing and often have their own cycle lanes. Just because other activities we routinely take part in are carry risk, does not mean we can just disregard risk altogether. A big part of analysing health and safety is developing an understanding of the risks involved so as to educate the public.

"I've never heard or seen a drug dealer sell either in the US, but I do know the Native Americans sell cheap tobacco. You have a point, but I think for most people its much easier to just drive to a local store and get a pack of cigs than drive to a reservation."

Go into most pubs in my area and you'll find someone either selling or will know who will sell tax-free tobacco or alcohol. The problem is serious, as these "bootleggers" use violence to force shopkeepers and landlords to buy their product. And when you're talking about saving upwards of £2 on 20 fags, people will go out of their way to purchase from the bootleggers.