research performed by the governments of both the US and the Netherlands have shown that drug related crime stems from their LACK of availablity, not from drug-crazed lunatics running rampant (although, that is what we're indoctrinated to believe here in the ole U S of A). when drugs aren't available, some hard drug addicts will do whatever it takes to get the money needed for satisfy their craving. however, if it's regulated and available, this problem will deminish (as will the spread of infectous diseases that come from needles).
as for marijuana, it desearves to be classified seperately from the harder drugs. by lumping marijuana users with hard drug users, our government and society increases the likelyhood that marijuana users will because a part of the criminal subculture associated with the harder stuff.
when you look past all the misinformation that is being spread by our drug czar McCaffrey and his cronies, you'll find that the US has quite a bit to learn from the Dutch drug policy.
i don't have the web address with me right now, but as soon as i do, i'll post it under this thread: for those interested, i strongly urge you to read reports of the two commissions set up 1968-70 by the Dutch government that lays out their policy and their reasons for making it the way it is. (the Hulsman Commission and the Haan Commission).
