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The drug generally isn't more harmful than alcohol or
tobacco if used in moderation.
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Limiting the use of the drug intrudes on personal freedom.
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Legalization would mean a lower price; thus, related crimes
(like theft) would be reduced.
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There are medical benefits such as the ones for cancer
patients.
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Street justice related to drug disputes would be reduced.
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It could be a source of additional tax revenues.
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Police and court resources would be freed up for more
serious crimes.
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Drug dealers (including some terrorists) would lose most or
all of their business.
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The FDA or others could regulate the quality and safety of
drugs.
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Like sex, alcohol, or cigarettes, marijuana is one of life's
little pleasures for some people.
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Aside from recreational drug use, Cannabis has
several industrial and commercial uses, as over 25,000
products can be made from the crop.
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Drug busts often trap young people in a flawed system that
turns them into lifelong criminals.
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Marijuana is often used as a stepping-stone drug, leading to
heroin, cocaine, or other harder drugs.
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Stoned driving and other dangers would be increased.
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Some consider use of the drug as morally wrong.
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Legalization would increase the chances of the drug falling
into the hands of kids.
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Because of drug-related arrests, people who have committed
or are likely to commit more serious crimes can be taken off
the streets.
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Physical damage would be done to users that abuse the drug.
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More widespread use would increase the dangers of secondhand
smoke-damage to bystanders.
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Legalization of marijuana could eventually lead to the
legalization of harder drugs or all drugs
altogether.
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