GIVE LEGAL, REGULATED DRUGS A CHANCE

A Young Writer Suggests Legalizing And Carefully Regulating Drugs
Would Ultimately Benefit Society.

EDITOR,

I'm 17 years old, and I've never been high on any recreational drug.
However, I remain adamant in the belief that all drugs should be
legalized and regulated.

I can understand that while reading this, you may be appalled, but
let's talk about the effects drugs might have on society. The
nation's War on Drugs has cost taxpayers nearly $19 billion, money
that could go to support the troops in Iraq or even help the U.S.
economy's mortgage crisis.

There is always the argument that drugs are bad for citizens. But
since when has that stopped the market of products that are bad for
us, such as fast food? And isn't it up to the consumer to make smart
investments?

America is a capitalist society, and we have always been, so why do
we restrict this type of market?

What's disheartening is when a person advocates restricting a product
to those who really need it ­ a prime example being marijuana, which
has great potential to give a patient's appetite a boost after he or
she has gone through chemotherapy.

I guess my question is: Why doesn't the federal government regulate drugs?