Is smoking a little pot a big deal?
Most people don’t think so. But according to a recent report by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and MetLife Foundation, 47 percent of all teens in the U.S. have used marijuana at least once in their lifetime.
Even President Barack Obama doesn’t think it’s a big deal. In his memoir, he mentions “smoking reefer” several times and even goes on late night TV shows to joke about his past drug use. While this easy-going attitude is warranted, it blinds us from the repercussions of the illegalization of drugs.
The government creates underground markets, supports cartels and blatantly violates our civil liberties when they keep drugs illegal. Merely imposing a rule will not make a problem go away. Legislated rules that restrict marijuana use, though arguably well intentioned, don’t work and only intensify violence and use.
The underground market, which is a direct consequence of drug prohibition, doesn’t protect property rights or perform “annual” — or otherwise — quality checks. This provides an environment for violent gangs to form monopolies.
Marijuana prohibition also doesn’t make sense on an economical level. Because the product is illegal, stopping fraud or resolving disputes comes down to the person with the most guns. The quality of the product, of course, goes down, since the consumer can't go to the better business bureau and complain about a product that’s dangerous or of poor quality. Drug cartels benefit from the lack of competition, in the market, according to the Cato Institute.
If users are still going to use marijuana, then shouldn’t they have more control in creating a safer and higher-quality product? Shouldn’t they be protected by fair and safer business transactions?
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this prohibition is the blatant disregard for personal liberty. The philosophical question that many proponents of marijuana prohibition fail to answer is: How much can you do with your own body? If no one around you is physically hurt, who can tell you what to do?
The recent sugary drink ban in New York, which bans the sale of sugary drinks that are 16 ounces or more, brings up similar philosophical questions. The idea is that there is a better way to live your life and the government is there to force you to live that way.
We can imagine all of the good intentions. After all, who doesn't want a healthier and smarter population? But when the government tells you how to lead your life, in place of your parents, your church or your community — politicians and bureaucrats become your nanny.
The U.S. leads the world in incarcerations at 25 percent of the world’s prisoners, not such a good statistic for the land of the free. As Obama jokes about his past marijuana use, millions of people are affected by the drug war that he supports.
Anyone wonder what would have happened if he got caught “smoking reefer” in college?
It is essential that we make the drug legalization a top priority. We must end the war on drugs — for the poor, for the college students who got caught and of course, for our freedom.
Carlos Alfaro is an executive board member for Students For Liberty.
Reach the columnist at calfaro2@asu.edu or follow him at AlfaroAmericano.
