According to dictionary.com, the main entry for the word drug is "a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being." So what is your definition of the word drug? For most people it has a negative connotation, contrary to the aforementioned definition. I have, for several months now, been researching this topic and through my research i have found only more overwhelming evidence supporting my case. Empirical evidence shows that there are more benefits than negative consequences of legalizing all drugs.

Currently in the U.S., with our conservative drug policies, there is a steady increase in drug abuse. The White House Drug Policy reports a steady increase in illicit drug use among the overall U.S. population over a period of 22 years. In 1979, the percentage of U.S. citizens reporting illicit drug use was above 31%. In 2001 it was almost 42%, an increase of nearly 11%. (8) Leslie Iversen, a faculty member at the University of Oxford, recognizes the harm that cannabis sativa, also known as marijuana, does to the human body, but also claims that "there is a general consensus among medical and scientific experts that the health hazards of cannabis have been exaggerated." She continues by stating that in Europe, countries differ widely in their approach at drug reform, making examples of the Net ... Read more »