>> ^entr0py:
Anyone else think the decrease in usage is simply due to real drug treatment programs being FAR more effective at reducing recidivism than simple imprisonment?


Yes. The first time I heard the anecdote about Portugal's "legalization" having reduced usage, it sounded like some sort of libertarian misrepresentation of facts. Sure enough, it absolutely was. No legalization, just decriminalization, and the state "punishes" some drug users with a trip to talk to a therapist, and provides drug addiciton treatment for those who want it.

So basically, compulsory socialized medicine reduced usage.

I'll gladly credit decriminalization with the other positive effects, and I'm definitely on the legalize/decriminalize bandwagon, let's just not go nuts and start pretending that the best way to reduce the commission of illegal acts is to legalize it.

*news