Has that stopped dealers from selling Vicodin? Extacy was also legal at one point and it didn't stop anyone from using it as a club drug.
"The hardcore addicts will flock to the centers, which will kill the street trade. But casual users and people looking to experiment won't bother; and they won't be able to find street dealers, as the dealers can't make a profit off the addicts anymore."
There will always be a black market..even if it's legal. This is because many people won't want to have to go to a doctor...and it will still be the most convenient.
I also would be interested to see how a doctor can ethically give you a prescription for a substance that does absolutely nothing to benefit you.
This is not what is meant by legalization. There would not be a black market because doctors would not prescribe these drugs, you would be able to buy them at your local, licensed convenience store (with proof of ID).
Is there a black market for alcohol or caffeine? If there is it's so tiny that somehow I've never encountered or heard about it. The same would be true for heroin, cocaine, etc.
The community kind of screwed themselves on this one. They got "medical marijuana" semi-legal. Now you are trying to tell me that it's not really good as a medical device and that we should sell it like alcohol? Why not just tell us the truth to begin with: It has very little medical benefit and the only reason you want it legal is to get high.
I also can't stand behind a community that puts out propaganda making it seem like marijuana has no adverse health effects.
Because that's not true... It has _tons_ of well documented medicinal benefits, and many people enjoy it recreationally.
Just make sure all the dangerous stuff can only be administered in licensed venues by trained professionals.
Make users fill out a 12 page disclaimer before they are served. Make sure that the centers are decorated as tastefully as the average welfare office.
The hardcore addicts will flock to the centers, which will kill the street trade. But casual users and people looking to experiment won't bother; and they won't be able to find street dealers, as the dealers can't make a profit off the addicts anymore.