2006-12-07 02:08:55 · 8 answers · asked by hippie_rez_dude 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
The currently illegal drugs were outlawed primarily because of racism, ignorance, and nonsense.
You can read a good short history of the subject at http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/Library/mj_outlawed.htm Also see http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/History/whiteb1.htm
You can find another excellent history of the subject at http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/Library/studies/cu/cuenu.htm
The story of why they are illegal is funny and fascinating. It was the most ridiculous nonsense you have ever heard. For example, the US Official Expert on marijuana testified in court, under oath that he smoked marijuana and it turned him into a bat. (Seriously!) The other reasons given for the laws were just as ridiculous.
If you haven't read this story you are missing some of the funniest and most ridiculous moments from US history. The whole thing was flatly absurd from the very beginning. It never had anything to do with good sense.
2006-12-07 05:44:42 · answer #1 · answered by Cliff Schaffer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All mind altering drugs are not illegal. Alcohol and many of the sedatives and other narcotics routinely available by prescription are examples.
The ones that are illegal supposedly are so harmful that individuals can't be trusted to use them responsibly, so the government must protect people and society from their use. In reality, the crime and mass incarceration that result from their being traded illegally cause far more harm than legalization likely would.
Many of the drugs that are illegal in the US are legal in the Netherlands where they have decided to devote resources to helping people avoid and fight addiction rather than to mass incarceration of people who are involved (one way or another) in the illegal drug trade. Their crimes rates are far lower as well.
So mainly they are illegal here because in our culture there is a belief that banning something that may be harmful is the easiest way to deal with it and, as a result, it's politically suicidal to support decriminalization.
Our "drug war" has been going on for over 30 years and it hasn't reduced illegal drug activity one iota. We know that and haven't changed tactics, which shows that the drug war isn't about reducing drug use. It's about appearing to disapprove of drug use. The same is true with all these laws banning gay marriage. They aren't at all intended to address our sky high divorce rate. They're just an easy way to pander to the majority that wants to "seem" to be moral.
2006-12-07 02:29:58 · answer #2 · answered by Rob B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Same reason sex with a child is illegal, even though it makes some people feel good.
Feeling good doesn't make it okay. Drugs alter your state of mind, which means you cannot make good decisions (i.e. people can get hurt). They are also quite lethal to the user.
2006-12-07 02:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
This is because they cause you to not be in control of your actions and you may do illegal and dangerous things. It's for your own protection.
2006-12-07 02:11:02 · answer #4 · answered by thejackallhaslanded 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Typically they impair normal social interaction and are addictive. This frequently leads to all manner of mischief. If you are not old enough to understand this now, just wait a few years.
2006-12-07 02:12:16 · answer #5 · answered by DJL2 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Because they are bad for you and, misused, cause even more problems
2006-12-07 02:13:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just look at what they have done to your brain.
2006-12-07 02:13:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
they usually make you feel worse after a while...
2006-12-07 02:10:46 · answer #8 · answered by 42 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋