Do you believe that smoking should be illegal?

Question

this weird girl in my class is writing her essay on the fact that smoking should be illegal. i think it is B.S. and that Americans should have that right. (im in 11th grade by the way) and no i dont smoke.

Answer 1

Not unless they also criminalize alcohol.
And just because someone has a different opinion than you doesn't automatically make them "weird".

Answer 2

It sounds like you're very opinionated, and generally speaking... people don't usually like that. It wasn't all that long ago, that cigarette smoking was normal - in fact, in many cases it was suggested by doctors. Many health professionals including nurses still smoke! We used to be able to smoke INSIDE restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, workplaces, school playgrounds, hospitals, pubs and clubs, the cinema, on planes, trains and buses. If the only places a person can smoke now is outdoors only - then everyone should be happy with that, right? No... the non smoking lobby have stopped smoking in most areas (fair enough) but that's where it must stop - no more "smoke-free" areas. Smokers don't deserve to be hermits either! Tobacco products have been known to suppress appetite and ask any addicted smoker why they still smoke (despite all the health warnings) and you will probably find that they enjoy smoking and it makes them feel relaxed. Social smokers might smoke because it's an opportunity to get outside the office for 5 minutes and meet some new people (they wouldn't meet unless they were smoking). There are enormous problems that come from making something illegal, most of all... it doesn't slow or stop people doing it at all. I say leave those people who want to smoke alone, and worry about alcohol abuse, domestic violence and drink driving which are usually related which costs the community millions in health and law enforcement. Now obesity and diabetes is a big problem as well, so perhaps they should make McDonald's illegal? While the government is making tax from it, it will never be illegal anyway, no matter how unhealthy it is. The Government shouldn't be making decisions like this for any of us - it's personal choice so those that want to smoke SHOULD, and those that don't want to smoke simply shouldn't do it. Those that don't smoke should never make a decision for those that want to no matter how unhealthy it is.

Answer 3

No it should not be illegal, the way I look at it, if lets say it did happen then the tax payers would have to pay more out of their pockets, there be more crime on the streets, as it is now there are already enough drug crimes...and if they ever did make smoking illegal then next will be the booze in line.

But in the end it will happen unfortunately for already smoking has been banned along the waterfront and beaches in San Diego California. It was just pass this year.

I just quit smoking a few days ago and I am already going nuts! I quit smoking mostly because I can't afford to smoke anymore.

Answer 4

No I don't think it should be illegal. Everyone knows it's not good for you and most places don't allow smoking inside enclosed places without seperate air venting. Goverments are clamping down all over. Some places won't let you smoke on their property, even if the workers go to their car on break - that's still their property!

If they want to make cigarettes illegal, they have to make all alcohol illegal. I'm more afraid of the idiot who drinks too much and drives fast and erratically in a 2 ton vehicle. A lot of people are killed or maimed for life by drunk drivers.

Those who wish to say cigarettes kill more have the added bonus of pollution from cars and industry which effect lungs and their capacity to work. Those things cause lung cancer too but they can blame it all on the cigarettes.

I think when you look at DUI's and fatalities, you can get an accurate picture.

Ban one, you have to ban both.

Answer 5

I believe that people should be allowed to put whatever they want into their own bodies, as long as it is knowing and voluntary.

The problem with smoking isn't people doing it to themselves.
The problem is that second-hand smoke affects everyone else around the smoker, and those people did not take it voluntarily.

So, no, I don't think smoking should be flat out illegal. But I do think states, cities and communities have every right to forbid people from smoking in public places. The same way they have the right to prevent people from spraying botulism in public places.

Answer 6

well, marajuana is illegal, so why not. Cigarettes kill more people. The only reason they don't get rid of cigarettes is because so many people are addicted and they can tax the crap out of these people and the company that manufactures them. Why do you think the prices of the carton has gone up so drastically over the years? So the government can make more money. Also, so many people have disease from smoking cigarettes, but then thy don't have medical insurance, guess who foots the bill... everyone else. And if they do have insurance that is why getting medical insurance is so expensive. Don't say that americans have the right to smoke unless you are willing to say that americans have the right to get high.

Answer 7

Tobacco is bad. I smoke. Wished I didn't. But the sad part about criminalization of tobacco would mean even more drug testing and another para-military police force crashing through the doors.

Answer 8

no but i do believe laws should be stricter on where a person can smoke in public so far i think lots of public places crack down on smokin areas but i believe it can be stressed alot more

Answer 9

no this country was founded by tabacoo farmers and making smoking ilegal is just a way of taking away freedoms

Answer 10

I dont think it should be illegal

But I think weed should be legal