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YouDebateIt.com -- Should Marijuana be legalized?
Topic: Should Marijuana be legalized?

Which do you prefer #1 or #2?
Vote below for the better argument.
Opinion #1
Debater: play-doh
An Issue of Liberty and Safety
P.J. O'Rourke once said that liberty is "the right to do as you damn well please." The concept of liberty is one of the most basic cornerstones of American democracy, the right to be a free person having control of your body and not passing this control to outside forces, whether kings or parliaments. Abraham Lincoln once spoke of liberty has the right to do what one wants with oneself so long as it doesn't interfere "with other men's rights." When a government tells a citizen that they do not have the right to what the do to their own body, or perform an act which affects only their body, then that government is laying claim to that body, it is no longer an individual, but is property of the government.

During the 1920s the banning of alcohol led to a massive wave of organized crime, an occurrence that one can witness today. When a product is in demand and has been deemed illegal, then only the nefarious will offer it, free of regulation. Legalizing marijuana will end this.
Opinion #2
Debater: SelectSmart.com Staff
Don't Legalize Marijuana! Why let the government ruin the fun?
Legalizing marijuana is a well intentioned idea by people with their potheads in the right place, but it will bring a raft of unintended consequences.

For starters, the first thing that government will do is put a hefty "sin" tax on cannabis. The feds, state and local governments will all want their tax added to the wonderous weed. Growing it will still be illegal, violators will be treated like hillbillies with their moonshines stills.

If you are thinking that you and all your young friends can enjoy a communal toke, forget it. It will still be illegal for people under 21.

As a legal substance it will be advertised everywhere, that will increase demand which will have an adverse effect on price.

There is something to be said for the exclusivity of the current marijuana "club". Being illegal keeps everyone from doing it. Do you really want your parents borrowing your bong when they have friends over for bridge night?
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