[xalloc]

> Criminal charges and prison are definitely unhealthy.

Making someting illegal does not mean you have to put people in prison. You do understand that we can forbid a drug and try to stop the sale of drugs, and still provide support for people who develop drug habits?

Funny that you mention cigarettes. I'm quite sure that cigarettes will be made illegal at some point in the future.

[ecnahc515]

Actually, it basically does mean you have to put people in prison. What else are you going to due if its illegal? Fine them? Great, they'll never pay the fine, do more drugs. Now what? Fine them some more? Okay...it only goes on so long until they go to jail.

Any punishment oriented consequences are simply going to either be too harsh, or too lenient.