[stickfigure]

While the health effects of marijuana are debatable, the health effects of prison are pretty clearly established.

[plikan13]

The war of drugs has been done badly. Of course it's ridiculous that people's homes get raided because they have some pot. That doesn't mean legislation needs to jump to the other end of the spectrum. You can forbid trade of cannabis and at the same time NOT put users in jail.

[meggar]

Why forbid trade?

[brazzy]

To avoid having someone who has an incentive to work towards more widespread use.

[crazypyro]

Why do we need to avoid widespread use of a plant that has significant potential medical purposes and is less toxic than caffeine?

[82xx]

We currently prohibit trade, and yet there are still drug dealers...

[brazzy]

So?

[cousin_it]

Wait - what are the health effects of prison? I remember reading somewhere that prisoners are some of the fittest people around, and you shouldn't pick a fight with one...

[pgeorgi]

I guess that's a classic example of survivor bias

[cousin_it]

Huh? Is the death rate in prison significantly higher than outside? I have a hard time believing that.

For example, the murder rate in prison seems to be actually lower than outside. There's also less risk of dying in a car accident, etc.

Before you get outraged, note that I'm only talking about health effects, not happiness or achievement.