Making cigarettes illegal isn't really a favorable option in my opinion. Although it serves the argument well, making something that's sought after that people are addicted to illegal will only send it to the black markets where more money will flow through gangs and organized crime.
That's why we should legalize as many things as we can - even if they are potentially more harmful than marijuana. I would go so far as to say legalize marijuana and all other drugs .... even crack, cocaine, heroine, extacy, etc. Let's face it "war on drug" is going about as well as the "war on terror." We're spending billions on "war on drugs" - yet I can drive 15 minutes from almost any location and get access to all the aforementioned drugs if I so chose.
Legalizing even all the drugs will stop majority of the gang conflicts and resulting civilian casualties by taking away the major incentive that gangs rival for - turf wars. Make the drugs cheaper than black market prices so those that willeventually use it will kill themselves off and demand for black market of drugs will cease. Taxes can be collected and used to fund recovery programs, drug education/ awareness programs to children/teens.
Granted there is the argument that legalizing all the bad drugs will make our children into druggies and everyone will be hooked. Use yourself as example. If you use it, you use it regardless of if it's legal or illegal. If you do not use it, you won't use it even if it is legal. It's a personal choice, period. There are more positives to be gained by legalizing all drugs. By doing so, we'll let those that will use it regardless to use their drugs and die off if they choose - and in their course of action, will cause less harm to society as the money from their drug purchase no longer will fund gangs but instead will go towards recovery programs and education programs.
THAT'S FREEDOM. Not only that, it's Dawrinism.
