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Comment by blauditore | Hacker News Reader

Honest question: How would decriminalization of drugs work in practice? Would it be legal to e.g. import and sell cristal meth in stores? What about cheap self-made alcohol that might contain dangerous stuff like methanol; where do you draw the line?

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Decriminalization ≠ legalization; the idea here is decriminalizing usage and personal possession, which in no way entails legalizing production, cultivation or commercialization. The point is to enable addicts to seek treatment without fear of legal trouble.

I would argue, somewhat pedantically, that decriminalization = legalization. Drug use can either be legal or illegal. Drug possession can be either legal or illegal. Same for drug, manufacture, and drug distribution.

In that order: use, possession, manufacture, distribution

I think you will get a reduction in the number of people who would agree with having no restrictions. For instance, drug use is probably ok, but not while driving a vehicle, or playing a competitive sport. Drug possession is probably fine, but not more than X amount. Drug manufacture might be fine, if you are just growing/making for yourself. Drug distribution is probably not ok unless you have a license and follow state/federal guidelines.

I think where the law breaks down is under: 'possession'

If it's legal to possess say, 200 pills of oxy at any time, no Rx, no questions asked, I don't see how that isn't going to result in increased distribution.

legalization = regulation

Alcohol regulation obviously wouldn't change

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