Pot is a gateway drug -- you can't deny it, no matter what the so-called "experts" say. It's a lifestyle. You hang around with people that sell the drug and you, by association, enter that world.
That dealer that sells weed, isn't limiting his profits to weed-only. He wants you to try some prescription opioids, then maybe some heroin, or how 'bout some meth? It's waaay cheaper man, check it out.
Here's the economics of it: Prescription opioids are pretty safe, but expensive! And wow! A dime bag of heroin is just that -- $10. So let's say you lose your job (because of a drug test, of course) and you still have that chronic pain that led you to taking opioids in the first place. No you got no money. And, you still have pain. What to do? go for that dime bag, man. It's cheap. Or meth, it's even cheaper. Pay no attention to those boils on your skin caused by the chlorox... Don't mind your teeth falling out. No biggie.
How about the health aspect? What about the guy who morbidly over eats or drinks a six-pack a day? Same-same. Yah it is pretty much the same. Doesn't make a very compelling argument to legalize though, does it?
Oh but I have self control, man -- I'm not worried. You try meth once and you are hooked. One time. That's all. And once you do get hooked, you can't just go cold-turkey. No man, that will kill you sure as shit. You have to reduce your use SLOWLY over 18 months or you don't stand a chance. All the while, still using so it don't kill you.
Then there is the issue of enforcement. How do you field test for sobriety, after you have pulled someone over for DUI? Just ask Colorado? There is no way. Takes a month to get the blood tests back. And are blood tests really legal constitutionally?
Finally, what about the money? Right now, pot is not legal at the Federal level. That means you can't keep money from a state sanctioned marijuana business in the bank. Why you ask? Because banks are insured by the Fed's - aka. FDIC. Soooo, now you've got people running around with huge wads of cash, stashing it at their house and wherever. Geeze. That might prehaps attract an unsavory element... Do you think???? An organized crime heyday is what it is.
Welcome to the "Drug Life" America (I mean Canada)! Ain't it grand!
