Originally posted by pawnpaw
What kind of danger do they pose now to society?

People who are addicts are forced to cheat and steal to come up with the money necessary to purchase expensive illegal drugs.

Moreover, criminal networks gain money and power by distribution of illegal drugs and themselves become a threat to public safety. Gang wars produce stray bullets and bloody turf wars.

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True, but legalization might have a similar effect by reducing the price.

Alternatively, the drugs can be part of the healthcare system and be paid for by government subsidized health insurance when appropriate.