Should we keep Tobacco legal?

[Dre89]

To be honest, I don't think things like tobacco and alcohol should be illegal, because the number of lives lost doesn't justify the profit the Government mkes from them.

But of course Governments won't think like that.

The profit must be astronomical as well if they're is still enough profit to not ban them after all the financial outlay into advertising campaigns against the abuse of those substances.

Personally, I think the reason why marijuana is still banned is because it's anti-economic. When you drink, you go out, buy more drinks, buy food etc. Drinking starts off a chain of events that fuels the economy. Once you have a joint, you are content, and don't really spend anymore money, in fact at times it can stop people from spending money.

 

[Sucumbio]

To be honest, I don't think things like tobacco and alcohol should be illegal, because the number of lives lost doesn't justify the profit the Government mkes from them.

I think I know what you're driving at but its worded funny... you mean the death toll from smoking and drinking (or drinking related death) does not justify a ban because of the amount of profit the government makes. Yeah? And I agree the government won't SAY that, of course. However, I'd wager that whatever profit is made, Big Tobacco makes a lot more. The government would certainly consider trading (bit at a time now, not all at once) whatever tax revenue they make from the sale of tobacco for that many more healthy Americans. Healthy Americans spend less time off the clock, which equals greater tax revenue (wage taxes are still way higher than sales tax or even specialized sales tax like tobacco taxes.)

The profit must be astronomical as well if they're is still enough profit to not ban them after all the financial outlay into advertising campaigns against the abuse of those substances.

This confused me a bit, the government doesn't spend anything on advertising, so I assume by this point you must be referring to Big Tobacco's ad budget? And yes, their profit margins are huge, but remember in the US ad campaigns are banned from radio and television, so actually their ad budgets aren't as pricey as you'd expect.

Personally, I think the reason why marijuana is still banned is because it's anti-economic. When you drink, you go out, buy more drinks, buy food etc. Drinking starts off a chain of events that fuels the economy. Once you have a joint, you are content, and don't really spend anymore money, in fact at times it can stop people from spending money.

Alright enough pot talk We'll say "wacky tobacky" ... And no, it doesn't keep you from spending money. It in itself is expensive, and requires you to keep buying it just like tobacco.

However your point is that it's anti-economic, and I find this to be untrue. In point of fact it could be quite the economic stimulator, if only it were legalized. Content people go to work, and pay taxes. Plus there is the "munchie" aspect, seriously, yo Taco Bell is "open late" till 3pm why? Yeah, that's why :D

 

[Xzax Kasrani]

Overall tobacco shouldn't be legal but with all the people who are addicts and addicted to it, if it was made illegal there would be so much controversy. IMO honestly tobacco is horrible, causes many health concerns but its a choice you have to make, if your smart enough don't get involved. Also a lot of places are taking back from letting smoking allowed in public places so 2nd hand smoke isn't too much of a worry either.

 

[CStick]

but its a choice you have to make

and that is what it boils down to. Nobody is making you go out and smoke. Everyone and their mom knows that smoking is inherently detrimental to one's health; they have commercials, ads, and warnings printed directly on the box in plain sight. And with new laws that ban smoking in most non-ventilated or separated areas, there is no justified reasoning to ban tobacco, since legally and officially, smokers are now only able to hurt themselves and really no one else.

 

[Bob Jane T-Mart]

and that is what it boils down to. Nobody is making you go out and smoke. Everyone and their mom knows that smoking is inherently detrimental to one's health; they have commercials, ads, and warnings printed directly on the box in plain sight. And with new laws that ban smoking in most non-ventilated or separated areas, there is no justified reasoning to ban tobacco, since legally and officially, smokers are now only able to hurt themselves and really no one else.

Well, you're forgetting about smoking in your own home aren't you? With children and others around, this would be detrimental to their health. But I understand your point.