Interesting debate this one.
My, albeit limited, understanding of the evidence from Portugal, is that the stats can be interpreted either way. Certainly not a massive pro-decriminalization signal.
On a personal level, the few Portuguese drug users I have come across do seem to be a more civil lot, and have jobs, whereas the locals are more likely to be long term unemployed and are associated with a significant criminal element.
One thing I am convinced of- the guys I know who abuse it right now- they would certainly increase their use if it was decriminalized and more easily accessed. And it would likely be the death of a few of them.
I do like the contrast with other vices mentioned- religion, guns, gambling, obesity, alcohol, teenage pregnancy, STDs etc. In terms of trusting the (potentially uneducated) public- even Brexit and Trump's election must prove that some degree of oversight of their decision making must be required?
And, as others have mentioned, the title needs changed to "decriminalisation". The likes of cocaine and heroin will NEVER be legal. This in turn means that the criminality associated with their use will still exist. The costs of policing it might drop, the other health costs will still exist (and potentially increase if decriminalization leads to increased use).
