Drugs and Sex: Should Certain Moral Vices Be Legalized?

I am against the use of drugs, though their use is prevalent in our society. I am also against prostitution, believing it to be morally wrong. As a mother I would never want my child to become involved in either of these morally corrupt worlds. However, I do not agree with the fact that both of these vices are deemed illegal. Why does our society pick and choose which moral infractions are acceptable and which are unacceptable? Perhaps it's time for our system to start making a little more sense.

Let's talk about marijuana. I have no urge to use this drug, having seen firsthand the repulsive effects it can have on the individuals under its influence. I intend to teach my daughter of the harmful effects that it can have on your body and mind, hoping to enable her to make the educated decision to "say no" when that time comes. I won't do this because it is against the law, and I do not believe that smoking marijuana should be punishable in the court system. Yes marijuana will impair your thinking abilities and it can have adverse health complications when used over long periods of time. But doesn't alcohol also impair our ability to think clearly? What about tobacco? Tobacco kills millions of people each yearyet its use is not illegal. Why then does the use of marijuana result in such harsh penalties in the judicial system? I do not understand why smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol can be considered "good fun" while marijuana's use is forbidden. You better believe that when I have that little talk with my daughter about avoiding marijuana and other drugs, I'll also include alcohol and tobacco in that discussion.