The controversy over drug reform and current prohibition has been going on for years. This seems like an argument between a wise parent and a young teenager, but as the generations change, more and more parents seem to be switching sides. While prohibitionists argue that common drugs like cocaine, heroin, LSD, and marijuana are harmful and immoral, legalists argue the opposite (Rachels 223). Although these are both valid and interesting arguments, the drugs mentioned above still remain illegal. Many organizations and respected citizens have attracted the attention of the United States by supporting drug reform or the complete legalization of certain drugs. These people range from normal citizens who support recreational marijuana use to judges and former law enforcement officers who say the war on drugs has been a failure. In the United States of America, the drug problem has been going on for years, from the counterculture of the sixties to the more recent debates over medical marijuana, and it appears that it is not going away any time soon. The debate between prohibitionists and citizens who believe in the legalization of illegal drugs brings many arguments. Since there are many illegal drugs, there are many different arguments about what should be legal and what should not be. The most important debate, and the argument I will primarily focus on, is marijuana reform. Prohibitionists argue that marijuana has adverse health, safety, social, educational, economic, and behavioral consequences (Goldberg 183). Not only do they claim that it brings all these consequences, but it can also harm others, including family and friends (Rachels 228). The obvious argument for harming others is driving under the influence of drugs but proh...... middle of paper ......and ecstasy and various amphetamines. Is it only their recreational use that makes them immoral? Every year there seems to be another state that legalizes marijuana for medical purposes, but when it is used recreationally it is considered immoral and illegal. In no way do I condone drug use of any kind, but in no way do I see why drugs are illegal. Works Cited Goldberg, Raymond. Take sides. Dubuque: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2006. Print. Gottfried, Ted. Should drugs be legalized? Brookfield: 21st Century, 2000. Print. “LEAP Mission Statement”. Law enforcement against prohibition. Internet. March 9, 2010. “NORML Chapters.” STANDARD. Internet. March 9, 2010. .Rachels, James and Stuart Rachels. The right thing to do. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2010. Print.