Decriminalization of marihuana use is almost exactly equivalent to the legalization of alcoholic beverages. The principal difference is that marihuana is not as damaging to health and tends to render less destrucive behavioral effects. The impact that a person's choice to use such means for self-induced psychosis may have on society (in the workplace, on the roads or in public venues) can and should be dealt with as we currently do with users of alcohol (and other such substances). Outright legalization of marihuana is not likely to change usage patterns but will definitely change the costs to society in terms of law enforcement, court backlogs and prison space requirements. Let's face it, anybody who wants to use this substance does so with or without society's approval. It's a prime example of the fact that human behavior cannot be effectively legislated.

So how does this differ from prescription drugs?