[LoBlo]

The truth is that cannibis is probably just another psychoactive substance used for by people for a mood effect just as some use alcohol or even caffeine. The problem is that whenever a psychoactive substance is released to a society, there will be some that will use is responsibly (just like alcohol) and some that will abuse it, even becoming emotionally dependent on it (instead of relying on inherent coping mechanisms).

Putting it out there to use will garantee that a portion of the populaiton will have problems controlling their use. They will go to work stoned, operate heavy machinery while under the influence (not a good idea), decide that they want to go on a drive while high as a kite, or go for a stroll in a public area acting inappropriately because they are stoned. Just like alcohol actually...

So a society will have to weigh the monetary cost savings of not having to worry about the resources needed to ban it, versus the monetary and societal cost of having to deal with those persons that will abuse it. My personal opinion is keep it illegal.