Obama: “I Am Not in Favor of (Drug) Legalization” During YouTube Q&A

Obama: “I am not in favor of (drug) legalization” During YouTube Q&A – President Obama answered the most asked question by YouTubers during his Q&A session from January 27, 2011. The question, dealing with the debate surrounding the legalization of marijuana, was asked by Mackenzie Allen–a former law enforcement official and current member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). The President said he was against legalization, but gave a much more open-minded answer than his dismissive retort to a similar question on marijuana during an online town hall last year. He said the issue is worthy of debate and signaled that he’s in favor of changing the attitude of approaching non-violent drug addiction from one of criminalization to one of treatment. However, Obama seemed unwilling to consider that the cartels are being strengthened by prohibition–insisting that “we must continue to go after the cartels.” What do you think of the President’s answer? Here’s the full transcript for this question: Mackenzie Allen: “Good evening Mr. President. My name is Mackenzie Allen. I’m a retired law enforcement officer and member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition). The so-called ‘War on Drugs’ has been waged for 40 years at a cost of a trillion dollars and thousands of lives with nothing to show for it, but increased supplies, cheaper drugs and a dramatic increase in violence associated with the underworld drug market. Sir, do you think there will or should come a time for us to discuss the possibility of legalization, regulation and control …