That position depends on the assumption that criminalization is benign. However, it's entirely possible that criminalization harms more lives and creates a grea

That position depends on the assumption that criminalization is benign. However, it's entirely possible that criminalization harms more lives and creates a greater strain on society than the act itself, as has very likely been the case with the broader criminalization of marijuana. Defaulting to the position of criminalization regardless of the evidence, particularly in this context given the history and impact of existing marijuana policy, will likely perpetuate the creation of flawed policy.