Intoxication is a human trait.
"The most curious case is that of small tribes, which, having neither fruit nor cereals nor milk at their disposal have, nevertheless, managed to produce an intoxicating beverage from the tubers of cassava or sweet potatoes. As it is not possible to render starch fermentable by germination, the problem had to be solved by the use of digestive ferments, by salivary ptyalin. The raw roots...are chewed and insalivated by the women of the tribe, who then spit it out into a tub, leaving the atmosphere to take care of transforming starch, saccharified by this process which to us appears repugnant, into alcohol.
"So, if the abuse of fermented beverages is blameworthy, their use does seem to be an instinctive need peculiar to mankind, which strict legislation may restrain, but has never yet managed to eliminate for any length of time. "
-Larousse Gastronomique, "Fermented Beverages"
I'd say holmes won that argument hands down. If anything, my own response would be less measured. I think the risk of opiates is generally misunderstood, having retained a Harry Anslinger-
Reefer Madness'one hit and you're hooked, two hits and you're dead" aura for 70 years. The fact is that a large percentage of heroin users manage their use for years, the greatest risks being purity and the lack of attention to general health which overtakes immoderate users.
A reasonable approach to legalization would a) reduce the demand for more dangerous attractions and b) remove the health risks associated with uncontrolled production. Amphetamines, alcohol, nicotine and cocaine are the only drugs more dangerous than eating at McDonald's on a regular basis.
™ Version 4.2
