Junk food and drugs

Why allow one but not the other?

Why talk about drugs in connection with food? Food and drugs are actually closely connected:


Why prohibit drugs?

Here we are going to focus on recreational drugs. They are mainly used for enjoyment and to alter our psychological states. This is in contrast with medicinal drugs which improve our physical well-being. Drugs have killed lots of people and destroyed countless lives. But:

WARNING: This is NOT a recommendation to take drugs!


The harm principle

The harm principle in political philosophy is a very famous proposal from the philosopher J.S. Mill:

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. - John Stuart Mill (1859) On Liberty

The idea is that people should have as much freedom as possible. If you harm others, the government has the right to stop you. But if you do not cause harm on other people, what you do is up to you, even if it is not good for you.


The costs of prohibition

Many people argue that drugs lead to crime and violence. But is it true that the best way to reduce such harm is to make drugs illegal?

We need science and empirical evidence to find out the best way to reduce the harm from drugs. Many experts believe that taking a hardline on drugs might not be the best policy.


Decriminalization

Criminal offences are usually liable to imprisonment or more severe punishment. Examples include murder, rape, robbery, dangerous driving. But there are other lesser non-criminal offences, eg. littering, illegal parking.

Many countries have decriminalized drug use, which is not the same as legalization. What this means is that there is no jail time for personal drug use and possession. If you get caught possessing or using a small amount of drugs, you might have to pay a fine, undergo treatment and therapy, or sentenced to community service. Drug trafficking is still a criminal offence.

Countries that have decriminalized drug use include Portugal, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Argentina, Denmark. In most places, this has led to a decline in lifetime drug use, HIV infection, and drug-induced deaths. More drug addicts are willing to seek help because they are not worried about being sent to jail.

A short video about drug policies in different countries:


Legalization

Marijuana is now legally available in many countries, such as Canada, and many states in the US. But the most popular legally available recreational drug is probably caffeine. It can found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, and is even available to children. In many places you can buy caffeine tablets in large quantities. It is possible to die from caffeine overdose.

Drugs that are legal can have different level of access. The caffeine model is the most liberal, but is not the only one. Alcohol and tobacco are legal in most countries, but they are not available to children. Many medicinal drugs require a doctor's prescription.

If people can legally consume alcohol and tobacco, why can't they take drugs? Alchohol and tobacco are also harmful to health and can lead to addiction. In fact, many experts believe that alcohol causes more harm than many drugs.


Junk food

There is an obesity epidemic worldwide, and lots of people suffer from heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, etc. Diet is an important factor. What is the role of the government in food regulation? Should paternalistic policies be supported? Here are some examples to think abbout:

What should governments do? Follow free market principles and let companies sell whatever they want? Even if it is not good for our health? But then why not allow drugs too? As for regulation, how much of regulation is appropriate? Surely it is excessive to force people to eat more vegetables and to exercise.

Some governments have explored options such as fat tax and sugar tax. They are similar to ''sin'' taxes such as taxes imposed on tobacco and alcohol. They are meant to discourage unhealthy diet and to offset healthcare costs. Some people have even proposed a meat tax to combat climate change. When it comes to the government interfering with lifestyle choices, what are the limits?