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Even if one takes every reefer madness allegation of the prohibitionists at face value, marijuana prohibition has done far more harm to far more people than marijuana ever could.
William F. Buckley, Jr.
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The harms of marijuana prohibition outweigh the potential risks of marijuana itself.

William F. Buckley, Jr. argues that the detrimental effects caused by the enforcement of marijuana prohibition are more severe than the effects that marijuana might have on individuals and society. This perspective highlights the unintended consequences of strict laws against marijuana use and suggests that these regulations do more damage than good.

Themes

ProhibitionMarijuanaHarmSocietyFreedom

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about drug policies, one might say this quote to emphasize the downsides of prohibition.

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Government can't do anything for you except in proportion as it can do something to you.
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