Low-level drug dealing and use generates a tremendous number of calls for police service. Criminalizing these activities has done nothing to reduce the availability and negative effects of drugs on individuals or communities.
Many people believe that if there are significant consequences to doing something illegal, then they won't engage in that activity. It's interesting (and somewhat depressing) that the maxim doesn't apply for drug use. If communities are being overpoliced and if consequences are so severe for drug convictions, how is that not enough to deter people? I guess that's the power of addiction.
