In the case of marijuana, you would deal a significant blow to the drug traffickers.  Government go to such extremes trying to find a way to thwart the cartels, when the simplest, swiftest way is to pull the rug out from under them, and then regulate and tax the product.  Everybody wins!  

In the case of prostitution, again you then can have regulatory control.  Collect fees for licenses that must be renewed every three months with a health certificate.  If you were a john would you choose a licensed or unlicensed hooker when you can be more sure about the safety of one over the other?  

Follow the model of The Netherlands with regard to both.  They don’t seem to have any significant fallout from the pot or the brothels.  When it’s legal and regulated, you can more easily confine the operations so those who are opposed to either can more easily avoid exposure.  I don’t understand the problem.

Nancy, would have responded a bit sooner, but lol… just burned a joint! I have Gastroposiris, and as well as diabetes, central nerveous system totaled by uncontrolled diabetes, along with  being abused mentally and physically during childhood.I can only survive with marijuana, as I stay very sick at my stomach, even when empty… just vomit vile, you know what I am speaking of I am sure. As well, I have NO appetite! Pot helps with that, as I have to take insulin shots as well as pills, and am on 13 medications at this time., diabetic’s have to eat, in order for the insulin to work correctly.I agree that marijuana can effect your alertness, and depth perception, so yes…. don’t drive or use heavy machinery when HIGH?

For the topic of prostitution, I have no comment as for I know nothing for facts about it, and have  been married for last 34 years .I think that when those folks now in the US, ages 66-86, men and women, are no longer living, and those ages 53-76 now are their age, POT will be totally legal, and mabey before then, if we can get past those uninformed older folks? And look now the lady is the one going after MEN more than the men are, for they just set back and take their choice for a spur of the moment fling in the hay! No attachments, bam just free sex! So why prostitution? It’s free to ALL!!

Do we really need to change the minds of people wanting these or do we simply need to ask them, "Why?".  When you discover the mindsets of these people, you may discover that they are very reasonable people who have different experience in a society with declining morality and increased blurring of the lines between what is considered right and wrong. Even if you discover the mindset of a few men who use the services of prostitutes, you may find that he doesn’t want to hurt anyone and isn’t ready for a serious committed relationship. To me that’s better than conning and manipulating and lying in order to get a basic need met.

Ask, "Why?" all the time, Belinda but don’t focus on the individual look at the big picture.

The only way you’ll get my caffeine is when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.

 Why do people use drugs?  Because they feel good.  It’s the same reason people have sex, climb mountains, run marathons and play video games.  Why should society state that some ways to feel good are acceptable and others aren’t?  In my opinion, the only time society should have a say is when the "feel good" action is inherently dangerous to other people who are not participating in the "feel good" action.  So, while there are some drugs that a person can not use without being a danger to other people, weed is not one of them.

As for "pathetic" people who pay for sex, I have a lot of sympathy for them.  Human beings need touch.  We are also happier (in general) if we are getting sex.  However, there are a number of people out there who can not enter a relationship.  Generally they aren’t charismatic or attractive and probably wouldn’t be the sort of person many of us would be attracted to.  But, they didn’t really ask to be that way.  For instance, one of my friends is approaching his 40th birthday.  He hasn’t had a date since he was 25.  The last time he had sex he wasn’t able to drink legally….  He’s a good guy though a bit boring and with a face only a mother could love.  The fact that he sees his life just extending celibate to his death depresses him completely.  Does he deserve this?  Now, we can acknowledge that paying for a prostitute is not the same as being in a relationship.  But, sometimes people such as my friend need just a little bit to help them not act needy and desperate when out with other people.  Because, if there is anything less attractive than a boring personality and an ugly face, it’s an air of desperation.

I think prostitution should be legal.  It has always seemed strange to me that I can have sex with someone, and I can demand that a person pay me for my time if I work for them, but I can not combine the two.  Granted, I don’t have any interest in it as I’d rather be paid as a physicist.  But, I can certainly see why someone might decide to go down that route and legalization will only make it safer for all involved.