Statistics show that after pot was legalized in the Netherlands, drug use actually went down drastically, instead of skyrocketing as everyone predicted. The same happened in Portugal where they made it legal for everyone to use and possess any kind of substances. It seems that when addicts are no longer afraid of punishment it makes it easier for them to seek help. I have the feeling that we are looking at some big changes in drug policies in the next 5 years. California for instance is already seriously considering legalizing marijuana. In form of medical marijuana, pot is already pretty much legal there anyway. California is also facing some serious financial troubles and legalizing cannabis would be a major income for the state, not just from the selling of pot itself but then you could make all kinds of other products from it like paper, rope, oil etc.
Here is the video about Portugal’s lowered drug use: