I don't think it comes as some great shock to people that Amsterdam gains a lot of tourism because of drug policy in the Neatherlands: namely a pragmatic "we can't ban them so let's control them" policy. While it's technically a misdemeanor to possess or use marijuana, Dutch law enforcement doesn't really enforce the statutes. The result? Coffeeshops are flourishing businesses, preventative policies are helping to prevent (who'da thunk it?) the negative effects of harder drugs on society, and here's the kicker:
The Dutch justice ministry has announced it will close eight prisons and cut 1,200 jobs in the prison system.. That's right, 8 prisons and 1,200 jobs in the prison system are disappearing overnight because imprisonment in the Netherlands has dropped off considerably since the change in policy.
I know the general consensus on TFP is likely in support of legalization of at least marijuana, but there still seem to be many that are in support of the continuing prohibition. Looking at the situation from a purely pragmatic standpoint, what effect could this information have on the American public? Could this be a strong piece of evidence in the case against marijuana prohibition, or will people just shrug it off?