I'm generally in favor of decriminalization, but I think it's becoming increasingly obvious that the standard arguments for this position fall very flat when it comes to opioids and meth.

It's a shame our leadership is so cowardly and bankrupt in this area. A simple reshuffling of the current drug scheduling could make a huge difference. Knock marijuana down a few pegs (or just accept that the country wants it legal). Take mushrooms off the schedule. Low levels for most psychedelics, mdma, etc. Slightly more control on stimulants like cocaine. Strict controls on opioids and meth.

We've been examining drugs as a culture for long enough that common sense should really have pervaded at this point.

And I think a big part of legalization is an emergent social aspect. Government legalization of marijuana in Canada has meant that my father has actually had real conversations about the drug instead of just treating it as evil. He's now open to using it for treatment of pain or as a means of 'relaxation'. His peers/friends are also in that group. Nothing about the drugs abilities has changed -- just his perception and ability to speak openly in his social circles.