Proponents of drug legalization argue that it is a cost- effective alternative to current, expensive antidrug efforts that are not working. Appropriate drug legalization policies could dramatically reduce the costs of current policies and directly address the problems of drug abuse. Other proponents of legalization contend that such a policy would recognize the magnitude of the social problems that underlie drug use, and could serve to raise government revenues to be spent on treatment programs. Opponents of legalization believe that legalization will lead to an increase in nontherapeutic drug use and result in further erosion of basic Western values. The article also describes the British and Dutch experiences under various legalization regimes. This statement of the Committee on Bioethical Values of the Medical Society of the State of New York asserts that physicians should oppose the legalization of nonprescriptive, potentially dangerous drugs, as the many health considerations outweigh any reduction in crime or transmission of infection that might be anticipated. 13 references