McLean argues that current drug market discourse poorly serves youth by portraying them as helpless. He contends that prohibition-era warnings inadvertently encourage experimentation, since teenagers are naturally drawn to forbidden things.
The author maintains that illegal cannabis markets have failed to reduce demand despite decades of education efforts. He notes that approximately 96% of users seek maximum potency, with websites like Leafly offering extensive strain information accessible to users of all ages.
A regulated market, McLean suggests, would allow consumers to select their preferred strength. Under current conditions, profit-driven dealers only push the strongest products. He compares this to alcohol prohibition — when "Al Capone wasn't making shandy" — dealers have no incentive to offer milder options or enforce age restrictions.
McLean highlights American legalisation progress as evidence that regulation works. He questions why cannabis should be banned while alcohol and nicotine remain legal despite their documented societal harms.
He cites Police Scotland's £8.6 million cannabis seizure, arguing it didn't disrupt supply but underscores criminal organisation profits — potentially £103.5 million annually. Legalisation VAT revenue could fund hundreds of police officers and nurses instead.
McLean concludes that persistent demand requires acceptance and regulation, not condemnation. Legalisation would marginalise gangs, enable proper youth guidance, and shift profits from criminal enterprises to public services.