he primary counter argument to the position that all drug offenses should be decriminalized without mandatory minimums is that such policies might lead to increased drug use and associated societal harms, as potential users (especially youth) might perceive a reduced legal risk as a "stamp of approval" for drug use. Proponents of mandatory minimums also argue that these laws are necessary to incapacitate high-level dealers and provide a strong deterrent against serious drug trafficking and related crimes.