Libertarian Perspective & Drug Possession and Use

In 1972, the first Libertarian candidate for president, John Hoskins, drafted a Statement of Principles defining the Libertarian philosophy. That statement remains virtually the same today, with the following expression most symbolizing the overall philosophy of the Libertarian party, "We, the members of the Libertarian party, challenge the cult of the omnipotent state and defend the rights of the individual" (MacArtney 2003, 1). The Libertarian philosophy is rooted in the ideas of the Enlightenment and thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Adam Smith. Their views are also founded on Thomas Jefferson's belief that the government is best that governs least. Strongly supportive of individual liberties and the Bill of Rights, Libertarians advocate the "freedom of individuals to pursue their lives as they see fit, as long as they cause no harm to others, with minimal government interference" (1). It is for this reason that Libertarians support the individual right to possess and use drugs, so long as no harm is caused to others from that possession