Whether you were a fan or not, it's likely the death of Whitney Houston has not gone unnoticed. The death of the pop star has struck a sour note in the major music communities, including Nashville. Questions about the role drugs appear to have played in her passing are also spurring debate about whether it's time to change current strategies in the so-called war on drugs.

As most people know, the current approach toward fighting the scourge of drugs is through the concerted efforts of law enforcement agencies. From the smallest hamlets, to the largest federal enforcement departments, police officials are coordinating action and increasing prosecutions of drug crime charges, whether it involves the manufacture of methamphetamine or distribution of prescription drugs. The idea is that if you stamp out the supply, you stamp out the problem.

In the wake of Houston's death, though, new calls are being heard for legalizing drugs, much like alcohol. The kick-start of the discussion appears to have come from singer Tony Bennett. He issued a plea for legalization during a performance Saturday night, saying that it's time to control drugs by decriminalizing them, as has been done in Amsterdam. It's a chorus many are joining.

Taking a more moderate stance is White House Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske. He's calling on the country to use Houston's death as a teachable moment to reinforce the message about the dangers of substance abuse. He points specifically to the fact that Houston had a history of trouble with prescription drugs; a problem that he says contributes to well over 15,000 deaths in the U.S. every year.

He says millions suffer with the problem and that the Obama administration wants to encourage a greater sense of understanding and promote greater acceptance of treatment and recovery.

In the meantime, the debate rages on.

Source: CBS News, "White House drug czar: Whitney Houston's death points to perils of drug abuse," Chad Sinclair, Jacqueline Corba, Feb. 13, 2012; Huffington Post, "Arianna: 'The War On Drugs Has Failed And We Are Not Acknowledging It'," Feb. 13, 2012