Legalization of Drugs

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Do you support Legalization of Drugs? Yes | No

The anti-drug effort in the U.S. has criminalized a large part of society and at significant costs, with little regard for the impact drugs have on human health. Legalization would give the government the ability to tax and regulate.

Background

  • In spite of the War on Drugs, the greatest anti-drug enforcement effort in the history of the U.S., the drug problem is at its worst. Policy-makers are torn between two options: escalating the war on drugs or legalizing/decriminalizing drugs. The efforts of President Nixon and President Reagan led to a multitude of problems that included overcrowded prisons, increases in drug related crime, added to the racial disparity in criminal justice system. Increased law enforcement only boosted the price of drugs which attracted more drug suppliers into the market while having no effect on the demand for illegal drugs. The allure of the lucrative business instantly attracted more suppliers when others were convicted.

Debate

  • Proponents have a host of arguments supporting legalization. Most cite the failure and effects of the War on Drugs. Many argue some drugs, such as marijuana and psychedelics, hardly effect or even benefit human health and should therefore be decriminalized. These drugs are less harmful and less addictive than some legal substances (namely nicotine and alcohol). The medical community has generally agreed on the health benefits of cannabis, but U.S. law has the plant categorized in the same group as heroin and other immensely destructive drugs.
  • Opponents argue that legalization will encourage drug use, trade, and production. These activities will damage individuals, families, and communities.

Country Comparison

  • The Netherlands has decriminalized "soft drugs" in small quantities. This policy initially resulted in a temporary increase in mild drug consumption that quickly tapered off to normal levels of consumption. The country's rate of drug use equal to the average rates in the European Union. Drug use in the E.U., including the Netherlands, is far lower than the United States.
  • The Netherlands's decriminalization policy has been hailed as one of the most successful policies in the industrialized democracies. The policy treats drugs as a public health issue instead of a criminal issue, making it possible to effectively address societal addiction. Regulation, control make drugs safer for consumers and for suppliers to be profitable in the legal market. Taxation provides revenue to the government regulation. The Dutch government argues that its policy has made society more cohesive in general.

Recent Legislation

  • The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 established the creation of a drug-free America as a policy goal. Recent legislation relating to drugs have sought to support this goal by inflicting harsher sentences on criminals.
  • The movement to decriminalize marijuana has gained support among policy-makers. Some states have already decriminalized marijuana, which typically means first-time possession of a small amount for personal consumption is treated like a minor traffic violation. Some state have also permitted conditional release or alternative sentencing for people facing their first prosecutions. Several states have enacted laws permitting the use of medical marijuana.


Where do the major players stand on this Issue?

Stance Person Profession
John Clayton Cox (R) Author & Politician
John McCain (R) Senator & Retired Naval Captain
Rudy Giuliani (R) Fmr. NYC Mayor
John Edwards (D) Attorney and Former Presidential Candidate
Fred Thompson (R) Presidential Candidate, Lawyer, Lobbyist, Actor, and Former Senator
Dennis Kucinich (D) Congressman
Joe Biden (D) Senator & 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate
Mitt Romney (R) CEO & Former Governor
Mike Huckabee (R) Fmr. Governor & Minister
Ron Paul (R) Congressman and Physician
Bill Richardson (D) Governor
Sam Brownback (R) Senator
Chris Dodd (D) Senator & 2008 Democratic Superdelegate
Mike Gravel Fmr. Alaskan Senator
Tom Tancredo (R) U.S. Representative
Lew Rockwell
Joseph Lieberman Senator
Bill Maher (D) Comedian and Commentator
Charles W. Boustany (R) Representative
Wesley Clark (D) Retired General, 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidate

Where do the major groups stand on this Issue?

Stance Group
Whiskey Media
Green
The Constitution Party
Democratic

Show topics from

Legalization of Drugs Forum


Topic (jump to last post >>) Last Post Forum Posts
undecided but.... >>
started by nd_1992, views since Aug 31, 2008
ShadowRyu (D) >>
Updated 7 days, 11 hours, 55 minutes ago
Legalization of Drugs
6
I dunno about all drugs... >>
started by Christibyte, views since Jan 14, 2008
ronaldvandevender >>
Updated 19 days, 15 hours, 40 minutes ago
Legalization of Drugs
42
A war that we're really losing >>
started by Josh, views since Oct 9, 2007
stangerbm >>
Updated 58 days, 16 hours, 14 minutes ago
Legalization of Drugs
24
Would it make a difference? >>
started by hwoodo, views since Jan 26, 2008
andy >>
Updated 205 days, 20 hours, 6 minutes ago
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5
Drug Policy Debate Must Be Based On Facts >>
started by John Westra, views since Oct 22, 2007
John Westra >>
Updated 321 days, 16 hours, 37 minutes ago
Legalization of Drugs
1