• Background: War on Drugs has not resulted in decline in drug use
• Debate: Some drugs not harmful, Govt can regulate v. Drugs are harmful
• Country Comparison: The Netherlands
• Recent Legislation: Medical Marijuana permitted in some states, marijuana decriminalized in others

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.