NCJ Number
126717
Date Published
1989
Length
396 pages
Annotation
Weighing both pros and cons, the article proposes that the legalization of drugs will reduce numerous aspects of the worldwide drug problem.
Abstract
Contemporary drug consumption involves a worldwide, multi-billion dollar business controlled by powerful groups of organized crime such as the South American cocaine cartels and the Asian heroin syndicates. To reduce the corrupting power of the drug lords, several countries including the United States have declared a war on drugs, yet despite massive deployment of people and resources, no victory is in sight. While some policy makers emphasize the need to maintain or even escalate the current struggle, it is argued here that a legalization of drugs, while not a solution, will alleviate important aspects of the drug problem, would ease the financial burden of the drug war itself, and would reduce the power of organized crime by cutting the financial incentive. It would also decrease burglaries and check fraud, robberies, and other drug-related crimes. The opposing argument that the government must protect the population from drugs is questionable since, after 25 years of drug use, most citizens are well aware of the dangers of legal and illegal drugs. Furthermore, the prohibition creates a social climate often more dangerous than the drug threat itself. A legalization would also help addicts obtain help without fear of social labeling; a democratic State must acknowledge the individual's right to use drugs, even if it involves self-destruction. The article concludes that policy makers should consider advantages and disadvantages of the issue open-mindedly to create a more realistic drug policy for the 21st century.