NCJ Number
158171
Journal
Connecticut Law Review Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1995) Pages: 651- 658
Date Published
1995
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This discussion of Wisotsky's analysis of the author's arguments against drug prohibition concludes that Wisotsky's argument that a rational approach to drug policy based on facts and pragmatic arguments has no potential to make a difference in the drug policy debate is flawed in many respects.
Abstract
Wisotsky mistakenly suggests that many others long ago made the author's basic argument; in fact, the debate during the last three decades has focused on the proper legal approach to marijuana. However, most people are unfamiliar with Friedman's and Buckley's longstanding positions on marijuana. Although the popular media still regard drug legalization as marginal, if not frivolous, the subject is rapidly acquiring more respectability. In addition, public opinion appears to be shifting, although Wisotsky is correct in stating that decades of pervasive propaganda, most of it generated by government officials with professional, political, and economic interests in perpetuating or strengthening the status quo, have made the reform task difficult. The experience with the repeal of alcohol prohibition demonstrates the possibility that the country can acknowledge an error. Although nothing new remains to be said on the subject, repetition has virtue. The main task now is to convince the majority of the public of two things: (1) repeal of drug prohibition is a respectable position to take; and (2) repeal, or at least drastic reform, of drug prohibition is a serious possibility. Efforts to accomplish the first task have almost succeeded, but little progress has occurred on the second. Footnotes