NCJ Number
186279
Editor(s)
Scott Barbour
Date Published
2000
Length
186 pages
Annotation
This book contains papers that present opposing viewpoints on the following policy questions: Is prohibition an effective strategy in the war on drugs? Should U.S. drug policies be liberalized? Should marijuana laws be relaxed?
Abstract
The five papers that argue for the effectiveness of a prohibition strategy claim that it is essential for combating drug abuse, that it has produced a decline in drug abuse, that the effectiveness of prohibition depends on increased efforts to reduce drug supplies, that an international drug prohibition effort is needed, and that cooperation with Mexico in implementing a U.S. prohibition policy can yield great benefits. The five papers that oppose prohibition argue that it is counterproductive, that it violates civil liberties, that it is unfair to minorities, that it involves pressuring other countries to comply with U.S. drug policy, and that Mexico is not committed to cooperation with U.S. drug prohibition policy. The five papers that argue for the liberalization of U.S. drug policies claim that drug prohibition is a failed policy that has caused crime and eroded civil liberties, that drug legalization would reduce such problems without creating a significant increase in drug use, that liberalized drug policies would reduce crime and violence, that drug policies should focus on harm reduction, and that the Dutch example shows that liberal drug laws can be beneficial. The five papers that oppose liberalization claim that legalization would lead to increased drug abuse along with attendant social and economic costs, and that the current policy of prohibition coupled with treatment and prevention efforts yields better outcomes for society. Those who argue for the relaxation of marijuana laws claim that such laws lead to the violation of civil liberties and the right of adult Americans to make their own choices and control their own lives, that the harms sanctions inflict on citizens far outweigh the harms of marijuana use, and that marijuana use has a number of medical benefits. Those who argue against the relaxation of marijuana laws say that marijuana has limited medical value and poses significant risks to users and society, and that legal drugs can provide any medical benefits claimed for marijuana. 88-item bibliography and a subject index