NCJ Number
153053
Date Published
1988
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This information packet examines the arguments for and against the legalization of drugs, the implications of legalization, and the special case made for the medical uses of heroin.
Abstract
One article examines the growing interest in a national debate on whether drugs should be legalized. The arguments of those favoring the legalization of drugs include those of Marion Barry, William F. Buckley, Jr., and Kurt L. Schmoke. Advocates of legalization argue that the Nation's war on drugs has failed and that making drugs legal would erase the enormous profit motive for trafficking and thus diminish crime and violence. The Nation's resources would then be free for drug education, treatment, and rehabilitation. Those who argue against legalization fear that drugs would become more available, such that the public health would deteriorate further and criminal behavior associated with drug use would increase. The author of a Time Magazine article notes that the emergence of a strong and cogent case for drug legalization, even though it may be misguided, points out a flaw in current drug policy; it is heavily unbalanced in favor of ineffective attempts to cut the supply through police action while neglecting potentially more effective efforts to reduce demand through education and treatment.