From Prohibition to Regulation: Lessons From Alcohol Policy for Drug Policy (From Confronting Drug Policy: Illicit Drugs in a Free Society, P 160-193, 1993, Ronald Bayer and Gerald M. Oppenheimer, eds. - See NCJ-159507)

• NCJ Number: 159513
• Author(s): H G Levine; C Reinarman
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 34 pages
• Sale Source: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article uses the era of alcohol prohibition as an example to illustrate options for drug regulation, including decriminalization.

Abstract

Following a brief overview of the history of temperance, prohibition, repeal, and alcohol regulation in the U.S., the authors discuss the impact that Prohibition had on the consumption, production, and distribution of alcohol. Two lessons drawn from Prohibition seem particularly relevant to the creation of drug regulatory law. Drug control law along the lines of alcohol control seems to be practical and reasonable, even though public opinion may oppose such an option on moral grounds. However, a post-drug- prohibition system would require great effort in terms of study, research, and planning. The article concludes with a discussion of whether Americans have the political will to consider serious alternatives to current drug policies. 68 references