NCJ Number
177139
Date Published
1998
Length
27 pages
Annotation
Drug policies are discussed with respect to the underlying social and political philosophies, the government and private agencies that share responsibility for drug control, the usefulness of Federal drug control legislation, and other issues.
Abstract
The discussion emphasizes that people aim for a safe society regardless of their political preferences or social differences. Modern drug control policy involves several strategies; each aims to address a specific aspect of the country's drug problem. The strategies include demand reduction, supply reduction, eradication, education, and treatment. Despite some notable successes, none of these policies has succeeded in reducing drug abuse to what could be termed an acceptable level. Federal, State, and local police agencies; local schools; the military; and private businesses all share responsibility for addressing drug abuse in communities and schools. Drug control originated with a series of Federal laws designed to regulate the manufacture, sale, and use of dangerous drugs. Laws have included the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, the Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970, the Continuing Criminal Enterprise Act, and the Comprehensive Forfeiture Act. Drug tax laws and the use of the grand jury have also been used in the drug control efforts. The Witness Security Program, implemented in 1970, is a significant prosecution tool in cases involving large-scale organized crime figures. Disagreement remains regarding the most effective and efficient manner in which to contain the problem of drug abuse. Figure, photograph, list of major terms used, and discussion questions