NCJ Number
139844
Journal
International Journal on Drug Policy Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: 105-108
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
According to these authors, U.S. drug policy discriminates against ethnic minorities, particularly those people living in poor, inner city neighborhoods.
Abstract
In its broadest sense, public policy negatively affects minorities because of their inequality in terms of median income, health and longevity, education, and employment. Since the passage of the Harrison Narcotics Act in 1914, U.S. policymakers have denied the reality that drug prohibition increases crime without eliminating addiction. The authors point out that, due to current U.S. drug policy, more black American males are in prison, mostly for drug offenses, than in college. For example, in Baltimore, 75 percent of drug- related arrests were of blacks, while blacks comprise only 60 percent of the city's population. Blacks are contracting HIV more frequently than whites; 20 percent of AIDS cases are among persons whose only known risk factor is intravenous drug use. Although "Just Say No" campaigns are having a positive impact among white middle-class children, the drug problem is getting worse among poor black children. The authors urge a reconsideration of American drug policy, with an emphasis on public health interventions. 12 references