NCJ Number
165851
Journal
Criminologist Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1996) Pages: 229-232
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the history of U.S. legislative and enforcement efforts regarding drugs taken for emotional "highs," this paper critiques the consequences of a "zero tolerance" policy toward such drugs compared with a legal, well-regulated dispensing of such drugs.
Abstract
Of the many countries involved in an effort to counter drug- taking with legislation and law enforcement, the United States still takes the toughest stance with its "zero tolerance" policy. The Netherlands used to be the most lenient; however, they have recently been overtaken by the Swiss. Although the Swiss do not have coffee shops where soft drugs are sold, as in the Netherlands, they do have extensive programs for the medically controlled dispensing of drugs (mainly methadone and heroin) to those with a serious addiction. The programs are beyond the experimental stage and form a permanent part of the Swiss policy on drugs. The results show that the users of the drug-dispensing program are healthier, have jobs and property, and do not commit crimes, in contrast to drug users under a "zero tolerance" policy. Given the evidence, it is impossible to conclude that "zero tolerance" is feasible. After 90 years of the "war on drugs," the quantity of drugs on the street and the number of people in jail on drug-related charges is unprecedented. Based on data from countries with more liberal drug policies than the United States, it can be concluded that people can live normal, safe lives even while using drugs. The major causes of death by drugs are the absence of the control of the substance concentration and alien substances being used to augment the weight of drugs. 4 references