Decriminalizing Drugs Analysis

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This article written by Vanessa Baird intended to inform readers about the possible benefits resulting from the decriminalization and the legalization of illegal drugs. It focuses on the positive social implications of decriminalizing illegal drugs, such as less drug users and lower fatality and HIV-infection rates. It highlights the significance of a global-trend drug reformation aimed at reducing violent criminal drug-related activity and disrupting the cyclic flow of money resulting from drug dealing by legalizing drugs. There are many potential benefits to decriminalizing illegal drugs, including a steady but sure decline in drug use within just one decade. "In 2001, Portugal embarked on one of the most daring and progressive actions …show more content…

While decriminalizing drugs has been shown to increase a country's overall health, it does little in the way of reducing drug-related violence and the high profits made from selling them. Therein lies the true issue: prohibition gives value to the drugs, and those who distribute them--because they are doing so illegally--have the need to acquire new assets and protect what they already control. "Drugs have little intrinsic value. It’s prohibition that gives an astronomical ‘price support’ to traffickers. The profits are extreme and so are the violence and corruption needed to protect them. Hence the grotesquely cruel methods used by the gangs, making simple decapitation a blessing." (Baird, Vanessa. "Legalize Drugs--All of Them!" Psychology of Drugs and Abuse: 20, paragraph 16. McGraw-Hill Create. VitalBook file.) In addition, making drugs legal could dramatically reduce the amount of people residing in prisons for drug-related crimes, saving billions of dollars that could easily be put to better use with: drug addiction centers, aimed at treating and preventing drug addictions; more funding for better healthcare; as well as improvements in various other beneficial social institutions. Also, criminals that have previously evaded the law could now legally sell and traffic drugs, and they have the potential to be prosecuted for tax evasion--and if successful--effectively "cleaning house" of the drug lords that once ruled the streets. "Only legalization and regulation can break the hold of the criminals. Legal drugs could be taxed. The corrupt network of tax-evading banks and front companies that support the industry by laundering drug money would have to start paying their way." (Baird, Vanessa. "Legalize Drugs--All of Them!" Psychology of Drugs and Abuse: 20, paragraph 17. McGraw-Hill Create. VitalBook file.) This

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