Legalization of Drugs Argument

Legalization of Drugs Argument

Man, as a creature, is inherently bored. Since the dawn of time, it has been the

natural instinct of man to find alternative methods to enhance his being. The

many means by which man has turned to include sex, gambling, and the consumption

of substances beyond the requirements of nutrition. The consumption of

substances can be further broken down into legal and illegal substances. The

question then becomes, who are we to place labels on certain substances by

deeming them legal and prohibit others by creating penalties for their use?

The issue of prohibition is certainly not a new one to our nation. In 1919, the

18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale or transportation of alcoholic

beverages. "Suddenly honest, responsible Americans who just wanted a drink, were

turned into criminals. Respectable bars became underground speak-easys, and

legitimate liquor manufacturers were replaced by criminal bootleggers." Gang

warfare, bribery, and criminal activity reached an all-time high. Standards on

illegal alcohol were much lower than those on the previously legal alcohol which

led to the blinding or death of many consumers. Finally in 1933, politicians

buckled and repealed the 18th Amendment. The Prohibition attempt of the early

20th century provides the perfect historical support for the decriminalization

of drugs.

"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species

of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that

it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of

things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very

principles upon which our government was founded."

The rise in violent crime over the years has been a concern to most. A major

cause of this increase in crime is the illegal trafficking of drugs. As violent

crime continues to increase, we are unable to devote our financial resources and

time into preventing and prosecuting those who commit crimes such as murder,

rape, and assault. The reason we are unable to devote these resources where they

are needed is because we are foolishly spending them on a battle that we cannot

win-the "War on Drugs."

Prior to Ronald Reagan's "War on Drugs," America's crime rate had been declining.

Since the introduction of the new wave drug...

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...cal use. Research would also be encouraged as scientists could

search for new and practical uses of drugs. There are many wonderful uses of

drugs that have not yet been identified or perfected and with expanded research,

we could discover these new possibilities.

Of course, some restrictions would have to be set. Likely, an age restriction

would have to be adopted. Restricting the use of drugs to adults only, and

educating the youth of the potential dangers should help curb adolescent abuse.

Prohibiting acts such as driving a vehicle under the influence of a mind-

altering substance would likewise be necessary. Another necessity would be the

destruction of all those with prior criminal records due to the arrest or

conviction on drug-related charges. Of course, the right of the non-smoker would

have to be paramount. In a public facility, non-smoking areas would have to be

set up.

A system of drug regulation that would include the above provisions, public

health and agricultural regulations, and a form of taxation would discourage

abuse, protect public health and safety, reduce crime, and raise revenue.

"Regulation is the inevitable replacement of prohibition."