Week #10 Legalizing Recreational Drugs and Marijuana

Legalization of Recreational Drugs

In 1970, Congress passed the Controlled Substance Act, which made illicit drugs illegal at the federal level. The question then arose: does this act supersede the powers given to Congress- without the existence of an amendment?  Or does the act protect the people from themselves? Drugs outlawed within the Controlled Substance Act include cocaine, heroin, opiates and marijuana.  It is estimated according to the text Taking Sides, that before this act was passed, less than one-half of one percent of the population used cocaine, heroin and opiates.  The use of marijuana is obviously quite a bit higher. 

            One major argument for the legalization of illicit drugs is that it would save taxpayers billions of dollars a year in incarceration expenses.  Author Bryan Stevenson contends that one in 31 adults in the U.S. is involved in probation, jail, prison and parole systems.  Over 68 billion dollars a year is spent on imprisonment costs.  He states that drug treatment and counseling programs are far more effective than incarceration in helping drug users beat addictions.  Racial discrimination also comes into play when talking about drug incarceration.  Communities of color have historically been targeted by law enforcement, and prison sentences are lengthier if caught with crack-cocaine (found in lower income areas) versus regular cocaine (found in more affluent areas).  Even though cocaine is more pure, and in effect more dangerous. 

            On the other hand, author Theodore Dalrymple argues that drugs should remain illegal because of the effect it has on a community and society at large.  Addiction affects not only the user, but also spouses, children, and entire neighborhoods.  He states that by legalizing these drugs that have been illegal for so long would create an uncontrollable waterfall effect. People would not be able to control their newfound freedom, and many would become addicts with socially undesirable effects. He acknowledges that we will never win the ‘war on drugs,’ but that shouldn’t stop us from trying.  Theft is illegal, but still happens, but no one advocates abandoning the law that prohibits thievery.  Thus, we should not abandon the law prohibiting illicit drug use. 

            On a personal level, I am an advocate for lessening prison sentences concerning drug use.  Far too many people are incarcerated for low level drug crimes- or for first time use.  I am all for reducing the number of inmates in the prison system that I pay taxes to support. However, I do not advocate for the complete legalization of drugs like cocaine, heroin and opiates.  The dangers those three categories pose to society and families are far too great to ignore.  But an increase in drug treatment versus automatic prison sentencing for possession or first time offenders should be imposed. Marijuana, on the other hand I feel differently.

            Marijuana Legalization

            Marijuana has a lengthy history of different feelings from the American people and policy makers.  “Reefer Madness” occurred in the 1930s, and thrust marijuana paranoia well into the last half of the 19^th century.  Recently though, marijuana acceptance has grown drastically. While still illegal at the federal level under the Controlled Substance Act, states have begun to legalize the drug.  According to the Huffington Post on June 29, 2013, 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana use for medical purposes, and Colorado and Washington state have outright legalized it for recreational use.  And policy makers in D.C. have remained silent on the issue. 

            On August 28, 2012, the Huffington Post published an article in favor of legalizing marijuana, citing that marijuana is less dangerous and less addictive than alcohol and cigarettes.  Marijuana is less addictive, and when used incurs less injuries than alcohol.  It is also impossible to die of an overdose on marijuana, whereas it is possible to die from alcohol.  Legalizing marijuana could also not only save taxpayers money, but generate millions of dollars in tax revenue.  With the passing of Amendment 64 in Colorado, the state will generate about $12 million dollars annually in law enforcement savings, and earn about $100 million a year in tax revenue.  By getting marijuana off the streets and into a regulated business industry, it would make it harder for youth under 21 to get ahold of the substance. 

            On the other hand, The Daily Caller published an article on July 19, 2012 discrediting the marijuana legalization movement.  The author states that long term effects of marijuana use includes the loss of short term memory, slows reaction time, and although the study is not cited, the article insists that studies have proven that marijuana is more addictive than alcohol. On a societal level, statewide legalization of marijuana would create an even larger market for drug cartels.  Since the federal government has not legalized the drug, many reputable growers and manufacturers will abstain from the business for fear of federal troubles.  Thus, only those who partake in the business now underground will continue to do so, but legally. 

            On a personal level, I whole-heartedly believe marijuana should be legalized.  Too many friends and general members of society are in legal trouble for possessing small amounts of the drug.  It’s a crime that unnecessarily upsets lives that could have been productive members of society. It’s not the small use of marijuana that obstruct people from contributing to society, it’s the legal trouble that keeps good people out of certain jobs they would be best at.  On an economic level, legalizing the drug would only benefit states.  Already, Colorado has seen huge profit from Amendment 64.  Street gangs are pocketing money that could be going to support local governments and public structures.  Bottom line, the use of marijuana will always be a part of our society on a massive scale.  Legalize, regulate, and profit from an activity that will always be around.