Drug Prohibition in the U.S.: Costs, Consequences, and Alternatives (From Crack in America: Demon Drugs and Social Justice, P 288-316, 1997, Craig Reinarman and Harry G Levine, eds. - See NCJ-170648)

• NCJ Number: 170662
• Author(s): E A Nadelmann
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 29 pages
• Sale Source: University of California Press
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

Current policies on crack have failed to eliminate its abuse and exacerbated its consequences, and drug legalization is viewed as an alternative solution to the drug problem.

Abstract

Only a few law enforcement officials believe their efforts can do much more than they are already doing to reduce drug abuse in the United States. These efforts include limiting the export of illicit drugs to the United States through crop eradication and substitution and interdiction. The one partial success interdiction efforts can claim concerns marijuana. Because marijuana is bulkier per dollar of value than cocaine and heroin, it is harder to conceal and easier to detect. The principal benefit of domestic law enforcement efforts directed at major drug trafficking organizations is probably the rapidly rising value of drug trafficker assets forfeited to the government. Costs and consequences of drug prohibition policies are analyzed. Alternatives to drug prohibition policies, including drug legalization, are suggested. 102 notes