NCJ Number
129247
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Economics and health, two basic arguments in favor of the decriminalization of drug laws, are discussed.
Abstract
The current drug laws make it illegal to possess a commodity that is in very high demand. As a result, the price of that commodity has soared far beyond its true cost. Profit is the motive for drug trafficking. Neither criminal sanctions nor even the competitive business practices (murder, extortion, kidnapping) of their fellow dealers have much effect on people who trade in drugs. Decriminalization would take the profit out of drugs and greatly reduce the drug-related violence that is currently plaguing the streets. There is reason to believe that decriminalization would improve public health. First, violent crime associated with illegal sale of drugs would fall dramatically. Second, decriminalization would allow billions of dollars now used for interdiction and enforcement to be redirected toward prevention and treatment. A national debate of this subject is needed to ascertain whether decriminalization is a viable alternative to the so-called drug war or not.