NCJ Number
117771
Journal
American Behavioral Scientist Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: (January/February 1989) Pages: 259-289
Date Published
1989
Length
31 pages
Annotation
Although the argument for the legalization of drugs may be well-intended and appear quite logical, it is highly questionable in its historical, sociocultural, and empirical underpinnings and is also demonstrably naive in its understanding of the negative consequences of a legalized drug market.
Abstract
Supporters of legalization argue that the drug laws have created evils far worse than the drugs themselves, that drug laws have failed to reduce demands, and a significant segment of population is committed to using drugs, and that legalization would have many beneficial effects. However, proposals for legalization have not addressed issues like which drugs to legalize, potency levels, age limits, locations of sales, advertising, and many others. In addition, considerable evidence exists to suggest that the legalization of drugs would create behavioral and public health problems to a degree that would far outweigh the current consequences of the drug prohibition. It would also represent an elitist and racist policy in that drug dependence levels would increase in inner cities. Efforts should focus on providing a better balance in Federal drug policy. Although activities to keep heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and other illegal drugs should continue, the main emphasis should be on increasing the availability of treatment by restructuring the financing of the war on drugs. In addition, greater efforts are needed to provide prevention education to youths in inner cities. Figures, tables, notes, and 77 references.