NCJ Number
129032
Journal
Security Management Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1991) Pages: 46-49
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article outlines some of the current misconceptions and myths about drug legalization and shows that if attempted, legalization would fail with irreversible and disastrous consequences for the United States.
Abstract
Legalization advocates argue that drug use should be a personal choice without government interference, since it only holds potential harm for the user. In fact, however, drug use has consequences and costs for the whole society and should be addressed by government action. Proponents of legalization also maintain that the current policy of supply interdiction has been a failure. Although it has obviously not eliminated the drug problem, there are signs that it has contained the problem and deterred drug use. The supply focus has also reinforced prevention and education efforts designed to reduce demand. Legalization advocates envision a reduction in drug-related crime and violence under legalization, but there is no guarantee this will occur. Competition for the drug black market will continue, and persons will still commit crimes to obtain money for drugs. The risk of increased drug use under legalization also poses the threat of increased medical and social costs for citizens. Overall, drug legalization would be a high-risk gamble with irreversible consequences when it fails to achieve the intended results.