NCJ Number
127681
Date Published
1991
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This document provides concrete and specific recommendations for drug legalization.
Abstract
Based on the available evidence, legalized provision of coca and cocaine gum would not create serious social and medical problems. Use of the substances in this form, particularly in the milder coca, might be beneficial to many people in the same way that various forms of caffeine are now. Provision of drugs to heroin addicts would be based on ability to pay -- an addict would never have to steal or sell drugs to pay for an addiction that is a medical-psychological problem. Because psychedelics have positive potential when properly used, but are dangerous to a very small percentage of psychologically unstable individuals, the legal provision of such drugs would be conditioned on demonstration of knowledge as to their effects. The authority of physicians to prescribe drugs as they see fit would be restored and based on judgement and the needs of the patients. Benefits of the legalization policy would include the regulation and distribution of narcotics to adults only, the opportunity to legitimize commerce in the raw materials and drug products of the current drug-producing countries, and the regulation of purity and content of the drug. 3 notes and 54 references