Critical Issue of Drug Decriminalization

Introduction

Drug decriminalization is an issue that has received more attention and media coverage because of its controversy. It is a topic that has been critical not only to the United States but the whole world, with some sections of society feeling that drugs should be decriminalized while governments have always been reluctant to take this step, with a few countries like Portugal having the stamina to decriminalize drugs.

The Concept of Decriminalization

Decriminalization of drugs includes reducing the drugs control and regulations; it also calls for the law to relax the fines related to drug use and possession. Supporters of drug decriminalization want an abolishment of jail time for drug-related charges, and illegal users will not receive a criminal record when caught. The basic idea behind drug decriminalization is harm reduction.

Arguments for Decriminalization

I am of the opinion that drugs should be decriminalized. Drugs and their effects are a problem to society because they are not legalized. Decriminalization of drugs would eliminate many problems associated with drugs, as the opponents of drug decriminalization have no justifications for drug criminalization. The laws regulating drug use cannot be termed as constitutional because drug use cannot be classified as a legal issue; it is a health issue. Most drug users need help, not jail time. The drug laws have only led to marginalization, with people of specific races and ethnicities being disproportionately incarcerated.

Many people use drugs for recreational purposes and do not deserve to be punished for that. It is unfair to impose fines, probation, or any other kind of punishment for recreational users. The existing drug law does not work; they do not stop people from using drugs. According to research, a significant portion of the population in the United States uses drugs illegally. This illustrates the ineffectiveness of the current drug laws.

Economic and Social Implications

The State and federal government spend a lot of funds on running prisons, jails, and parole for drug-related charges. Decriminalization of drugs would reduce the number of arrests made on drugs and related charges; law enforcement officers would focus on other crimes. This would reduce government spending on correctional units, allowing funds to be used on other development projects. The drug war is very expensive, and decriminalization could save a significant amount of money. The government would also receive more money from the taxation of drugs; it could be a huge source of revenue.

Racial Disparities and Law Enforcement

The laws on drug enforcement are often considered racial and target people of specific ethnic backgrounds. The war on drugs has disproportionately affected people of color, with arrests for drug use being significantly higher among these communities.

Health and Education Perspectives

The treatment of people who are addicted to drugs would be much easier if drugs are decriminalized. It would allow for more open discussion and education on drug use. This could lead to better understanding and prevention of drug abuse, as well as reduce the spread of infectious diseases associated with drug use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drug decriminalization is a step that should have been taken years ago. Careful analysis of the advantages of decriminalizing drugs shows it is worth it. It would save the states and the federal government millions of dollars used in drug wars, decongest prisons, and increase education and treatment of drug issues, among other positive factors. However, just like any other drugs, they should be regulated after decriminalization and taxed.

Works Cited

1. Félix, Sónia, and Pedro Portugal. "Drug decriminalization and the price of illicit drugs." International Journal of Drug Policy 39 (2017): 121-129.
2. Jacques, Scott, et al. "Effects of Prohibition and Decriminalization on Drug Market Conflict." Criminology & Public Policy 15.3 (2016): 843-875.
3. Miech, Richard A., et al. "Trends in use of marijuana and attitudes toward marijuana among youth before and after decriminalization: The case of California 2007–2013." International Journal of Drug Policy 26.4 (2015): 336-344.
4. Shanahan, Marian, and Alison Ritter. "Cost-benefit analysis of two policy options for cannabis: status quo and legalization." PloS one 9.4 (2014): 556.
5. Pfaff, John F. "The war on drugs and prison growth: limited importance, limited legislative options." Harv. J. on Legis. 52 (2015): 173.