Drug Decriminalization Essay

President Ronald Reagan's "War on Drugs" policy in the early 1970s resulted in an increase in incarceration rates and had a negative impact on minority communities. However, drug policies have since changed with a focus on decriminalization and legalization. These new approaches aim to address mass incarceration caused by drug-related offenses through new strategies for addressing drug abuse and dealing. Drug decriminalization allows society to explore different approaches for solving crimes related to drugs while also promoting public health, reducing stigmatization, and establishing treatment programs. In contrast, drug legalization presents another solution that seeks to eliminate the black market and cartels by regulating the sale of

The black market, controlled by criminal organizations, poses a threat to public safety, as it operates outside the regulations. However, by legalizing drugs and establishing a regulated market, the government can gain control from illegal organizations and direct production, distribution, and sale through the regulated market. According to research from the National Public Radio (NPR),” Making pot legal and regulating it like alcohol, they say, could raise millions in tax revenues, and wipe out the black market” (Will Legalizing Pot Wipe Out The Black Market). As people choose the legal market over the illegal one, the demand for illegal drugs diminishes, causing a direct blow to the criminal organizations' revenue streams. Legalizing drugs can lead to a reduction in drug-related violence, as turf wars and conflicts over control of the black market significantly decline. This weakens the black market, leading to a decrease in criminal activities associated with drug dealing. Therefore, communities experience reduced violence, creating safer and more secure environments for residents. According to a study on Mexico’s Drug strategy, “By moving drugs from the black market, the government will thus be able to destroy the source of the huge income of the drug cartels, which will greatly weaken their position” (Скумін 272). As a result of market

They also believe that decriminalization of drug use often pushes users into the shadows, making it difficult for them to seek medical assistance. According to the ACLU document over “Drug Policy'', drug legalizing can result in “medical marijuana will increase overall use of the drug; that the drug is more addictive than other drugs available for prescription; that its side effects are more harmful than those of other drugs;” (ACLU). However, by decriminalizing or legalizing certain drugs, it can improve humankind’s understanding of medicine. However, there may still be challenges that come from health risks associated with drug decriminalization or legalization. The potential for greater drug use requires careful planning to make sure that resources and programs are in place to address addiction treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance abuse. The concern about increased drug use with drug decriminalization or legalization is a valid one, Brookings Institution in an article state “some have predicted dramatic increases in the number of people taking drugs and becoming addicted” (Stares 10). Nevertheless, it is important to consider the situation of countries that have such measures. Portugal adopted a policy in 2001 where drug possession was decriminalized without experiencing any significant rise in drug usage rates. Additionally, through governmental