Drug Decriminalization

[Dedicated Mind]

possesion of small amounts of drugs have been decriminalized in colombia and perhaps portugal. i personally think this is good and latin america is headed in that direction. america is making too much money in the prison industry. i think the war on drugs is racist and misguided. anyone planning a trip to colombia? i've started my internet research. thoughts?

[Michael The Disciple]

Keep drugs illegal. If everyone could get whatever they wanted it would be a whole lot worse.

[The Matt]

Drug decriminalization stands on the grounds that if something isn't illegal, the want for it decreases. This doesn't take into consideration those who are addicted, those with mental disorders looking for ways to control their mental disorders, etc.

[Truthseeker]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

possesion of small amounts of drugs have been decriminalized in colombia and perhaps portugal. i personally think this is good and latin america is headed in that direction. america is making too much money in the prison industry. i think the war on drugs is racist and misguided. anyone planning a trip to colombia? i've started my internet research. thoughts?

How does america makew money off illegal drugs? Also explain how its racist?

[Aquila]

I think they should decriminalize marijuana. Treat it like alcohol. Too much money is being spent waging a war to criminalize people that just laugh and get the munchies.

The harder stuff... I'm not so sure about decriminalizing.

I think it's also important to note that just because a drug is decriminalized, it doesn't mean that employers cannot require drug screening before hiring. I know places that test for tobacco. The local utility company (DP&L) will terminate any employee that has tobacco in their system. Same with Reynold's & Reynold's.

I'm more of a libertarian. I think the war on drugs should be handled like a public health risk... not a crime.

I do think that if one commits a crime while on drugs, they should be charged with additional charges (as with alcohol).

My girlfriend spent some time in Amsterdam when she was younger. They legalized marijuana and she said things weren't all that bad socially. In fact, she thought things were far more laid back. They almost look at us like hold-outs from an extremist regime.

Once legalized, more research can go into MJ's medical uses, and the market can be taxed (extra revenue).

Not to mention... those who have the money to have a decent defense in court always get slapped on the wrist or charges dropped.

Those are my thoughts. Should come in a small package like cigarettes, only with a green label.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

How does america makew money off illegal drugs? Also explain how its racist?

There is quite a bit of corruption in local politics and law enforcement. They often make a killing. Big bucks in the black market.

[Aquila]

The war on drugs is a terribly expensive failure. We need to rethink our approach.

[Aquila]

I'm reminded of Prohibition. One alcohol was criminalized it created a black market and criminal cartels that rocked the nation. Prohibition often has side effects that are far worse than dealing with users in a one on one manner.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

How does america makew money off illegal drugs? Also explain how its racist?

I have a family with serious addiction issues so I'll take a stab at this although I am no expert.

The prison industry is huge. We spend millions housing 'criminals' who are really addicts while providing no treatment for them and doing nothing to help decrease the recidivism rate.

Also the issues of race are obvious to anyone who has ever been in a prison, jail or juvenile detention center. There is a vastly disproportionate minority population incarcerated. Not because minorities commit more crimes but because they are arrested more often, they have fewer resources for defense, and receive harsher sentences.

I'll just start with that right off the top of my head.

BTW, I am for decriminalization of marijuana. I am not for decriminalization of of other drugs. As a medical professional I am fearful of just what kinds of mistakes can be made with chemicals that can lead to death of disability. However I do think that all first time drug arrests should lead to education about and treatment of addiction rather than criminal penalties.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

I have a family with serious addiction issues so I'll take a stab at this although I am no expert.

The prison industry is huge. We spend millions housing 'criminals' who are really addicts while providing no treatment for them and doing nothing to help decrease the recidivism rate.

Also the issues of race are obvious to anyone who has ever been in a prison, jail or juvenile detention center. There is a vastly disproportionate minority population incarcerated. Not because minorities commit more crimes but because they are arrested more often, they have fewer resources for defense, and receive harsher sentences.

I'll just start with that right off the top of my head.

BTW, I am for decriminalization of marijuana. I am not for decriminalization of of other drugs. As a medical professional I am fearful of just what kinds of mistakes can be made with chemicals that can lead to death of disability. However I do think that all first time drug arrests should lead to education about and treatment of addiction rather than criminal penalties.

Oh... c'mon... we know there isn't any disproportionate number of incarcerated minorities. And we know they get the best public defenders tax payer money can buy. There isn't a single problem here. And treatment??? C'mon... they just need to be locked up and get it together. Rigggghhhhht?








If you can't tell... I fully agree with you.