Drug prohibition has long been a controversial issue, but the US government has yet to settle it. Proponents refer to the surge of alcohol use in nations before international ordinances and the abolition of the Volstead Act, aka The National Prohibition Act, as instances of disproportionately considerable increases in drug usage. Opponents, however, have not explained how these figures were derived or the reasoning behind these claims. They claim that drug use is a political issue rather than a social or physical one and that liberalizing rules and regulations might result in a better society.
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Pros and Cons| How Does It Help and What Repercussions It Brings?
There are several advantages and disadvantages of legalizing certain substances. Legalizing the substance reduces illegal activities while increasing tax income. On the negative side, it will almost certainly lead to an increase in drug sales and usage, worsening public health issues. Furthermore, legalization will remove underground markets and lower crime rates, while some of the negative consequences of prohibition may persist in the long run.
Nonetheless, there are other advantages and disadvantages to drug prohibition, including the following:
Eliminate Fiscal Deficit
For starters, the legalization of drugs will eliminate substantial fiscal deficits and end the costly drug war. In addition, a study by the Cato Institute and the New York University School of Economics estimates that legalizing marijuana will save the U.S. government up to $41.3 billion per year. The state can split the money between state and local governments and the federal government. It is essential to note that removing the stigma associated with drugs will also reduce crime.
Decriminalizing Drugs Will Bring Change
Another drug prohibition proponent argues that the drug war has made drugs accessible to the masses. The government-sponsored high school students survey found that 85 percent would find it easy to obtain cocaine or marijuana, and nearly half would say the same about marijuana. This trend is especially true of inner-city drug-using youth. In addition, the criminalization of drugs has proved to be ineffective in deterring criminals. In addition, decriminalizing drugs will change the conditions under which they are available.
Drug Prohibition Increases Access to the Drugs
The other major disadvantage of drug prohibition is that it makes access to drugs easier for anyone. Drugs could harm youth, and it has become difficult to prevent a new generation from drug addiction.
Drug Prohibition Stops Young People from Addiction
It also discourages young people from experimenting with illicit drugs. Despite the ill effects of prohibition, it has led to an era of legalization of marijuana. The law has reduced the number of people who become drug addicts, but the government continues to spend billions of dollars on this war.
Drug Prohibition Concerns about People Health
In the end, legalizing marijuana will save more money than decriminalizing it, and it will be healthier for the environment. Legalizing marijuana, however, is still not an intelligent proposal since it does not address the primary issues of the drug war. It is still a significant public health issue. It can still addict people and lead to illegal conduct. Furthermore, it is lenient toward crime, which may contribute to an increase in addiction rates.
The first pros are that it will reduce the amount of drug-related crime. The second benefit is that it will decrease the drug war cost. In addition, it will reduce the risk of drug-related crime.
It Reduces the Drug-Related Crime
While drug prohibition has lowered the number of drug-related crimes in the United States, it has increased public health issues. It has resulted in the spread of HIV and hepatitis B and C among injecting drug users. Furthermore, legalizing narcotics has led to rampant corruption in law enforcement. Furthermore, it may lead to further addictions. The issue of legalizing illegal drugs has not been resolved.
Failed to Achieved the Objectives
In addition to its adverse repercussions, drug prohibition has failed to fulfill its stated goals and has resulted in several undesirable outcomes. Legalizing marijuana will reduce large economic imbalances while also ending the drug war. It would also put a stop to the expensive drug war. As a result, it would also reduce crime and improve the quality of life in the country. The advantages of legalizing marijuana include more money, reduced unemployment, and a crime reduction.
It Helps in Restraining Drug-Related Crime
Within this regulation, drug users are not allowed to call the police to report a crime, and officers cannot accept their evidence. As a result, policing becomes adversarial. Because drug users will not call the police, they must discover alternative methods of solving crimes. This involves utilizing a no-knock warrant to break down doors and deploying different surveillance technology. So, while legalized and decriminalized regimes are still required, we must be attentive and conscious of the human rights of all citizens.
Drug prohibition Has Weakened Civil Liberties
Under this regulation, drug users are not allowed to call the police to report a crime, and officers cannot accept their evidence. As a result, policing becomes adversarial. Because drug users will not call the police, they must discover alternative methods of solving crimes. This involves utilizing a no-knock warrant to break down doors and deploying different surveillance technology. So, while legalized and decriminalized regimes are still required, we must be attentive and conscious of the human rights of all citizens.
It Has Skyrocketed the Drugs Price
Another downside of drug prohibition is that drug prices rise. As a result, users seek more potent medicines. Prohibition, in effect, raises the price of these substances, allowing them to rise. As a result, drug users rationally respond to risk by seeking the most effective medications at the lowest possible price. This implies they want to get the most bang for their buck. As a result, drug prohibition is detrimental to public health. Drug users will always be at risk of getting dangerously hazardous chemicals in the end.
A critical downside of the prohibition of drugs is that it enhances the expense of combating the drug war. The successful legalization of marijuana will also rescue the economy. These factors led to the government’s ability to pay off the vast debts linked with prohibition.
But is it worth doing?