Legalization of Drugs Essay - 1305 Words

The current hot-topic debate about the legalization of marijuana for medical exposes the long lasting debate about the economic viability of prohibiting certain kind of drugs considered illicit. Many social costs to society are attributable to illicit drugs, along with tobacco, alcohol, and guns. In fact, each of these vices is allegedly responsible for $200 billion annual expenditure in social costs of the USA (Donohue, 2010). Interestingly, all these commodities mentioned above have common characteristics: a sizeable proportion of consumers responsibly use each of them hence virtually zero social externality; and a trivial subset of society individuals irresponsibly use each of these commodity to create high social externalities. The†¦show more content†¦Of course, their claim is relatively true because drug addicts produce negative externalities that affect non-market participants who include dependents of the drug addicts. This direct causal relationship between drugs an d crime is due to statistics that reveal a large proportion of the newly incinerated convicts have recent prior drug use. One then could counter this premise with the argument that energy drinks cause crimes in case criminals are found to have drunk energy drinks just before committing crimes. This shallow assumption also excludes studies that reveal marijuana as neither a gateway drug (its use leads to use of dangerous drugs like cocaine and Heroin) nor its possession (which is a crime in itself) causes criminal tendencies. Their causal link relationship between drugs and crime negates other factors that include demographics and socio-economics. Proponents of prohibition claim that it reduces demand and restrict supply, thereby diminishing drugs use, and the costs of illness. Prohibition is certain to reduce the supply of drugs due to the stiff penalties imposed on suppliers. However, their argument lacks authentic verification as numerous studies within the USA and from other coun tries where these illicit drugs have been criminalized paint a different picture. Prohibition in this case refers to a government decree against the exchange of a good or a serviceShow MoreRelatedThe Legalization Of Drug Legalization1310 Words   |  6 Pages Drug decriminalization is opposed by the majority of Americans. Leaders in drug prevention, education, treatment, and law enforcement are against it, as are many political leaders. However, pro-drug advocacy groups, who support the use of drugs, are making headlines. They are influencing legislation and having a significant impact on the national policy debate in the United States. Although, pro-advocacy groups claim decriminalization of drugs will lower incarceration rates and boost the economyRead MoreDrug Legalization1579 Words   |  7 Pagesget their drug, being able to get drugs for which they re sure of the quality. Isn t it a gateway drug to harder substances? The effect of criminalization is to drive people from mild drugs to strong drugs... Crack would never have existed in my opinion if you had not had drug prohibition. It was drug prohibition- why was crack created? Because cocaine was so expensive. [Cocaine was so expensive  because of drug prohibition.] But what about the morality of legalization? It sRead MoreLegalization Of Drugs911 Words   |  4 Pages The legalization of illicit drugs has been a popular topic of debate. While there is often concern about the potential toxicity and the habits that may form, drugs are not necessarily the problem. In fact, the legalization of illicit drugs may be the answer to some of society’s problems. More drugs should be legalized because the drug is not the cause of the problem, our behavior is. Also, when compared to other substances that are legal we see the same social ills arise. 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It is essential to note that there are many benefits and consequences associated with legalizing drugs. However, the direct economic and social benefits of drug legalization clearlyRead MoreThe Legalization Of Hard Drugs1036 Words   |  5 PagesCase for the Legalization of Hard Drugs in the U.S. The issue of drug abuse is a sad reality in every community, and drug prohibition is present across the globe. Whether it is under the guise of protection of family values, or public safety, prohibition disrupts more than it maintains. Many people view drugs as a problem but they can also be viewed as a problem solver. This essay will address the socioeconomic issues with prohibition of hard drugs, and argue for their legalization. ProhibitionRead MoreDiscussing Drug Legalization1821 Words   |  7 Pages â€Å"Drugs are bad, mkay.† That’s what we’ve come to learn from Mr. Mackey in South Park (Ike’s Wee Wee). While that is known, what is the best way to combat drug use in society today? It is true the government is spending billions of dollars on the â€Å"War on Drugs,† but if they were to be legalized would that be replaced with money being spent on healthcare due to drug related incidents, or drug treatment programs? It is true that a large amount of crime and the prison population are drug related offendersRead MoreLegalization Of Ilicit Drugs1236 Words   |  5 PagesLegalization of Illicit Drugs The debate of the legalization of illicit drugs has been around for some time. It is a fairly wide spectrum, with two varying opinions. While one side argues that illicit drugs should be legal, the other side stick to the more conservative side of the spectrum and argues that illicit drugs should remain illegal and have no place in our modern society. This paper will attempt to side with the legalization of illicit drugs for various reasons. It will make the communityRead MoreAgainst The Legalization Of Drugs1671 Words   |  7 PagesAgainst the Legalization of Drugs Legalization of drugs is an increasingly hot topic in today’s society. It is one of that needs vast advancements in research and treatment for addicts to prevent the moral and legal obligations, as well as the severe health ramifications that come along with addiction of these powerful drugs. To legalize drugs would be detrimental to the family unit as well as our youth and have serious health consequences at an alarming rate. James Q. Wilson, author of, â€Å"AgainstRead More Drugs And Legalization Essay566 Words   |  3 Pages Drugs and Legalization nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Since early on man has been interested in the consumption of substances that altered the mind or ones feeling. The consumption of substances can be broken down into legal and illegal substances. The question is, who are we to label certain substances illegal and prohibit others from using them by creating penalties for their use? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;If the importation, sale and use of drugs were legal, the open competition would eliminate