Arguments for and against drug legalization in the United States

Drug Legalization

Pros

Most of the arguments for legalization of drugs are based on the pragmatic realities that it is difficult or impossible to legislate morality. Drug use has always been part of society and even though it may not be socially desirable there are many benefits that can be gained through legalization. One primary benefit is definitely financial. In a study by the Cato Institute, the report estimates that drug legalization would reduce government expenditure about $41.3 billion annually; roughly $25.7 billion of this savings would accrue to state and local governments, and roughly $15.6 billion to the federal government; about $8.7 billion of the savings would result from legalization of marijuana, $20 billion from legalization of cocaine and heroin, and $12.6 billion from legalization of all other drugs (Miron & Waldock, 2010).

There are many other benefits beyond money as well. The United States has an expensive and dysfunctional prison system that has been shown to be ineffective on many levels. Legalization has the potential to drastically reduce the prison population which would save the tax payers money. Regulating the substances would also reduce the black market activity. Also, it would be popular with the majority of the public. The "war on drugs" and the related spending has been so unpopular that President Obama was actually the first president who stopped referring to the criminalization of people for drug charges as the "War on Drugs."

My Opinion

The "War on Drugs" has been one of the most ineffective policies in the U.S. history and it is time for more common sense approaches to be taken. Criminalizing individuals for drug use is incredibly expensive and is an ineffective treatment for preventing future drug use. Instead of criminalizing individuals, it definitely makes more sense to get them the treatment that they need. The countries that have already legalized drugs have shown an increase in the number of people who seek treatment for drug use and a decrease in the overall rate of drug use. Therefore, decriminalizing drugs is consistent with a moral obligation that can help those who need help the most in our society. It is beyond time to quit hiding behind counterproductive notions of morality and focus on the real-world implications of effective policies.

Beyond the fact that legalization makes the most sense for those who suffer from drug use, it also makes the most sense for non-drug users. The financial benefits alone can have enormous implications for public funding issues such as schools, infrastructure, and healthcare. Furthermore, by allowing for the regulation of drugs you would eliminate the need for the black market and the drug cartels that are ravaging places like Mexico. The drug cartels are constantly making headlines for the most egregious acts. Not too long ago there were reports of dozens of school children that were executed by the cartels in Mexico. This can and should be eliminated. Furthermore, by regulating the industry you can also control the quality of drugs so you can make them safer for the people that are already using them.