Can Reforms and Regulations end the War on Drugs?

July 12, 2022

Is the War on Drugs doing more harm than good? Drug policy reformist Ethan Nadelmann underlines ways to end the "backward, heartless, disastrous" movement to stamp out the drug trade, giving several reasons for which regulation is a practical solution instead.

There has never been a drug-free society.

Humanity has always used drugs for pain relief, healing effects, and calming purposes. History has proven that prohibition is not the ultimate form of regulation, but rather the abdication of regulation. Therefore, governments must impose regulations to set parameters for the correct use of drugs.

Where there is a demand there will be a supply!

The drug industry is divided by a very thin line that makes this industry full of gaps and grey zones. However, the regulation of drugs is necessary to eradicate underground illicit markets, creating a safe system that benefits from taxes, rehabilitation programs, and a more educated society.

In 2001, Portugal became the first European country to abolish all criminal penalties for personal drug possession. ¹ In addition, the government mandated that drug users were to be provided with therapy rather than prison sentences, committing to treating addiction as a health issue.

Nadelmann emphasizes how the true challenge is not to exclude drugs, but rather to coexist, preventing collateral damages.¹

In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis, setting a trend that spread to a majority of states by 2016. While in 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use.²

The fast rise of the industry resulted in increased tax revenues, job growth, and investment opportunities. Today, more than ⅓ of the U.S. has legalized the adult use of recreational marijuana and 37 state legalized therapeutical marijuana, setting high economic benefits and minimal risks.²

Resources

1. Nadelmann, Ethan. "Why we need to end the War on Drugs" TED Global. 12 Nov. 2014. https://www.ted.com/talks/ethan_nadelmann_why_we_need_to_end_the_war_on_drugs

2. Hansen, Claire. ''Where Is Marijuana Legal? A Guide to Marijuana Legalization'' U.S. News. 27 May, 2022. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/where-is-marijuana-legal-a-guide-to-marijuana-legalization