Last updated : December 16, 2024
The debate about whether or not legalizing all drugs would benefit our country has been ongoing for decades. So far, there is no sound decision on the matter, but the topic has been in the news again recently. Decision-makers need to ponder this decision wisely because when the subject comes up, many Americans conjure up a mental image of—well, quite frankly—streets filled with drug-crazed people running amok.
Anarchy! Yes, chaos in the streets!
It’s not hard to envision the above scenario if the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) does away with its Controlled Substances and the federal government moves forward with legalizing or decriminalizing the drugs found listed there.
Giving the benefit of the doubt
Proponents of the idea list several positive outcomes of legalizing drugs in the United States. Still, a counter-viewpoint springs immediately to mind for each of them. Hearing both sides of the argument is essential for forming an informed opinion, though, so we need to hear them out.
Potential economic benefits
Those in favor of drug legalization purport that the move would have economic benefits.
They include:
- Legalization paves the way for significant tax revenues adding untold amounts to the coffers.
- Government spending could be reallocated because it’s not spending money on drug enforcement.
- Law enforcement could use its resources in other areas when its not dedicated to drug-related crimes.
- Lowers the criminal justice burden because the number of drug-related cases could become non-existent.
Crime rates impacted
The theory that legalizing drugs would reduce crime rates is another positive point that advocates are quick to make. They say that there would be a reduction in violent crimes associated with the illegal drug trade. Law enforcement would then be free to direct their efforts toward more serious crimes.
Additionally, they propose that legalization would disrupt illegal drug trafficking activities negatively affecting the cartels.
Our health could be impacted as well
According to those who believe that legalizing drugs is the course we should take, it allows for facilitating research into the medical benefits of certain drugs. For instance, currently, it’s believed that marijuana legalization is decreasing the number of opiate overdose deaths by as much as twenty-five percent.
If this trend continues, using marijuana instead of the opiate of choice could be beneficial in winning the war against the opioid epidemic that has plagued the United States for decades.
Counterpoints
For every point made by advocates for drug legalization, there is a counterpoint that should be heavily considered as well. After all, it’s the future of our nation we’re talking about. Frankly speaking, so far, the live and let live philosophy is largely what has gotten us to where we are today—and a lot of people believe it’s not the best place to be.
Do we truly want to legalize drug use, thereby, giving free rein to everyone’s right to explore whether or not they are going to become a drug addict?
Make sure the lawmakers know this
Scientific studies have determined that half the population is born predisposed to becoming drug addicts. We have to wonder if advocates for drug legalization are aware of that fact.
If not, they should read on.
Addiction is defined as being a chronic relapsing brain disorder. Research shows that between 40% to 60% of us are predisposed to becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol due to genetics. It’s been discovered that the genetic connection to addiction comes through inherited levels of dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is widely known as a “feel good” hormone. High levels of this chemical messenger can cause poor impulse control and, thereby, point someone toward addictive behaviors.
Consequently, the best way to not become a drug addict is to avoid ever trying drugs—or alcohol—in the first place. It seems extremely simple advice, but that could literally be all that it takes. Some people succumb to addiction in a very short time, so why take the risk?
If the news that so many of us are predisposed to addiction were widely publicized, could even the plague of opioid addiction be put to an end? We’d say, it’s certainly worth testing the theory!
Now, for rebutting those pros
Regarding the economic benefit, legalizing drugs is sure to cause an influx of addiction. Currently, the societal cost of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug addiction is roughly 6% of the nation’s income which equates to over $532 billion a year.
An increase in drug addicts, which is bound to happen if drug use is nothing more than a huge free-for-all, will only increase that figure not decrease it. Moreover, the monies earned due to tax revenue and all that trickles down from that don’t benefit society as a whole.
Money brought in from tax revenue, but lowers the quality of life—unsafe streets, the increased number of deaths due to drug overdose, and so on—of citizens, can’t be considered a plus.
Crime reduction is a wonderful thought, but, let’s consider this from a specific perspective. If there were no laws against drug use, would people be more likely to “go for the gusto” trying drugs for themselves? Then, remembering that up to 6o% of us are predisposed to addiction due to genetics, wouldn’t more people find themselves caught in the throes of drug addiction? What happens when they grow desperate to “get their fix?”
The phrase, “desperate times call for desperate measures” comes to mind. Que the image of chaos in the streets.
Lastly, regarding hitting the drug cartels hard leaving them no reason to traffic drugs into the country. The word “preposterous” comes to mind because they would still traffic drugs but drop their prices to entice users to purchase from them rather than the legal methods put into place.
The final take
Legalizing drugs in America should be heavily considered before being implemented. Oregon gave legalizing drugs a try and it was relatively short-lived. That fact alone should give the nation pause.
All aspects of legalizing or decriminalizing drugs at a national level must be heavily considered before a decision is made. Data and common sense must play a part in determining what is truly the best course of action for our country.
If you have an opinion on this matter, it would be a good idea to make your voice heard. Contact your local government officials and federal representatives to state your opinion. Taking an active part in the direction that our country is moving is more important than ever.
Let’s speak up.
