Legalization of Drugs: Causes and Effects - Essay Example

?Legalization of Drugs: Causes and Effects In our modern and more open day and age, topics that were once taboo have become not only more prominent, but have prompted serious considerations in regard to making them a normal part of daily life. One such controversial topic is the legalization of drugs; though marijuana is the most common drug often fought for to be legalized, this issue addresses all drugs. Drugs have long since proven to be dangerous to the mental, emotional, and physical qualities of individuals, which is why they are illegal throughout the United States and in many other countries. However, in recent years, the protests in favor of legalizing drugs have strengthened, with proponents claiming that legalizing drugs can cause a decrease in drug use and an increase in the world economy. One potential cause that would allow drugs to be legalized is for the real and pressing issues of drug usage to be addressed. Like many laws and regulations set forth by politicians, policy makers have been more concerned with putting an end to the action or result than investigating their causes. The prohibition of drugs is no exception. Drug use is often recreational, which is what these policy makers are attempting to end, yet there are also many instances in which drug use is a result of poverty and despair (Kaestner 366). These are the individuals that tend to use drugs discreetly, too afraid of the ramifications of admitting to being addicted or dependent on illegal substances to seek help. As such, an effect of legalizing drugs would mean that problematic drug users would not have to fear being open about their addictions, allowing them to get the help that they desperately need. The concept that crime could be reduced and the criminal marketplace eradicated is another cause of drug legalization. When it comes to violence, the production, distribution, and use of illegal drugs make up one of the largest statistics. The majority of the violence associated with the distribution of illegal drugs is caused simply by its illegality (Thoumi 39). Since the market for illegal drugs is unregulated, prompting the majority of drugs to be obtained through theft, which can often involve injury or murder, the market becomes expensive and incredibly dangerous. The illegality of drugs allows the drug market and related crime to thrive. If drugs were legalized, though, the market would be able to be regulated through various legislation since the dangerous middle-men would be removed from the equation, and people would not have to go to such potentially deadly measures to obtain drugs. The effect would be less crime, an increase in overall drug-related violence, and a diminished drug cartel. Another effect in this category would be the beneficial changes to the condition of our legal system. By taking away the crime related to illegal drug distribution and use, we would free up substantial space in our prisons. More space would become available for other dangerous criminals that are still roaming freely on the streets, such as child predators. Furthermore, billions of dollars would be saved by not having to house the would-be criminals in prisons if drug-related crime were wiped out. The legalization of drugs has the potential to bring about a much needed decrease in criminal activity. A further cause of drug legalization is the ability to make drug use safer. Since drugs are illegal, it is difficult for drug consumers to obtain the supplies they need to engage in drug use, such as needles. Many drug users have to resort to sharing needles with one another, which increases the chances of transmittable diseases being spread (Marshall et al 4). The most common causes of death are the diseases that are spread among drug users from such unsafe practice. If illicit drugs were legalized, there would be no need for consumers to share materials because they would be able to legally purchase what they would need. An effect of legalizing drugs would be a decrease in the major drug-related illnesses and diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Similarly, with drugs being properly regulated, consumers would know precisely what they were getting when they would purchase drugs. Distributors would no longer be untrustworthy strangers on the streets, but pharmacies and state-appointed dispensaries that function properly and ethically. This would help to ensure that consumers were not only getting the drug they wanted, but the proper amount. As a result, there would be significantly fewer cases of drug abuse on the behalf of the distributor who might substitute one substance for another, even a synthetic substance, possibly causing the consumer to become sick or die. There would also be a noticeable decrease in drug overdoses as the amount of drugs being distributed would be monitored. Drug use would be safer if the entire drug industry was being legally overseen and moderated. A final potential cause of drug legalization, and perhaps the most popular, is for the sake of the global economy. There is not a single country on Earth that is not facing the pressures of a steady increase in debt, and many nations are resorting to unconventional means to bridge monetary gaps. One such method being considered is the legalization of illicit drugs. Utilizing this method would cut back on spending in regard to drug prohibition, such as the arrests, prosecutions, and incarceration of drug distributers and users, saving the United States alone billions of dollars annually. Money would also be gained as the government would collect tax revenue on the sales of drugs. The federal and state governments would earn “$8.7 billion from the legalization of marijuana, $32.6 billion from the legalization of cocaine and heroin, and $5.5 billion from the legalization of all other drugs” (Miron &Waldock par. 6). Not only would the cause of drug legalization allow the government to be in control of distribution, but it would also benefit financially. Moreover, underdeveloped countries would be able to feel the financial effects of drug legalization, especially those that grow or supply many of the products and chemicals needed for the creation of drugs. If these countries were able to charge and collect taxes on products that were legal, they could become more economically stable. Unfortunately, not all of the effects of drug legalization are positive, regardless of their causes. The most profound negative effect of drug legalization would be the increased number of individuals under the influence of drugs. While drugs contain chemicals, both natural and incorporated during production, that promote feelings of peace and calmness, they all have the ability to cause severe impairment in consumers. Like alcohol, individuals being influenced by drugs have a decrease in their judgement, and are further subjected to hallucinations and delusions. While drug-related crime may decline as a result of legalization, reckless behavior, car accidents, and other dangers would increase. These would result in higher rates of health problems and an increase of health care costs. Policy makers may have their reasons for keeping illicit drugs illegal, many of which have to do with maintaining the health of the general public. All the same, there are many beneficial effects of legalizing drugs. Crime rate could be significantly reduced, drug consumers would be safer, and the global economy could flourish. On the other side, though, is the negative effect that the amount of people using drugs may increase. Regardless of where people stand in regard to the debate of the effects and influences of drug legalization, this once taboo topic has become one of potential. Works Cited Kaestner, Robert. "Does Drug Use Cause Poverty?" The Economic Analysis of Substance Use and Abuse. Chicago: University of Chicago, 199. 327-68. National Bureau of Economic Research. 5 Jan. 1999. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. . Marshall, Brandon, Magdalena Paczkowski, Lars Seemann, Barbara Tempalski, Enrique Pouget, Sandro Galea, and Samuel Friedman. "A Complex Systems Approach to Evaluate HIV Prevention in Metropolitan Areas." Plos One 7.9 (2012): 1-16. Academic Search Premier. Web. 23 Apr. 2013. Miron, Jeffrey A., and Katherine Waldock. "Making an Economic Case for Legalizing Drugs." Cato Institute. N.p., 3 Oct. 2010. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. . Thoumi, Francisco. "The Relationship between Illegal Drugs and Violence." University of Texas. N.p., 12 Nov. 2009. Web. 23 Apr. 2013. . Read More