Illicit Drugs in Australia - Essay Example

Illicit Drugs in Australia xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Effects of the use of cannabis xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Name xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Institution xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Lecturer xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Date The use of illicit drug has been not only been an Australian concerns but also a worldwide interest especially on health and crime related issues. Yearly, at least around 5% of world’s population is perceived to use illicit drug. Most of the common drugs across the globe are nicotine, heroine, marijuana, tobacco and meth/amphetamine. Marijuana is prepared through drying up of leaves and flower of the plant cannabis which is later smoked by its user. In earlier year’s, cultivation for cannabis plant was mainly to producing a potent drug and a strong rope used in manufacturing of canvas and linen. Cannabis began being cultivated in Australia and larger part of Europe during the 17th century where it was planted for its fiber. It was not until the 18th and 19th century that this plant was occasionally used as a recreational drug that eventually results to be abused. Widespread abuse of cannabis emerged in Australia in the fifties and since then there have been a display of an upward trend in relation to the number of marijuana users. A recent survey issued by NDS revealed that cannabis remains as one of common illicit drug in Australia (Manderson 1993). In Australia, research indicates that there exist a strong relationship between the use of illicit drugs (especially marijuana) and criminal activities. An analysis carried out in the year between the years 1950- 1970 indicated that criminal activity was 3.1 to 4.3 times greater among drug users as compared to the non users. In addition to this, police indicated that 5000 of arrestee arrested every year 60% comprised those who were involved in cheap drugs such as marijuana. This clearly indicates that there is greater connection between drug users and law offenders. When all arrestees were asked why they were taking part in any criminal activity, it was evident it was in order to obtain money so as to purchase the drug (Rowe 2004). This trend was exhibited from all statistical data since 1945 to current situation in Australia. The most common criminal activities that marijuana abusers engage in include; drug dealing where 67% of those consuming the drug take part in, property crime comprising of 57% and robbery with violence which comprised 16% of marijuana drug users. From empirical research (from 1945 to 1990s), there have been variation in the association between illicit drugs and crime. Research indicated that this association varied largely on marijuana users due to individual lack in self control that result from smoking bang. Between the year 1993 and 2003, out of the imprisoned offenders, 81% had used cannabis whereas 53% had used it minutes before being arrested. Most of those cannabis users offender where been arrested for fraud, property, multiple and drug related offences as compared to homicide which is usually connected to cocaine and heroine drugs. Past empirical research way from 70s to 90s indicate that marijuana users are inactive in nature and widely differ in individual characteristics from other stimulant users (Rowe 2004). Also being a cheap drug most of its users do not relay on criminal activities as a way of acquiring money to facilitate the purchase of this drug. The trend of cognitive impairments such as loss in memory and attention deficits due to intoxication been displayed by researches on arrestee in the 70s has constantly led to earlier conclusion that most of marijuana users do not engage in offensive activities. Report issued way from 1945 to now indicate that the use of illicit drugs across Australia has widely attracted a high point of social and political interest. From historical point of view, the establishment of cannabis tea pad sprigged ups the use of cannabis for reaction leading to its abuse. The price was very low such that young people of age between 10 and 18 was able to purchase with money given to them by their parents. There has been great significance in finding out changing patterns of drug usage over time. Historical overview indicate that most individual in drug abuse begin at a tender age (Stokes, Chalk & Gillen 2000). In Australian, pattern displayed since 1945 indicate that drug use instigation in the general population provide on its background, usage and its availability. History detects that Cannabis or marijuana remains to be Australian used illicit drug way since 1945. A survey carried out on 2004 indicated that over 30% of Australian population between aged fourteen and twenty years have been involved in taking this drug. Information indicates that it is not possible to quantify the exact amount of drug cost in Australia. Government expenditure since 1945 towards the fight of illicit drug can be obtained from national drug strategy. Social cost towards the community such as community welfare, law and heath can only be estimated from the trends exhibited since 1945. There are components such as pain and suffering cannot be exactly estimated but can be quoted by effect related to the drug and reduced quality in life. The use of marijuana has serious implications on the crime rate in Australia with 75% of the persons arrested for drug related offences in the years of 2002 and 2003 were in possession or had used cannabis. A number of test results conducted on 2800 detainees in Sydney (Bankstown and Parramatta) indicated that 59% of the male and 55% of the female detainees had used marijuana. From the CIN (Cannabis Infringement Notice) was set up in accordance with the cannabis control act 2003 that enables the police and law enforcers to issue cautions to first time offenders of 18 years and over found in possession of not exceeding 25 grams. A study conducted by the NSW bureau of crime statistics reveal that a large population of cannabis which is highly and readily available is related to robbery crimes as this provides avenues to obtain cash to be used to purchase the drug. Most of the persons who were arrested of robbery even under the influence of other drugs like heroine tested positive to marijuana. The rate of related marijuana robbery cases is 1993 was as high as 76%. In addition to this, cannabis sativa causes the impairment of cognitive and normal behavior functions that leads to the lack of coordination in using and operating machinery. In cases of motor vehicle driving, impairment with decision making that end up in motor car accidents as the driver is unable to make informed decisions in cases of emergency. This has lead to the Australian government through the various states in the country and the traffic police department to assess road users who show cases of overconsumption of drugs. Studies by Chesher, G 1995 indicate that the road users with impaired road usage tested positively high in the use of alcohol. This indicates that the drug is normally just used as a getaway drug to harder substance abuse. Marijuana in such cases amplifies the alcohol impairment which and up in increased culpability Katie, W et al, 2010. From obtained data, most detainees purchased cannabis more often than any other drug. In the study done between 1999 to the year 2009 there is a decline in purchase of cannabis but it still reflected a considerable high level of use among the detainees. This shows that there is a correlation in use between marijuana and its use as a gate away drug. The number of drug trafficking showed a steady increase. This can be related to the marijuana as many individuals can access it as evidenced in the detainee report because it is cheap and readily available. In 2001 479 drug trafficking crimes were reported as compared to 707 reported in the year 2009 Haynes, R et al, 2010. The number of cannabis seizures are reported though the not high with a total of 1800 reported cases per quarter. It also evidence that for every detainee who tested positive in urinalysis had used or purchased marijuana within the past thirty days. The trend seems to have a steady increase in the year 2000. According to the Australian crime data the supply of marijuana has a clear link with organized crime most of who are lured to the business for speedy gains due to its high cost-effective margins in its cultivation. The hydroponic cultivation of the drug makes it attractive for organized groups to be involved in. this makes it possible for the groups to be involved into other drug trafficking or crime to attract more and more money, National Cannabis Strategy Consultation Paper. References Manderson, D, 1993, A history of Australian drug laws. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Rowe, J, 2004, Harm minimization zero tolerance and beyond: the politics of illicit drugs in Australia. NSW: Pearson Education. Stokes, G, Chalk, P & Gillen, K, 2000, Drugs and democracy: in search of new directions, Parkville Vic: Melbourne University Press. Haynes, R, Griffiths, P, Butler, T, Allsop, S & Gunnell, A, 2010, Drug trends and crime tracking: relationships between indices of heroin, amphetamine and cannabis use and crime. Drug and Alcohol Office Monograph No 6, Drug and Alcohol Office. Perth,Western Australia. November 2010. Katie W, Homel, P & Gray, K , 2010 Developing and implementing a performance measurement framework for drug law enforcement in Australia; the national drug law enforcement research fund National Cannabis Strategy Consultation Paper, retrieved on the 23rd of March 2011. http://www.groups.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/National_Cannabis_Strategy_Consult ation_Paper.pdf Read More