Drug use is a complicated issue. Personally, I have no problem with marijuana legalization. Since Americans have the right to drink alcohol once they are of age, I do not see why marijuana should be any different since the two substances are very similar. Not only that, but marijuana is a huge industry in the states it has been legalized in. Any product that can turn a profit without being a huge detriment to our population is fine with me …
I agree that states should reform drug laws to address the high rates of drug-related incarcerations and the opioid crisis; however a plan that would not resolve the issue would be passing a drug decriminalization similar to that of Oregon. On one hand, the decriminalization of non-addictive drugs with comparatively lower consequences — like marijuana — is an effective way to reduce high incarceration rates. On the other hand, decriminalizing drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine overlooks the underlying cause of drug-related incarcerations: addiction. With a dependence on the drug, individuals will continue to utilize it upon release, thus continuing the cycle. Therefore, solutions like the CREATE Opportunities Act — a federal grant to promote rehabilitation in correctional facilities — proposes a more effective option to combat drug-related incarnations and the opioid crisis.
— Julia Oledzka, Glenbard West High School
Unjust Justice?
I think that marijuana should be legalized, as we have not seen many negative cases regarding marijuana. I think that the decriminalization of having small amounts of drugs is beneficial because of the effects it will have on the “criminal.” Once out of jail, it is hard to find jobs and you are often viewed as a criminal rather than a person. This can lead to a downward spiral in life as a former prisoner would have to turn to other means of making money like stealing or selling drugs because they would not get hired as a result of their priors. Drug users should instead be rehabilitated so that they can have a better quality of life versus a worse one.
— Jorge Rivera, Middletown, NJ
Due to the sheer number of people surviving time for possession I think we should decriminalize all drugs. I especially feel that this should be applied to marijuana because it is not only decriminalized but approved for recreational use in some states. In the United States we have very overcrowded jails. In addition to that lots of the people serving time for drug possession are serving absurdly long times because of racial disparity. This is a huge problem and It needs to be addressed. Part of the way I think we could improve this situation is by doing what the article suggests and offer treatment for addiction. Being able to overcome the flaws in the system would be extremely beneficial for the government, economy and many communities.
Rehabilitation Over Punishment
I think that we focus too much on punishment with drugs rather than rehabilitation. A lot of people who use drugs are not necessarily bad people and ultimately just need help. In places like Denmark drug clinics are in place to offer cleaner drugs and move towards rehabilitation. In the US however, it seems like we are way too harsh on users, there’s a good chance that the drug is used as a way to cope, unhealthy as it is. Instead of demonizing and criminalizing users, we should try to be more understanding and focus on rehabilitating them. I don’t think this means legalizing hard drugs like heroin and cocaine, but the consequences should not be so harsh. As for marijuana, the way I see it is if we can legalize tobacco, we can legalize marijuana. Cigarettes can and will damage your lungs if not used in limitation, the same goes for marijuana. If used in limitation marijuana is fine, if used in excess it can have negative effects on your brain and health. It seems to me the war on drugs has had the opposite effect of what was intended. Because drugs have been so criminalized, demand for them goes higher, therefore more criminals and dealers. Plus because of the harsh prison sentences on users, they have a harder time finding jobs after prison which leads them to crime as a result.
It is difficult to determine whether drugs should be legal recreationally. However, I believe all drugs should remain illegal, but better institutions should be funded to prevent relapse. Personally, the logic behind legalizing drugs doesn’t make sense. If legislation were to legalize the consumption of marijuana nationally, we start ourselves down a difficult path. This is because the main characteristic of any serotonin releasing activity is that the subject wants to feel that feeling again. Ultimately, this means that once marijuana becomes legal, it will be almost impossible to retreat without serious backlash. Drugs cause feelings in people that can make them unreasonable. This worries me. Additionally, we don’t know the side effects of legalizing cannabis nationally. How will it impede youth user rates, DUIs, work production, and even attics to stronger drugs? However, the system in place now clearly is insufficient. Instead of decriminalizing the offense, we should focus on the rehabilitation centers as a form aid instead of imprisonment. This would prevent the possible side effects of national legalization while still keeping people out of jail.
— Charlie Lange, Glenbard West
Decriminalization Is Not the Answer.
I do not think we should decriminalize the possession of drugs. Medical use should be legal, but not recreational use. Whether it’s legal or illegal, people are going to do drugs. The difference is that if it is illegal, we have more of an opportunity to make change. We can put people in rehab. We can regulate it better. Quite frankly, the last thing we need in the country is easier access to drugs. That’s the biggest danger of decriminalization — increased access. Too many people are dead from drugs, or have their lives ruined by them; which is why the rehab would be good. The only reason prison rates are rising is because we have created this vicious cycle. People do drugs, don’t get help, and are therefore in and out of jail (repeat offenders). Then their kids follow suit and it creates a cycle. That cycle can be stopped. But not by decriminalizing drugs. It can be stopped by putting drug offenders in jail. To do that, the possession of drugs has to be criminal.
The Link LonkDecember 11, 2020 at 02:03AM
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What Students Are Saying About Decriminalizing Drugs, Conversation Skills and Favorite Cookies - The New York Times
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