Legalization of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin often provokes intense disagreement among citizens as well as policymakers. Because legalization would create a market for these drugs, economists can provide helpful commentary based on consumer choice and demand.
The study of Grossman has shown that even though it has not been proved definitively that the use of marijuana, cocaine, and other illicit drugs should be legalized, there are some critical factors regarding its legalization that should not be ignored. One of these factors is that the legalization of illegal drugs would cause higher consumption in the public if the prices would fall as well (Nesvisky, 2018).
Even though the last presidential campaign was not shaped around the legalization of drug issues, current campaigns are shaped around it. The survey backed by federal support investigating the consumption of drugs in school students has shown positive results with higher consumptions. How big this issue can become is certainly unknown. However, this worrisome trend in teens and the ongoing public debate on the legalization of the illegal drugs is critical (Stares, 1996).
Some analysts would undoubtedly see the solution in heavier penalties, stricter regulations, and sanctions on consumers and suppliers of the illicit drugs. Even though these analysts would argue that the ban on the consumption and use of the illicit drugs has proven to be socially divisive, physically harmful, prohibitively expensive, and counterproductive. They can argue that this prohibition has resulted in incentives that provide bases for a violent black market for these drugs. The only logical conclusion in their opinion would be to legalize the drugs (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2010).
Even though the public seems to be only concerned about this issue whenever their anxiety about the existing policies rises. However, the media radar on this issue never seems to slip off. Incidents are happening periodically like that of the death of a young couple infused with heroin, and the comment of the Surgeon on it to the legitimization of the drug might come beneficial show this? The more prominence is given to the ones who have advocated for the legalization of the drugs also ensures this (Drug Policy Alliance, 2017).
Legalization of drugs is not one of the public policies which need simplistic debate. It needs scrutiny and investigation of the order which has been absent even with all the attention on the issue. There has not been any detailed attention given to this issue. Other than some general proposals, the need for a detailed assessment into the operational interpretation of legitimizing of illegal drugs is crucial. In fact, legalization, the term in itself, means different meanings for different individuals.
The stance of the governments has also not been very proactive. The stance has not been based on any investigation or research. There are many aspects of these issues which are needed to be handled by the government. The right questions need to be asked of the right people. The repercussions on the domestic context and in the international context should be analyzed as well. All the analysis should be done regarding the potential costs and benefits and not only in financial terms.
The Drug Enforcement Administration message on the misleading and biased information on the drug policy shows the needed facts about the prohibition on the usage and supply of the drug. As per the department, the drug policy in place is not the result of dreamed up idealism, but instead, it has been constructed based on the cold realities of the experience. The historical perspective of the challenges that Americans has faced regarding drug abuse and consumption has been the reason for this policy.
In the end, it is concluded, it should be made sure that hardcore facts and research should be presented while advocating for the illicit drugs legitimization. The harm that this legitimization can bring to the community whose prohibition has caused tens of thousands to be killed and countless of spent lives of misery, addiction and pain in America alone should not be ignored.
References
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2010). SPEAKING OUT Against Drug Legalization. Retrieved June 9, 2018, from https://www.dea.gov/pr/multimedia-library/publications/speaking_out.pdf
Drug Policy Alliance. (2017). Raising the stakes. Retrieved June 9, 2018, from http://www.drugpolicy.org/2017annualreport/
Nesvisky, M. (2018, June 8). Smoking, Drinking, and Drug Use Respond to Price Changes. Retrieved June 9, 2018, from http://www.nber.org/digest/may05/w10948.html
Stares, P. (1996, March 1). Drug Legalization? Time for a real debate. Retrieved June 9, 2018, from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/drug-legalization-time-for-a-real-debate/
+447462439809