12 of 44

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

(Smith). Some might argue that drug use indirectly affects those close to the user. They argue that people can become less fit parents, or that employees become incompetent (Smith). This argument is weak, as it can apply to alcohol, unhealthy eating habits, or even natural demeanor. It is neither illegal to consume alcohol, nor is it illegal to be unhealthy or a bad parent.

Additionally, the choices that people make are not always based on legalities. Drug users who become unfit citizens on drugs are most likely using drugs despite legalities. Similarly, unfit citizens, who are not using drugs, are most likely unfit citizens despite legalities. The decision to be one way or another should be left to each person to make, not the government. The government already has too much control in manipulating society's morals. Should we allow this to continue, further rights could be taken away (Smith). Would citizens allow the outlaw of alcohol, animal products, or birth control? What if the government took even further moral control, placing bans on specific religions? Some might say that governments will never go to these extremes, but are governments not trying to legally control sexual rights by banning gay marriage? Taking away the choice to use drugs lies on the same level as these infringements. Legalizing drugs does not mean that the government would endorse drug use, it would mean that decisions could be left up to each citizen, without fearing severe penalties based on morals imposed by the government.
In a world where personal views are slowly assimilating, saying yes to drug legalization seems to be a faux pas. However, legalization shows many benefits, both economically and socially. Legalizing drugs may not necessarily reduce society's use of illegal substances; however, actions towards reducing drug use could be focused and controlled once the strain of dealing with drug addicts as criminal offenders has been lifted. If the main focus of drug prohibition is to reduce drug use in society, why has the government dismissed an effective alternative in favour of crude punishment?

Works Cited

Becker, Gary. "The Failure of the War on Drugs." The Becker-Posner Blog. 20 March
2005. 11 March 2008.
< http://www.becker-posner-blog. com/archives/2005/03/the_failu re_of.html >.

Boaz, David. "Drug Legalization, Criminalization, and Harm Reduction." Cato Institute.
16 June 1999. 11 March 2008.
< http://www.cato.org/testimony/ ct-dbz061699.html >.

Cussen, Meaghan. "Legalize Drugs Now!". American Journal of Economics and
Sociology, The. July 2000. FindArticles.com. 24 Mar. 2008.
< http://findarticles.com/p/arti cles/mi_m0254/is_3_59/ai_65348 069 >.

"Safe drug-injection sites reduce HIV spread." CTV Canadian Press. 18 March 2005. 13
March 2008.
< http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/Arti cleNews/story/CTVNews/11111540 97459_46/ >.

Smith, Paul. "Drugs, Morality and the Law". Journal of Applied Philosophy, Vol. 19,
No.3. (2002). Oxford: Blackwell Publishers.

Learn more about this author, Naomi Blackman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about The harms of drugs versus the harms of the 'War on Drugs'?
We want to hear your view. Write now!