Decriminalization of Drug Use
Layna Thompsonにより
1. Cons
1.1. Would make drugs more readily available to those who have a predisposition to addiction
1.2. Drug Decriminalization - VA.org
1.3. Though unlikely, decriminalization could increase higher rates of drug use
1.4. Decriminalization could cause negative effects on society (Decriminalization would increase the use and the economic and social costs of drugs. - Americas Quarterly
2. Decriminalization and legalization are not the same
2.1. Decriminalization just frees a user from prosecution. It does not mean that they can buy substances off the street or be high in public without consequences
2.2. Legalization, like with marijuana in some states, allows a substance to be used recreationally. The substance is even sold in stores and taxes are placed on it
3. Stakeholder: Pharmaceutical companies
4. Stakeholder: Private, federal, and state prisons
5. Pros
5.1. Less individuals in prison for nonviolent crimes
5.1.1. Helps economy by using less tax dollars to fund prisons
5.2. Less stigma toward drug users
5.3. Ability to provide safe spaces for drug users
5.3.1. Could decrease the number of deaths from drug overdose
5.3.1.1. https://www.unodc.org/documents/ungass2016/Contributions/Civil/DrugPolicyAlliance/DPA_Fact_Sheet_Approaches_to_Decriminalization_Feb2015_1.pdf