War on drugs failing, research suggests

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the effectiveness of the global war on drugs, referencing recent research that suggests a failure in controlling illegal drug markets. Participants explore various aspects of drug purity, health implications, societal costs, and the consequences of criminalization, with a focus on both theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight that the price of illegal drugs has decreased while their purity has increased, suggesting that law enforcement efforts are ineffective.
  • Others argue that purer drugs may reduce the risk associated with impurities, which can be harmful, citing examples like krokodil.
  • There is a contention regarding the classification of drugs like ecstasy, with some asserting they are less harmful than legal substances like alcohol and tobacco.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the war on drugs, suggesting it has led to the rise of powerful criminal organizations and a high societal cost without achieving its intended goals.
  • A few participants emphasize the need to consider long-term effects of drug use on health, arguing that death rates alone do not adequately measure the dangers of drugs.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of criminalizing drug use, with some advocating for decriminalization while maintaining restrictions on drug selling.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the effectiveness of the war on drugs and the implications of drug purity. Multiple competing views exist regarding the health impacts of drug use and the societal consequences of drug criminalization.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments rely on specific studies and data, while others are based on personal impressions or anecdotal evidence. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives on drug classification, societal costs, and health implications, with no consensus reached on these issues.

  • #31
Russ's line of argument is valid to some degree. There is an obvious group of people that abuse the term:

"Global Commission on Drug Policy Offers Reckless, Vague Drug Legalization
Proposal; Current Drug Policy Should Be Improved through Innovative Linkage
of Prevention, Treatment and the Criminal Justice System:"

http://www.ibhinc.org/pdfs/IBHCommentaryonGlobalCommissionReport71211.pdf

I think it's fair for Russ to ask for clarification. However, I think it's unfair to paint everyone who uses the term "war on drugs" as pushing a blind legalization agenda. (a.k.a. good faith, not bad faith).

Anyway, clarification for Russ: the obvious interpretation of "war on drugs" to me is the militarization of drug enforcement. I don't think users of hard drugs should be treated as harshly as we do in the US, but I think dealers and importers absolutely deserve judgment and given their criminal nature there's probably not a way to avoid militant strategies. But I think we need to demand more compassion from society as well as enact specific policies that protect addicts and users and gear rehabilitation more towards healing than punishment.

Also, I think marijuana should be legalized and controlled like alcohol.
 
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