Anyone who has previously committed a drug crime is released from prison

Pros

government and state
spending decrease

"The cost of incarcerating over 485,000 prisoners for drug offenses exceeds $9 billion annually." (Schiraldi Et Al. 2000)

More money to invest
in other federally/state funded
expenditures.

Increase in public moral

Taxpayers save money

potential for funding of
abuse treatment programs

Reduces prison overcrowding

More prison space for
violent/more
serious offenders.

increased general
public safety

freeing of law enforcements
time and resources

Heavier focus on more serious/
violent crimes

Cons

Negative public perception

General public may
fear the outcome of
so many inmates
being released

Low public moral

public disapproval/
distrust of
governments

Lack of rehabilitation
services for offenders

potential for reoffence

68% of drug offenders are rearrested within 3 years of release from prison (Belenko Et Al. 2013)

Issues reintegrating
into society

potential for reoffence

increase in homelessness