What if possession of controlled substances were no longer illegal?
Decriminalizing controlled substances could have multifaceted impacts on society. On one hand, it could reduce crime rates by eliminating the need for addicts to commit crimes to fund their habits and decrease the prison population, addressing institutionalized racism and economic inequality.
What if possession of controlled substances were no longer illegal?
people are more likely to seek addiction treatment
tons of stigma facing addiction because people are ashamed if legalized then people might be more likely to ask for help
decrease law enforcement costs
incarceration
arrests
legalization sends the wrong message to children
makes children think that using drugs is appropriate since it is legal
reduce the number of crimes committed by addicts trying to get money to buy expensive drugs
slow the transmission of aids/hepatitis by use of dirty needles
put more funding into programs such as syringe exchange programs and treatment facilities
save money on costly ineffective law enforcement efforts
money that is saved could go towards things such as programs for rehabilitation and building more treatment facilities
eliminate the profits of illegal drug trade
regulate the quality and price
benefit from a new source of tax revenue
money could go into funding things like schools or treatment facilities
drug legalization jeopardizes the safety of society since being under the influences slows reaction times and ability to think
car accidents
work related injuries
the adverse physical effects of drugs tear families apart and cause drug users to engage in criminal activity
when a person is addicted to drugs it can effect the whole family
users engage in crime to fund drug habit
reduce the number of children victimized by lure of quick money from drug sales
take the criminal justice system out of the business of trying to control drug abuse health problems and put responsibility in the hands of public health
police not arresting people for drug crimes so public health has to step in to take a different approach
less individuals are locked up for drug charges
reduce economic inequality
free up police time to work on more pressing issues
cut costs because putting people in prison is expensive
would help institutionalized racism
less crowding to an already overcrowded prison population
