Should Drugs Be Legalized?

Should Drugs Be Legalized?

Possible Alternatives

Organized crime is a big business today. Some main products associated with organized crime are guns, drugs and prostitution. What effects do these commodities have on today's society? Today drugs are a big business in the underworld. There is a lot of crime associated with the drug world, so many people who want drugs legalized say that the government could control the sales and ultimately bring down the crime rate and also make lots of money off it. If you look at Holland, that is what the government did and it did have an effect on crime. When we look at this issue we have to take into account our values and apply them to this situation and then come up with our own position, individually. Each of us have different values so we may not come up with the same position.

Positive and negative consequences

1. Yes, drugs should be legalized.

Positive consequences Negative consequences

If the government controlled the sales they could stand to make a lot of money through taxes. The money made could go to help needy organizations and groups. People would use it more and addictions would rise, costing money for rehab centres.

Organized crime may be reduced, therefore lowering the crime rate and making our streets safer. If could cause more accidents or deaths when driving or in recreational use.

The government could control the amount coming in and where it comes from, therefore makit it safer (not as potent or contaminated). It may lead to more violence or aggression.

This would make it easier for people who need it for medical purposes to get it. If it were privatized a few would stand to make a lot of money (like the privitization of liquor stores in some provinces).

Organized crime would find something else to sell even more deadlier or they could rebel and fight back.

2. No, drugs should not be legalized.

Positive consequences Negative consequences

* There would not be as widespread use as there is with alcohol. * Crime is very high, and this would only increase chances to break the law.

* It would be easier to control and eliminate the use of drugs. * The government would spend lots of money finding drug dealers.

* It would discourage the use of drugs. * When prosecuting drug users & pushers, it takes millions of dollars to prosecute them.

* Pushers would be jailed.

3. Just a few drugs should be legalized. Which ones should be? Cannabis, Cocaine, Heroin? Why should some be considered and others not?

Positive consequences Negative consequences

* Some drugs are useful if not used regularly. Cannabis is useful for people who have balance problems, throw up regularly (nauseated), or have eating disorders. Heroin helps control diarrhea and slows down hyperactive people. Cocaine is a stimulant that can help people's senses. * Hard to define "need" for drugs.

* Drug cartels are still getting rich and powerful.

* Legalizing could cut down on some crime. * People would abuse the drugs.

* More addictions.

4. Alternatives discussed a little further (and how to talk about them in class, with no positives or negatives -- just more open discussion)

* Medical reasons are the biggest reasons for legalizing drugs today, but most scientists do not think this is the way to go because there are legal drugs available that have the