Drug Legalization

by Noel Merino

Overview

This anthology is composed of primary sources written by many of the foremost authorities on drug legalization. Leading conservative, liberal, and centrist views are represented, introducing your readers to the broadest possible spectrum of opinions on the topic. Each chapter asks a pertinent question about the topic, and the viewpoints that follow are grouped into “yes” and “no” categories. This unique approach provides readers with a concise view of divergent opinions on each topic. Contains extensive book and periodical bibliographies and a list of organizations to contact are also included. Provide your readers with this invaluable resource, so they can understand the debate over drug legalization from all angles.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780737750973
Publisher:	Greenhaven Publishing
Publication date:	11/05/2010
Series:	Current Controversies Series
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	15 - 17 Years

About the Author

B01

Table of Contents

Foreword 11

Introduction 14

Chapter 1 Is the Prohibition of Drugs Failing?

Overview: Is the War on Drugs Nearing an End? Matt Sledge 18

Yes: The Prohibition of Drugs Is Failing

The War on Drugs Is Not Working Doug Bandow 24

Prohibition of Marijuana Unnecessarily Criminalizes Young Minorities Harry Levine 31

No: The Prohibition of Drugs Is Not Failing

The Prohibition of Drugs Is Working and Should Continue John P. Walters 40

Drug Legalisation: An Evaluation of the Impacts on Global Society: Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. 44

Chapter 2 Is Drug Use Dangerous for Society?

Overview: Drug Use in the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 56

Yes: Drug Use Is Dangerous for Society

Marijuana Use Harms Health and Is Addictive: National Institute on Drug Abuse 60

Drug Use Negatively Impacts Health, Productivity, and Crime: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 65

No: Drug Use Is Not Dangerous for Society

Methamphetamine and Other Drugs Are Not as Dangerous as Alleged Carl Hart 72

Drug Prohibition Is More Dangerous than Decriminalization David Boaz 82

Chapter 3 Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

Overview: For First Time, Americans Favor Legalizing Marijuana Art Swift 88

Yes: Marijuana Should Be Legalized

The War on Marijuana Targets Individuals of Color: American Civil Liberties Union 91

Marijuana Should Be Legalized and Not Just Decriminalized Drug Policy Alliance 98

Medical Marijuana Should Be Legalized: Marijuana Policy Project 105

No: Marijuana Should Not Be Legalized

Marijuana Legalization Is a Bad Idea for the United States: Office of National Drug Control Policy 114

Medical Marijuana in Plant Form Should Not Be Legalized: Smart Approaches to Marijuana 122

Chapter 4 How Should US Drug Policy Be Reformed?

Overview: Public Opinion on Drug Policy: Pew Research Center 134

Have We Lost the War on Drugs? Gary S. Becker Kevin M. Murphy 137

Legalizing Drugs R.R. Renol 44

Legal, Regulated Heroin Could Have Saved Philip Seymour Hoffman Valerie Vande Panne 147

Heroin and Rational Choice Jonah Goldberg 156

There Is No Moral Justification for the Prohibition of Drugs Matthew Feeney 159

Drug Legalization Will Have Positive and Negative Consequences Jeffrey A. Miron 165

Organizations to Contact 169

Bibliography 174

Index 179