In 1970, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act which banned the manufacture, importation, possession, use and distribution of certain drugs. The act ranked drugs by their potential for abuse and placed them into five categories. Two of the most widely used drugs in the U.S., wine and alcohol, are exempt from the classifications. Ballot measures in several states including Colorado, Washington and Oregon have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. These laws apply only within the respective states and have no effect on Federal law.
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@ISIDEWITH13yrs13Y
Yes
@9FMW82V2yrs2Y
If we were to decriminalize drug use where would the representation for those affected be for those who had a lack of self-control when taking drugs and committing serious crimes under the influence?
@Ars-Gratia-Artis1yr1Y
Ummm, yeah? Drugs is a lack of self control? Just don't take them? Don't be an idiot?
@9FRFK9G2yrs2Y
Drugs are a negative force. They impact the mind and make a person lose control of themselves. They help lazy people ignore their responsibilities. So for a successful society to function, drugs cannot be decriminalized.
@9FTRLC82yrs2Y
I understand that this is a steep hill to climb for many - to decriminalize is equivalent to just letting dangerous people out onto the streets. But decriminalizing drug use is more akin to decriminalizing homosexuality than it is to decriminalizing rape and murder. These are non-violent drug offenders and many of them want to contribute positively to society. Drug abusers who commit crimes will still go to prison, but drug users who can contribute positively to society and violate no other laws should be free to do so.
@9FPP85Z2yrs2Y
Dozens of programs have been found to significantly reduce substance use, some by over 50 percent. Prevention policies can also be effective. For example, a 10 percent increase in the cost of alcohol can reduce binge drinking by nearly 10 percent among men and over 35 percent among women.
@ISIDEWITH13yrs13Y
No
@9TNQJXL8mos8MO
I thnk some drugs are good to ban but others have properties that make them basically harmless and shouldn't be banned
@9FTRLC82yrs2Y
There is a great deal of misconception in those who oppose the legalization of drug use. The people who use and abuse drugs are not moral failures in need of punishment, they are sick people in need of treatment. The criminal justice system has been a total failure in treating the epidemic of drug use and abuse. It is time to listen to the experts: doctors, social workers, counselors, and psychologists, all of whom agree that drugs should be decriminalized and treated as a health issue, not an issue of crime.
@9FPP85Z2yrs2Y
Not having resources like Addiction Prevention centers can prevent the public from knowing the basic dangers of substance abuse and leave them uninformed and open to harmful things they know nothing about.
@9G2ZWF62yrs2Y
Drugs are a matter of personal choice, as long as they are done so privately and safely in which no harm can be done to anybody.
@ISIDEWITH13yrs13Y
Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
No, but decriminalize drugs that offer medicinal benefits such as marijuana
@9G9TFLSRepublican2yrs2Y
We shouldn't criminalize something that has good benefits. I would prefer something natural, instead of a man-made pill or drug.
@ISIDEWITH13yrs13Y
Yes, for most but not all drugs
@9TNQJXL8mos8MO
Most drugs are hard drugs and can easily be attained by people and are highly addictive while others are not as addictive and don't pose as high as a threat as those hard drugs
@9FNJ62L2yrs2Y
All drugs can **** you up badly so none of them should be legal because of what they could do to you
@9G5485V2yrs2Y
I believe that Drugs like Weed are alright and should be fine because of the multiply studies done showing it doesn't really do too much but I also believe that it should only been done in small doses. I also Believe that drugs like heroin and fentanyl are things that should be band and also stuff similar to that that people CAN get addicted to and OD on.
@ISIDEWITH8yrs8Y
No, but increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation
@9FPP85Z2yrs2Y
I think that addiction preventions centers are a total joke. The root of most addictions starts with mental health issues which are constantly avoided, especially in males. They should instead offer free counseling and free community event to help spread awareness and let people know they have support and are not alone.
@98JZKDC2yrs2Y
I absolutely agree. I consider myself to be socially liberal, but my one outlying belief is around marijuana and other recreational drugs, even the "less dangerous" ones. All drugs pose a risk. However, we absolutely do need to remain empathetic and supportive of those impacted by addiction, and increase government funding for community-based rehabilitation and prevention programs.
@ISIDEWITH13yrs13Y
No, we should pass tougher drug laws
@9F8Y59L2yrs2Y
I personally believe that we should decriminalize the drug use in the United States. But at the same time, depending on how badly drug users or addicts are, and how illegally they are using or possibly even selling/ importing, they shall be arrested and get more time than usual, and with that provide help for the addicts while paying time or anything of the sorts.
@9F87HB82yrs2Y
People should not be criminalized for having an addiction. They should be given help and resources to get help.
@9F8NMBR2yrs2Y
Just look at prohibition or one of many examples of substance laws back firing in other contries. Toughing the laws just makes the problem worse.
@9FN86KL2yrs2Y
Making the drug laws tougher would make the selling and buying of some otherwise harmless drugs (referring to cannabis and certain psychedelics) more needlessly dangerous for those who are unfortunately addicted. The 18th and 21st amendments to the constitution are a prime example
@4Q4842P4yrs4Y
Drug addiction is a mental illness, not a crime. We have Alcoholics Anonymous, which helps people take back their lives, why not have the same thing for drugs?
@B2K364X3mos3MO
There is such a thing in fact there are several different programs of recovnery including Narcotics Anonymous, smart recovery, nar-anon, and more and they also have meetings online at almost any time that works for you as many of them are internationally attended.
@9D8GBQR2yrs2Y
No and ban alcohol cigarettes tobacco and pornography
@4VXP5HT4yrs4Y
Only if we summarily execute those who sell to people under age 25. (So brain fully develops. Marijuana should be legal over age 21.
@534HWNP4yrs4Y
Instead of jail time there should be mandatory rehab, and parole for that same as jail. They are still using in jails, so that only perpetuates the problem.
@4Q4C63L4yrs4Y
Yes, but level harsh penalties against the user if they hurt someone while under the influence.
@4THMGRM4yrs4Y
Yes, but drugs can also be used as weapons (i.e. as poisons), and hence should be controlled. Recreational use should be legal.
@9RHYD7S9mos9MO
Yes, decriminalize the buying of drugs but regulate the selling of it. And drug addicts should get the same kind of treatment as alcoholics
@8N6QGZS4yrs4Y
@4S68HTK4yrs4Y
Yes, but offer safe houses so the public is not harmed.
Yes, treat drug abuse as a health issue instead of a criminal one. Release or at least reduce sentences for non-violent drug offenders
@9D5CCYX2yrs2Y
What we should do is increase punishment for drug dealers but at the same time we should increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation.
@ThrilledCurRepublican2yrs2Y
Portugal is a great example of this. They decriminalized all drugs in 2001 and instead focused on treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. As a result, they've seen a significant decrease in drug-related deaths and HIV infection rates. But, they also hold drug traffickers accountable with strict laws.
@937HGK43yrs3Y
No and increase penalties for alcohol
@4S6KBRM4yrs4Y
No, we have a drug problem in this country and it's not likely due to the fact that people just want to break the law to use drugs. That being said, making it criminal is only costing tax payers money in retaining individuals that made poor choices, but are still susceptible to using when they are free, if we spent the same amount ensuring that people recover and educating others on the dangers and effective ways of coping with life, then we'd all be better off. One bad decision shouldn't ruin your life, but it should turn it around.
@57FFD7W4yrs4Y
Hemp should be legal, execute traffickers
@4Q8CTVC4yrs4Y
I believe that if you have nicotine and alcohol legal then why not other drugs. But I would prefer that recreational use of any and all drugs, including tobacco and alcohol be prohibited. I do think that medical use of all drugs should be expanded.
@8HQ7NMCIndependent5yrs5Y
Yes, but not on dealers. Too much money spent on jailing and prisons.
@4Q89XTP4yrs4Y
Yes, but selling, transporting or supplying drugs should be illegal. The point is to not punish drug users, the real victims of drug abuse.
@8H96Y525yrs5Y
Yes, and free people currently serving time for nonviolent drug offenses, and expunge nonviolent drug charges from criminal records.
Yes, decriminalize and regulate most drugs, retroactively reduce prison sentences for simple possession, and increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation.
@9T6XV9N8mos8MO
Yes, then drug overdoses do not qualify for insurance coverage and have an automatic do not resuscitate
@9D8TB682yrs2Y
No ban alcohol cigarettes tobacco and pornography
Yes, treat non-violent drug abuse as a health issue instead of a criminal one and devote more funding for treatment and rehabilitation. Also retroactively reduce sentences for non-violent drug offenders already serving time
@9L74FFC1yr1Y
Yes, though there should be reasonable limitations similar to alcohol restrictions. Drug use should be treated as a health issue instead of a criminal issue provided no violence is involved.
@9HNVCYJ1yr1Y
Yes, and we should replace prisons with mandatory rehabilitation and mental health services for those addicted
@9H3SNRPLibertarian1yr1Y
Yes, but implement a hands-on enforced policy that empathizes treatment instead of jail for public drug users.
@9GZDTYYIndependent1yr1Y
Yes, I believe that the government should focus more on the mental side of drug use and approach the problems of drug use from a health issue perspective rather than a legal one. Rather than punishing individuals for drug use, local governments should focus on helping them with rehabilitation institutions and making more resources for information and help available.
@9GYQH4XLibertarian1yr1Y
Yes, for non-addictive/harmful drugs. But increase punishment for use of these while operating a vehicle.
@9G3DHMG2yrs2Y
No, we should pass tougher drug laws; including prohibiting vaping, cigars, cigarettes, wine, alcohol or any other form of recreational drug use or intoxication.
Yes, all non-violent drug use should be treated as a health crisis instead of a criminal issue deserving of draconian punishment
@93P477H3yrs3Y
Yes. We shouldn't stop at decriminalizing, but also aim for legalization and regulation to make sure we have safe drugs going into the hands of consumers. We should also fund programs for substance abuse and make information more widely available and accessible to all who need help.
Yes, but only inside of government-certified treatment and rehabilitation centers, where people addicted to drugs can seek help and the ability to get off drugs in a humane way.
Marijuana should be decriminalized, but other instances of drug use should be dealt with through rehabilitation, not imprisonment
@8H6T2XF5yrs5Y
Yes, and reduce sentences for those already serving time. But, drugs like heroine should remain banned.
@95SKRY93yrs3Y
No and illegalize porn and prostitution
Yes, and support increased funding for addiction prevention, treatments, and rehabilitation, as well as mandatory rehabilitation programs in lieu of imprisonment.
@93V2CXP3yrs3Y
Yes and increase penalties for alcohol
@93SB7YB3yrs3Y
Yes, not for all drugs, and retro reduce sentences.
@8H8PPS25yrs5Y
Yes, unless they commit a crime while intoxicated or in possession. Increase funding for rehabilitation.
@8GLW8NG5yrs5Y
Yes, for most but not all drugs, reduce or remove sentences for recreational drug use as long as it does not endanger the lives of others, and there should be more funding given to addiction prevention and rehabilitation
@98446W52yrs2Y
Yes, and expand rehabilitation programs
@94SFFMP3yrs3Y
No and make porn illegal and require a special license to drink alcohol
@8N45T5H4yrs4Y
yes, but only for certain drugs. for example herion and other hard drug should be criminalized.
@IanCearnaighProgressive3yrs3Y
I am a person who would have died of my severe mental illness (obviously how is forbidden to say in the public arena bc it’s an absurd world) had I not tried illicitly trialing opioid agonists to treat it. I knew to get on Suboxone since it’s legal but I am clear to all why I take and admire opioids including the so called high which is my only time on earth despite 30 years of continuous mental health improvement (mainly psychotherapy since addding the Suboxone) only since the discovery of opioid agonists. So I guess my case is that of a gutter dwelling vermon?
@8PJX2RY4yrs4Y
Some but not all. It’s ridiculous for shrooms to apply.
@8NJX4PP4yrs4Y
Marijuana and mushrooms should not be a punishable offense because they can have less or equal effects on a person as alcohol does. And hard-core drugs should be treated as a health risk of the users. Hard-core dealers should be penalized for their actions
@8FYD6WV5yrs5Y
It depends on what drug is being used.
@8NZQG54Independent4yrs4Y
Yes, implement easily accessible rehabilitation programs
Yes, decriminalize weed and release all those serving time/probations for having or using it.
@9F45DZZ2yrs2Y
Yes, but only for drugs that are proven to not be very harmful, like weed, also reducing or voiding existing sentences
@9F459ZG2yrs2Y
Mild drugs such as marijuana should be decriminalized, and we need to rethink the whole war on drugs, because 50 years later, we've made negative progress. We need to lessen some drug sentences and pardon those with arbitrary convictions.
@9F453HL2yrs2Y
Yes but in moderation, more unsafe drugs should not be decriminalized.
@9D5G5DX2yrs2Y
No, with the exception of weed and other plants straight out of nature. And if we're going after hard drugs dealers and traffickers we should also go after Fauci and the WHO, amongst others
@9D4Y3KJ2yrs2Y
Mo but we should go after drug dealers and the suppliers. Give the drug user rehabilitation.
@9D4Y7JBRepublican2yrs2Y
Yes, but reduce protections for being terminated from employment or committing crimes due to addiction.
@9D4XKRD 2yrs2Y
Yes, but decriminalize drugs that offer medicinal benefits such as marijuana and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time
@6MR65NZProgressive 2yrs2Y
No, but decriminalize marijuana and increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation of all addictive substances.
@95F8VRV3yrs3Y
i ready dont mine either way because i don't do drugs
@95DR2KW3yrs3Y
No, but increase funding for addiction for rehab , but decriminalize drugs for medical usage such as marijuana
@93XHPSL3yrs3Y
Yes, and make it so that the people suffering from addiction can get help at proper facilities to do the drug safely under medical surveillance in the hope of weaning off the addictive substance.
@Ryguy233yrs3Y
Yes, but there should always be funding to help reduce addiction.
@93X8PPK3yrs3Y
Yes, but make clear the problems with drug usage.
@93W63383yrs3Y
Yes for marijuana, no for anything else
@93VY65C3yrs3Y
Decriminalize marijuana only until a certain amount. No hardcore drugs should be legalized or decriminalized. Drug felons should be given better counseling programs and less sentences. Less sentences for those carrying a minor amount of drugs and have not involved themselves in selling
@93V4XDQ3yrs3Y
Yes, decriminalize drug usage and increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation, BUT keep drug trafficking illegal
@93TVZGJ3yrs3Y
Drug use decriminalization, but severe sentencing to drug dealers
@93SY57X3yrs3Y
Decriminalize the use of drugs but increase penalties for drug dealers.
@93SKHJ73yrs3Y
Weed no hardcore drugs should be legalized
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