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.
Statistics are shown for this demographic
Response rates from 11.7m America voters.
60% Yes |
40% No |
40% Yes |
36% No |
15% Yes, for most but not all drugs |
2% No, we should pass tougher drug laws |
6% Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time |
1% No, but decriminalize drugs that offer medicinal benefits such as marijuana |
0% No, but increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation |
|
0% No, and increase punishment for drug dealers |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 11.7m America voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 11.7m America voters.
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Unique answers from America voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@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?
@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.
@9RHYD7S5mos5MO
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
I do not understand what decriminalization is so I’m going to say that if you possess a drug that’s illegal you should be arrested
@4S68HTK4yrs4Y
Yes, but offer safe houses so the public is not harmed.
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