Drug Policy: Prohibition, Decriminalization, Legalization

1. Drug Policy: Prohibition, Decriminalization, Legalization Lecture 10

2. What to Expect in This Lecture • Defining prohibition, legalization and decriminalization • Class discussion on pros and cons of approaches to drug policy • Introduction of “harm reduction” as an alternative approach to drug policy • Class discussion of what a “harm reduction” policy might look like

3. Prohibition • General policy orientation that defines cultivation, production, distribution and possession of substances as criminal • Involves enforcement of laws at five levels: • Source reduction • Border interdiction • Disruption of high-level distribution networks (federal level) • Disruption of wholesale distribution networks (state level) • Disruption of retail distribution networks (state and local levels)

4. Legalization • A general policy orientation that involves the lifting of all criminal and civil proscriptions and sanctions • Three separate policy options: • Laissez Faire Model • Limited Distribution Model • Medical Model

5. Decriminalization • Similar to legalization, but with unique features • Is not simply a “compromise” between legalization and prohibition • Policy that removes criminal sanctions for small amounts of marijuana • Nevertheless, growing or possessing marijuana is not legal—it is simply a civil offense rather than a criminal offense • Currently, 12 states have some form of marijuana decriminalization legislation (see table 11.1)

6. Class Discussion:Debating Drug Policy • What are the advantages of: • Prohibition? • Legalization? • Decriminalization? • What are the disadvantages of each of these policies? • Based on these advantages and disadvantages, how might we approach drug policy for the 21st century

7. Harm Reduction:A Policy Alternative • Harm reductionis a general policy orientation that shifts focus away from legal status of drugs to policies and practices that would reduce harm caused by drugs and drug policies • Based on the following premises: • Drug use will never be totally eliminated • Drug policies are sometimes more damaging than drug use • Risks of drug use should be weighed against the risks posed by drug policies

8. Harm Reduction:Three Levels of Intervention

9. Harm Reduction:A Viable Policy Approach? • Discuss the appropriateness of the following harm reduction strategies: • Drug Education • Needle Exchange Programs • Drug Use Zones