Should Marijuana Be Legalized - 1671 Words

an act that is meant to ensure supply and possession of drugs is controlled the same way alcohol and cigarettes are in the world (Court, 1994). Increasing drug use and its effect have made drug law reform a major topic in international and domestic policy agendas (Wood, 2010). The use of drugs by young generation with its associated crimes has resulted to a debate that is beyond human comprehension. The international bodies associated with drug use and their prevention has allowed countries to impose only minor penalties to those found possessing the drugs (Court, 1994). This kind of flexibility has made some countries to relax in enforcing some drug related laws. Health consequences especially after quitting the use of drugs, individual†¦show more content†¦What are the pros and cons of drug legalization and prohibition? (Current, AuthorLastName 3 1991) First, before this is evaluated, a short history of drug use is necessary. Opium and cocaine examples of the drugs that are commonly abused nowadays were legally and readily available in the 19th century. Some of the remedies for most arrays of diseases were heroin and cocaine used as non-addictive painkillers. As the time moved, thousands of world population diverted to opiates and cocaine for the same purpose in early 20th century (Current, 1991). At the same time, the first legislations concerning these drugs appeared, prescriptions for the drugs were provided, but all this changed in 1950 when all these drugs became illegal. These drugs bring pleasure and to a large extent affect the mind functioning leading to change in moods and consciousness. Since their illegality, they have remained scarce as they are only sold in black markets. People have attributed the distribution, sale and consumption of these drugs with violence and drug addiction. Due to these adverse effects by these drugs many countries notably Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have come up with a proposal of making these drugs legal (Coomber, 2013). They purport that by making them legal; healthier haven for the addict will be