Illicit Drug Decriminalization Research Paper 2022

Running head: ILLICIT DRUG DECRIMINALIZATION 1
Illicit Drug Decriminalization
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ILLICIT DRUG DECRIMINALIZATION 2
Illicit Drug Decriminalization
Decriminalization of drug and possession has been considered as one of the solutions
towards reducing the number of people who get into the criminal justice system due to violations
of the drug laws. Decriminalization is done to reduce prison overcrowding and cripple drug
cartels. However, the approach is contentious since there is no evidence to support. In addition,
the benefits of keeping the illegal drugs prohibited outweigh the predictable and negative
implications of decriminalizing the drugs (Lyman, 2016). This essay will justify the argument
that the Decriminalization of illegal drug use would increase drug-related social problems.
According to studies Legalization and decriminalization of the illicit drugs will lead to an
increase in the use along with other associated social and health problems. Drug addiction is a
disorder that every society strive to eradicate through preventions, interventions, and
comprehensive treatment. Criminal sanctions against illicit drugs are not purely a punitive too.
The penalties and their implications on many instances spur individuals struggling with drug
addiction to seek medical help (Weatherburn, 2014). According to studies on legal substances,
for example, alcohol and tobacco, the lack of any legal implications and legalization are
attributed to the increases in societal acceptance, use, availability and other associated costs
(Weatherburn, 2014). The use of alcohol and tobacco leads to numerous deaths more than those
brought about by illegal drugs.
Illegal drugs are relatively expensive, which discourages their use. The prohibitions for
illicit drugs lead to the increased cost of production, which consequently raises the street value.
The high prices of illegal drugs reduce the rate of usage (Félix & Portugal, 2017). Research
shows that slight change in prices of alcohol and tobacco significantly increases the demand for
the drugs (Félix & Portugal, 2017). Decriminalization of the illicit drugs will mean open selling