How can we as Americans support anti-drug laws that continue to convict & penalize non-violent, low level marijuana offenders?
We continue to incarcerate individuals who are otherwise law-abiding, peaceful, working, tax-paying citizens. We disrupt their families, personal & professional life, for an offense that certainly is comparable to the alcohol prohibition period of the early 1900’s. Yet, the black market continues to flourish & prosper when in actuality; the decriminalization of marijuana would all but eliminate that criminal element. The possible taxation of this market estimated at some 5 billion + dollars per year could be quite beneficial to the overall economic stability of this country.
We routinely stigmatize those who use marijuana as "abusers", "addicts", degenerates, lazy & stupid who need to be "dealt" with in a more aggressive manner. The broad mandatory drug sentencing laws are a disgrace to the criminal justice system, as even first time criminal offenders are being given heavy sentences in relation to their crime. Yet, the recent example of Congressman Janklow receiving only 3.5 months of county jail-time for vehicular manslaughter (with numerous previous stop sign & speeding violations) compared with most non-violent marijuana offenders who regularly receives a much greater sentence is ludicrous and a mockery of our criminal justice system. Not to mention the racial inequalities associated with the current sentencing structure.
Statistically, most marijuana offenders have not hurt any individual(s) in the course of their using or even in their distributing of smaller amounts to others, yet in most cases the much larger “drug czars” & “king-pins” are insulated from prosecution due to the innate fallacy in the overall enforcement & prosecution of these individuals.
This declared “war on drugs” in essence has declared war on many individuals who again are otherwise law-abiding citizens. We seem to cloud many of the complicated issues of the social & economic problems that our country is experiencing such as the current economic outlook, unemployment rates, the rising costs of goods & the continuing sociological impact of the widening disparity between the rich & the poor, and finally our (U.S.A.) position within the newly developing global economic structure. Nevertheless, there must be a more effective manner in which to deal with & accomplish this than creating more problems for our citizens & their families.
The current drug policy is not a solution to any of these mentioned problems, & from what I have researched indicate that the overall effect has been quite negative. Examples of just some of these negative consequences are 1) persons are not eligible to receive Food Stamps, housing assistance or even their continuing education endeavors. Once they are convicted, persons are no longer eligible for federal funds to any of the programs previously mentioned. So, then what do their options become? 2) A continued poverty existence, working for minimum wages & no hope for the future accompanied by the stigma attached with being a “felon”? 3) The loss of voting rights & having their voice being heard in any democratic elective process and 4) the additional loss of their right to bear arms & hunt? These are but a few of the problems once a person has been convicted, I am sure that there are so many more that can’t even be addressed.
Additionally, the penalties for the mere use or even abuse of any drug(s) should be more effectively developed to deal with the problem of addiction(s) in America, than just the incarceration of tens of thousands of non-violent people. We certainly do not lock up the alcoholic suffering the effects of alcoholism. We only lock up those alcoholics who have committed a crime against a person, or organization or who poses a threat to society.
Surely, there appears to be enough evidence that is available through the many medical, sociological research studies, to warrant careful re-examination of current laws particularly regarding the application & use of marijuana. This re-examination should not be limited to utilizing biased or discriminatory statements made by persons or agencies that favor continued criminal penalties, but should examine the many independent research studies that have been conducted and available even on the internet by reputable Dr.’s & many prestigious college medical research institutions. Yet, our government routinely ignores these studies based upon the testimony of persons who work within several organized enforcement agencies, such as the DEA.
Recent statistics indicated by CNN news regarding life sentences are reflected in this report:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/05/11/life.sentences.ap/index.html. This should be astounding to most of us, as many of these 3rd time offenders only crime(s) is the use or abuse/addiction to drugs? So, we will just lock them up for life?? Yet, again the “drug czars” or “king-pins” seemingly work any loopholes with high paid lawyers, while those who commit the “low-level” drug crimes are assigned public defenders as they can’t even afford to hire personal legal representation.
I implore & encourage all persons to support a saner & certainly more logical approach to the drug(s) problem in America and the current enforcement & sentencing system. We are at a pivotal point as we reach critical mass. As a country founded upon the basic principle of a government for the people & by the people we must quickly & urgently reach an equitable compromise solution to this perceived “criminal” problem. Many states have already begun the process in the legalization of medical marijuana use. I commend them for their courage & initiative.
I certainly am not alone in this position, & would encourage you to review the following list of persons whose opinion you may regard perhaps more highly:
http://www.druglibrary.org/resolution/longlist.htm The list contains names of many Doctors, Lawyers, Law Enforcement, Ministers, even Parole & Probation departments & tens of thousands of constituents across the country who also support this reformation process.
Best Regards
Adult Student – USD
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