Should drugs be legalized ?

Drug liberalisation is the process of eliminating or reducing drug prohibition laws. Variations of drug liberalization include: drug legalization, drug relegalization and drug decriminalization.[1] Whilst many people would argue that decriminalistion will only cause an increase in usage, studies from California and Colorado, two states who implemented the policy, found that '"decriminalization" of marijuana possession had little or no impact on rates of use.' (Winter, 1989). Drug liberalization may go hand in hand with or include measures to ensure responsible drug use and some state that its challenge is not in criticizing prohibition, but in designing something better

The legality of cannabis varies from country to country. Possession of cannabis is illegal in most countries and has been since the beginning of widespread cannabis prohibition in the late 1930s. However, possession of the plant in small quantities has been decriminalized in many countries and sub-national entities in several parts of the world. On 10 December 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize the sale, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis.

The prohibition of drugs through sumptuary legislation or religious law is a common means of attempting to prevent the recreational use of the certain recreational drugs and other intoxicating substances. While some drugs are illegal to possess, many governments regulate the manufacture, distribution, marketing, sale and use of certain drugs, for instance through a prescription system. For example, amphetamines may be legal to possess if a doctor has prescribed them; otherwise, possession or sale of the drug is typically a criminal offence.

Arguments about the prohibition of drugs, and over drug policy reform, are subjects of considerable controversy. The following is a presentation of major drug policy arguments, including those for drug law enforcement on one side of the debate, and arguments for drug law reform on the other. Arguments for and against drug prohibition discuss which system is more effective to protects human rights, prevent drug abuse and violence, and which system is more ethical.