Decriminalization and Legalization of Drugs, Coursework Example

The legalization and decriminalization of drugs have posed a loophole in the drug world. Decriminalization means that drugs will be controlled by the government, which means that there will be a clear path forged to professional drug treatment, especially for addicts. However, those taking drug as an enterprise can expand their business. The primary area of concern is the reinforcement of necessary drug treatment, thus leading to more drug usage without fear of the punishment that will be imposed. On the other hand, legalization means that something has become legal. The substance that has been banned is no longer banned and can be used without the fear of being convicted or fined. In Canada, a significant policy on drugs is the legalization and decriminalization that has created several controversies among the major stakeholders. In this regard, the paper will examine different perspectives on the legalization and decimalization of drugs.

Social Perspective

Social perspectives are one of the dimensions that are highly touched by the use of drugs in Canada. Typically, the people who use drugs are involved in social groups rather than operating independently. According to Natapoff  (2015), most people who take drugs are always in groups rather than alone. These groups will recruit other members and plan other activities, such as criminal gangs. Now, the decriminalization and legalization of drugs mean that nobody will be concerned about the issue of drugs since it’s already allowed by the government. Therefore, drug groups and violence will increase as each group strives to create dominance in their area, which is brought about by more drug usage. However, there will be a punishment for the offenders and related criminal activities, which means that society will be against the gangs and groups formed out of drugs.

In the decriminalization process, law enforcement will be making moves to prevent criminal activities and the use of drugs on the streets. The social relationship between the citizens and the police will improve since the two groups will work together towards a common goal. All the groups want drugs out of the street, although they do not want to term it as a criminal activity. In most cases, the citizens will be creative in handling drugs on the streets as they collaborate with law enforcement in establishing suitable punishments. The community and law enforcement will support the punishment, which means the social bond will be strengthened. With increased punishment on drugs related criminals, drug usage in Canada will also reduce.

Theoretical Perspective

In any drug strategy a country can apply, the four pillars should include harm reduction, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. Essentially, there can never be one strategy that will cover all the pillars, which is why several bodies are required to deal with the issue of drugs. The streets should be protected from the circulation of drugs, and that means strict measures for those with drugs illegally. It cannot be ignored that there are addicts that cannot do without the drugs and needs help. In such a scenario, the government should focus on treatment programs and get those people back in shape. They should not be subjected to strict measures, as stated in the decriminalization policy, because that would not help. Inside, they should be in a controlled environment as they receive care. Decriminalizing drugs will work for those affected by drugs, whereas supplying and selling drugs should be dealt with differently.

Theoretically, it is difficult to imagine a country where drugs are not termed criminal activities. In most countries, drug control policies will attract criminal penalties that sometimes undermine fundamental human rights. However, not many people would notice it because anyone possessing drugs would be termed a criminal. Some people use drugs individually, and others consider it as a business. In this sense, the punishment imposed on the two groups of people should be different. When a person has drugs for personal use, they should be handled softly, and the punishment involved should direct toward treatment and not criminalization. For the people that are selling drugs in Canada, the laws of decriminalization of drugs should not work for them. They should be highly punished and subjected to criminal penalties because they aid in the spread of drug usage in the country.

Philosophical Perspective

From a philosophical perspective, it is prudent to state that everybody has rights. Whether someone is a criminal or in jail, they still have their rights. In Canada, some policies are put in place to ensure that drug usage in the streets has been reduced while at the same time being fair and just to the community. In Canada, the pillars of decriminalization deal with drug possession, consumption, production, and distribution of drugs. Under such a circumstance, the criminal penalties for a drug crime will not be enforced, but the police have a right to stop anyone and search those suspected of possessing drugs. In addition, if a person owns drugs, they will be confiscated, and a follow-up punishment will be conducted. In this regard, the authorities will have stopped the transfer of drugs from one area to another and, at the same time, inflict punishment on a person who was involved as a warning sign of never doing that act again.

All people have the right to possession of legal materials. Decriminalization has made it clear that only punishments will be given to the offenders, but it will not be termed criminal activity. When someone has drugs, they can carry them for someone else. In addition, being searched for drugs unwillingly would be a violation of rights for an offense that has already been decriminalized. The punishments imposed on these people would also violate their rights since it is not documented in the constitution. When drug policies have been passed, especially on decriminalization, there is no extent to which the authorities can offer punishments. Some imposed punishments can be extreme in hurting people, thus violating their fundamental human rights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the war on drugs is a long one that is not about to end soon. Legalizing and decriminalizing drugs is a different approach; if given time and enough resources, a stride will be made. Those already affected by drugs would require attention to get them to feel better again and recover. At the same time, some people would use drugs because they know they can bear any punishment offered to them under the decriminalization policy. In this sense, there is a need to balance helping the affected and keeping the drugs out of the streets. It should be a question of what society wants and will gain from any drug policy that is to be enforced.

Reference

Natapoff, A. (2015). Misdemeanor decriminalization. Vand. L. Rev., 68, 1055.