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DEA Speaks Out Against Legalization In many circles, U.S. drug policy is under attack. It is being criticized primarily by those who favor a legalization agenda. It is also being challenged by those who encourage certain trends in European drug policy, like decriminalization of drug use, harm reduction programs, and distinctions between hard and soft drugs. Proponents of legalization are spending huge amounts of money to encourage a greater tolerance for drug use. A number of states have passed referendums to permit their residents to use drugs for a variety of reasons. The citizens who vote in these referendums too often have to rely on the informationor rather, misinformation being presented by the sponsors of these expensive campaigns to legalize drugs. This booklet, Speaking Out Against Drug Legalization, is designed to cut through the fog of misinformation with hard facts. The ten factual assertions, taken together, present an accurate picture of Americas experience with drug use, the current state of the drug problem, and what might happen if America chooses to adopt a more permissive policy on drug abuse. Click here to read entire publication>>> Medical Marijuana - It already exists
Marijuana and Crime According to the ADAM (Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring) provides an overview of 1999 arrestees. The project collects data from more than 30,000 adult male arrestees in 34 sites, 10,000 female arrestees in 32 sites, 2,500 male juvenile detainees in nine sites, and 400 female juvenile detainees in six sites. Marijuana was the more frequent drug detected among adult males, and cocaine was most frequently detected in adult females. Marijuana use was more than six times higher than cocaine use for both juvenile males and females. 20% of ADAM participants who were positive for marijuana drug use, also tested positive for multi-drugs. Need the facts about Marijuana? Check out the Office of National Drug Control Policy's guide to What Americans Need to Know About Marijuana. What happens when drugs are legalized? While many speculate about how drug legalization would affect our nation, the best way to predict possible effects is to examine what happened in places that have tried drug legalization. The realities of relaxed drug policies in practice make a strong argument against legalization.
Confusion in California Proposition
215 supposedly legalizes marijuana for medical use only. However, the
law has created so much confusion about what is and what is not "medical"
marijuana that it has opened loopholes allowing anyone to grow, traffic,
and smoke marijuana with virtual impunity.
What Are Drug Treatment Courts? Drug treatment courts are specialized
community courts designed to help stop the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and
related criminal activity. Non-violent offenders who have been charged
with simple possession of drugs are given the option to receive treatment
instead of a jail sentence. A judge oversees each case from the beginning
and traces progressions and lapses through random drug testing and monitoring
attendance to treatment sessions. Marijuana
and Addiction
Users can become dependent on marijuana to the point they must seek treatment to stop abusing it. In 1999, more than 200,000 Americans entered substance abuse treatment primarily for marijuana abuse and dependence.
Voters Say No to Relaxed
Drug Laws Voters in Nevada, Arizona, and Ohio were given the opportunity to legalize drugs during this month's elections. The said no in overwhelming numbers. In Nevada 61% of voters opposed a proposal that would have allowed anyone to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana. In Arizona 57% defeated a plan that would have made state law enforcement the broker form medicinal marijuana. In Ohio 67% opposed a proposal that would have allowed nonviolent drug offenders to seek treatment over incarceration-a program considerable less effective than drug treatment courts. (http://www.dea.gov/ongoing/treatment.html). Detailed information
about each initiative is available at:
Stay Informed
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