In order to eliminate drug (narcotics) use why can't we just make strong laws against them (strong possesion l

Question

aws). I mean what are we really teaching when we say if you sell you get 10-20 years but if you buy well you get a day in the hole and then your out? how is that in any way effective

Can't we just sentence people to a month- even a 6 month period for possession of marijuana or even stronger narcotics.

Why aren't we doing that?

Answer 1

there aren't enough prisions in the united states to support that type of legislation. they are already flooded with drug offenders (buyers and sellers) as it is.

Answer 2

The prisons would get full pretty quick, there are probably more drug users then there are total cells.

Anyways Lets look to the Bloody code (which is a period in British history) During this time almost every crime was made punishable by death, however crime rates actually rose during this period? It is not fear of a harsh punishment that stops people from comminting crime but fear of being caught.

Therefore I would suggest that, in this case, better policing would be far more effective then harsh punishment.

Answer 3

Because police will never be able to enforce those laws.

You are a really naive person, laws are not magical.  They need to be enforced.

Answer 4

Selling dope makes you moneyed.Buying and using it makes you poorer. So there you are.

What 6 months for possesion? That is short!! Every one will be in competetion against every mafioso.

Have you heard of this? IF THERE ARE NO USERS OR BUYERS THEN THERE ARE NO SELLERS OR PRODUCERS. THIS, AMIGO, IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!! RIGHT??

Answer 5

Also, people who use drugs are not evil, they are usually unhappy or not able to deal with society and use drugs to cope. It makes sense to try making the situation better instead of fighting the symptoms (drug use).

Additionally, if possession of the drugs currently available have really harsh punishments then drug labs will create new varieties that are outside of current laws. Wars against things (ie war on drugs, poverty, terrorism) never win. You have to create change from a different angle.