America Needs to Open Up the Debate on Decriminalization

"For over 40 years, global efforts to punish drug users have failed to stem the drug trade and instead caused epidemics of violence and crime. Throughout Europe and Latin America, and in many U.S. states, a similar debate is playing out: Can and should the drug war be replaced with drug regulation that supports individuals with health issues and focuses law enforcement on serious criminals?" This is the topic of debate in Richard Branson's commentary for the Huffington Post. Branson argues that strict penalties against non-violent drug offenders is not beneficial to us as citizens, or to the users themselves, but in fact harmful. It costs tax-payers 4 times  more to keep a drug user in jail than to issue treatment. Branson believes our tax money would be much better spent on drug treatment than penalties. 

Branson's article is aimed at reaching those who are planning on voting for this upcoming election- particularly those who are currently opposed to decriminalization. With public opinion reaching about 50-50 on the topic, it is becoming increasingly important to gain the support of those not affected by the policies, but those of who are concerned with the health and well-being of our country. 

Having served with the Global Commission on Drug Policy, Branson is a credible source. He uses statistics throughout his essay which shows that he is knowledgeable on the subject, and has done research to back up his argument.  His claim is  that they only way to have a real impact on addiction is to decriminalize drug use and treat it as a health problem so that addicts are able to get the help they need without concern of being put behind bars. This will help us to stop filling our prisons with non-violent drug users,  free up law enforcement to go after violent traffickers and organized criminal gangs, and decrease addiction in the U.S.. Branson backs this up with statistical data from other countries who have undergone similar changes. In both Switzerland and Portugal when drug use was decriminalized and treatment plans were put in place, country-wide drug use decreased significantly. Branson believes the same to be true for the U.S.

I agree with Branson that decriminalization is a much needed next-step for the war on drugs. Public opinion on legalization of marijuana has changed dramatically in just the past 5 years. A Gallup poll in 2006 recorded 36% of citizens who favored legalization, and 60% who opposed. In 2011, the same poll recorded 50% in favor, and 46% against. This shift in public opinion was more dramatic on this issue than the gay marriage issue, which has become increasingly accepted. In congress, 3 years ago it would have been incredibly hard to find anybody to endorse a measure to repeal federal marijuana prohibition. Now there are around 20 members of congress who support decriminalization. This is still incredibly disproportional to public opinion. 1:2 in public opinion, and approximately   1:27 in congress favor marijuana legalization. This shows the fearfulness surrounding drug policy, but it will, and slowly is changing. 

After seeing the impact of the alcohol prohibition movement of 1921, Albert Einstein noted: "The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the Prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced." The same is true of federal marijuana prohibition.

Branson, Richard. "America Needs to Open Up the Debate on Decriminalization". The Huffington Post. Web. 19 March 2012. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-branson/post_3125_b_1364298.html>