Content uploaded by Walter E. Block
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Walter E. Block on Apr 03, 2019
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
Legalize Drugs Now!: An Analysis of the Benefits of Legalized Drugs
Abstract
The legalization of drugs would prevent our civil liberties from being threatened any further, it would reduce crime rates, reverse the potency effect, improve the quality of life in the inner cities, prevent the spread of disease, save the taxpayer money, and generally benefit both individuals and the community as a whole. Our arguments are based on a basic appreciation of the benefits provided by voluntary exchange and the role markets play in coordinating human activities. Legalizing drugs would eliminate many inconsistencies, guarantee freedoms, and increase the effectiveness of the government’s anti-drug beliefs. The present war on drugs has not and will not produce a decisive victory. We advocate a new approach to this important social problem.
... However, even if the costs of harm reduction pro-grams are large, it will still be a desirable action because the overall benefits will outweigh the costs of treatment (Wilson et al., 2015). Furthermore, increased drug law enforcement has little or no prophylactic effect on addicts' behavior since it contributes negatively to physical and mental health outcomes due to increasing drug risk, a phenomenon known as the "potency effect" (Cussen & Block, 2000). Moreover, drug prohibition usually leads to gun violence and high homicide rates due to its disrupting effect on drug markets (Werb et al., 2011). ...
This article evaluates the Brazilian prohibitionist public policy for dealing with drug addiction and drug-related pro- blems, with a focus on whether this approach is adequate for addressing the issues surrounding drug misuse. We attempt to shed light on this topic by highlighting several aspects of drug effects on drug-addicted body systems, be- havior, and personality, as well as reviewing current neuroscientific research centered on the study of drug addiction disorders, with a particular emphasis on the motivational mechanisms underlying drug use, abuse, and withdrawal. We conclude that promoting and enforcing regulatory measures, laws, and other public health strategies aimed at combating drug addiction can only be accomplished with an understanding and acceptance that the drug severely interferes in the physical, emotional, and cognitive domains, imprisoning the subject in the uncontrolled motivation that drives him toward the drug. The goal of this report is to explore this ambiguity in light of the harm reduction proposal for dealing with the drug addiction phenomenon. When evaluating existing public policies in the field of drug addiction, the harm reduction strategy appears to be more appropriate in the context of health promotion, especially when considering drug addicts’ idiosyncrasies.
... However, even if the costs of harm reduction pro-grams are large, it will still be a desirable action because the overall benefits will outweigh the costs of treatment (Wilson et al., 2015). Furthermore, increased drug law enforcement has little or no prophylactic effect on addicts' behavior since it contributes negatively to physical and mental health outcomes due to increasing drug risk, a phenomenon known as the "potency effect" (Cussen & Block, 2000). Moreover, drug prohibition usually leads to gun violence and high homicide rates due to its disrupting effect on drug markets (Werb et al., 2011). ...
... In de jaren '20 van de vorige eeuw zijn tijdens de Prohibitie (of 'Drooglegging') in Amerika criminele organisaties, zoals die van Al Capone, bijzonder rijk en invloedrijk geworden (Nicholson, 1992;Behr, 1996;Cussen & Block, 2000;Levine & Reinarman, 2004;Nadelmann, 2004;Van Sandelingenambacht, 2006). Hetloutere feit dat een aantal roesmiddelen in de illegaliteit wordt gehouden, is ook nu nog de belangrijkste pushfactor voor criminele ondernemers, die aangetrokken worden door de enorme winstmarges, en die zich bovendien niet door de risico's op bestraffing laten afschrikken (Nicholson, 1992;Bovenkerk, 1994;Mishan, 2001;MacCoun & Reuter, 2001;Miron, 2004). ...
... For critiques of the FDA see : Becker 2002;Goodman 2011;Gottlieb 2010;Henninger 1990;Higgs 1994;Hoppe 1993;Kaitlin et al., 1987;Kazman 1990;Klein and Tabarrok (undated) ;Peltzman 1973Peltzman , 1974Peltzman , 1987aPeltzman , b, 2005Sardi 2007;Steinreich 2005. 6 For more on the disadvantages of prohibiting drugs, see: Stacy, Nguyen, & Block 2014;Cachanoski, Zelaya, & Block 2013;Block, Wingfield, & Whitehead 2003;Cussen & Block 2000;Block 1993Block , 1994Block , 1996Friedman 1992;Hanke & Walters 2016;Szasz 1985Szasz , 1992Thornton 1991a, b. often turn to addictive drugs as an escape. Race is a huge issue looming in the drug war. ...
The case against drug prohibitionThe case against drug prohibition is overwhelming. This law is to drugs what alcohol prohibition was to those substances: a disaster. Drug use, by and among consenting adults, is a victimless crime: it preys on the poor, lifts our inmate population into the stratosphere, has negative racial connotations and leads to needless deaths.
... In de jaren '20 van de vorige eeuw zijn tijdens de Prohibitie (of 'Drooglegging') in Amerika criminele organisaties, zoals die van Al Capone, bijzonder rijk en invloedrijk geworden (Nicholson, 1992;Behr, 1996;Cussen & Block, 2000;Levine & Reinarman, 2004;Nadelmann, 2004;Van Sandelingenambacht, 2006). Hetloutere feit dat een aantal roesmiddelen in de illegaliteit wordt gehouden, is ook nu nog de belangrijkste pushfactor voor criminele ondernemers, die aangetrokken worden door de enorme winstmarges, en die zich bovendien niet door de risico's op bestraffing laten afschrikken (Nicholson, 1992;Bovenkerk, 1994;Mishan, 2001;MacCoun & Reuter, 2001;Miron, 2004). ...
This study delves into recent legislation in Jordan regarding the decriminalization of narcotics and traces the evolution of related legislation in the country. It explores the definition and underlying philosophy of decriminalization while examining arguments from both proponents and opponents of drug decriminalization from a jurisprudential perspective. Additionally, the research sheds light on practices that have emerged in response to the decriminalization of narcotics in other jurisdictions. The study thoroughly examines the advantages and disadvantages of decriminalizing narcotics, analyzing its potential impact on drug consumption. Finally, the researcher proposes the implementation of a gradual and partial systematic plan within Jordanian legislation to address the growing trend of drug decriminalization. The paper also provides insights into the stances of the United States and other countries on this issue and how their legislations have addressed it.
Contribución/originalidad:
La contribución del documento se orienta hacía la cuantificación de la participación del tráfico de las drogas en la economía boliviana (Cocaína y Cannabis), así como la recaudación tributaria potencial derivada de una posible legalización. Asimismo, se demuestran los beneficios económicos y costos sociales de oportunidad de la innovación institucional.
This chapter is divided in two sections, both dealing with public policy from an Austro-libertarian perspective. Section 1 deals with the War on Drugs. Most modern societies prohibit the use of addictive drugs such as cocaine and heroin. We contend this is a mistake. They should all be legalized, forthwith, since their usage constitutes a victimless crime. Moreover, most of the evils associated with drug production, distribution and consumption are due to the War on Drugs itself, and not because of the drugs themselves. The War on Drugs is the modern-day Prohibition. And just as it occurred during that tragic era, including the Mafia, widespread murder, poisoned liquor, etc., the same is being repeated now with drugs. But if the same course of action is taken, the same results are to be expected. The only way to effectively fight Cartels and drug-related tragedies, is to decriminalize drug production, distribution, and consumption. In other words, to end this War.Section 2 consists in a short essay attempting to show how a truly free society would deal with a pandemic such as COVID-19. Mainly through the functioning of the market as guided by the price system and the incentives promoted by capitalist institutions such as private property rights, free association, and non-aggression.KeywordsLegalizationAddictionVictimless crimesDrugs
The growing importance of the cryptocurrency phenomenon has raised concerns about the ethical implications of a hypothetical widespread use of these new forms of digital money. In this paper, we undertake an ethical assessment of cryptocurrencies drawing upon two specific ethical theories: private property ethics and utilitarianism. Particularly, we focus on three distinctive aspects. First, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of cryptocurrencies vis‐à‐vis central bank fiat money. Second, we analyze cryptocurrencies as facilitators of tax evasion and the ethical implications arising therefrom. Finally, we explore the use of cryptocurrencies for nefarious consumption. We conclude that, were cryptocurrencies to become widespread media of exchange, governments capacity to undertake monetary, fiscal, and drug policy would be undermined. We argue that this would be an ethically desirable outcome from both a private‐property‐rights and a utilitarian perspective since it would force governments to reduce their size and scope in these three areas.
This paper argues the case for the legalization of addictive drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. It maintains that there are no market failures which could justify a banning of these substances, and that, as in the earlier historical case of prohibition of alcohol, our present drug policy has increased crime, decreased respect for legitimate law, and created great social upheaval.
Abstract. Typescript. Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University, 1989. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 276-289). Photocopy.
This paper discusses the costs and benefits of drug prohibition. It offers a detailed outline of the economic consequences of drug prohibition and a systematic analysis of the relevant empirical evidence. The bottom line is that a relatively free market in drugs is likely to be vastly superior to the current policy of prohibition. Copyright 1995 by American Economic Association.
Has the Time Come to Legalize Drugs?' USA 7bda.y Muguzi~ze 1 19 Uuly 1 990 1: Reprinted in 1h-ug.s in America: The R$
- James Ostrowski
Ostrowski, James (1993) 11 9901. "Has the Time Come to Legalize Drugs?' USA
7bda.y Muguzi~ze 1 19 Uuly 1 990 1: Reprinted in 1h-ug.s in America: The R$
An Open Letter to Hill Bennet
- Milton Friedman
Friedman, Milton. ( l989a). "An Open Letter to Hill Bennet." Wall Street.Journal, September 7.
Should Drugs Be Legalized
- Holloway
- Walter Jason
- Block
Holloway, Jason and Walter Block. (1998). " Should Drugs Be Legalized? " In West Coast Libertarian April: 6–7.
To the Editor of the Commentary In Drugs in Amer-ica: The Reference Shelf
- Hamid
- Ansley
Hamid, Ansley. (1993). " To the Editor of the Commentary. " In Drugs in Amer-ica: The Reference Shelf (New York: H.W. Wilson) 65 (4): 181–184.
The Case For Legalization Has the Time Come to Legalize Drugs Reprinted in Drugs in America: The Ref-erence Shelf
- E Nadelmann
Nadelmann, E. (1989). " The Case For Legalization, " Washington Post, Octo-ber 8. Ostrowski, James (1993) [1990]. " Has the Time Come to Legalize Drugs? " USA Today Magazine 119 (July 1990): Reprinted in Drugs in America: The Ref-erence Shelf (New York: H.W. Wilson) 65 (4): 203–212.
The Consequences of Prohibition In The Crisis of Drug Prohibition
- Boaz
- David
Boaz, David. (1990). " The Consequences of Prohibition. " In The Crisis of Drug Prohibition. Washington, D.C.: Cato Institute.