A Case for Legalizing Recreational Drugs Argumentative Essay

Argues for the legalization of recreational drugs in the USA.
# 152084 | 2,475 words | 10 sources | APA | 2009 | US
Published on Dec 18, 2012 in Political Science (U.S.) , Criminology (Drugs Enforcement)


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Description:

This paper states that, while legalizing and regulating recreational drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana is by no means a "perfect" solution to the myriad of problems that comes with widespread drug usage, ending their prohibition has the potential to be a reasonable, practical alternative if planned, and managed effectively by the government. Acknowledging that the legalization of recreational drugs is a very controversial stance for any politician or citizen to advocate, the author relates the escalating costs of maintaining the status quo. The paper concludes that, while the moral rationalization for prohibition may be noble, it cannot justify the expenditures and efforts made to enforce the current laws. Color graphs and a photo are included.

From the Paper:

"One of the most obvious reasons to legalize drugs is so that the federal and state governments, rather than foreign drug cartels and local street gangs, can be the ones who profit from the manufacturing, distribution, and sales. The legalization of drugs would result in new taxation that could potentially increase revenues dramatically, just as similar "sin" taxes on alcohol and tobacco products have. According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Americans spend at least $64 billion each year on illegal drugs. Since there are no reliable records for illegal transactions involving narcotics, an accurate estimate of how much is spent is impossible; more than likely, the government is underestimating the figure. From another source, it is reported that "marijuana is already the top cash crop in a dozen states and among the top five crops in 39 states, with a total annual value of $36 billion."
"In a detailed report from June 2005 entitled "The Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibition," Dr. Jeffrey A. Miron writes that if marijuana alone is taxed and regulated in a way similar to that of alcoholic beverages, the combination of savings and tax revenues would generate between $10 billion and $14 billion per year."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Block W.,& Cussen M. (2000) American Journal of Economics and Sociology. Legalize Drugs Now, Retrieved _September 15, 2009 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0254/is_3_59/ai_65348069/pg_2/?tag=content;col1.
  • Gillespie, N (2009). Paying with our Sins Reasons online. Retrieved _September 14, 2009 http://www.reason.com/news/show/133598.html.
  • Graph source: Justice Policy Institute. Retrieved_ September 7, 2009 http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3D%2522drugs%2522%2Band%2B%2522arrests%2522%2Band%2B%2522statistics%2522%26ei%3Dutf-8%26fr%3Dyfp-t-152&w=256&h=179&imgurl=www.briancbennett.com%2Fcharts%2Ffed-data%2Fthumbnails%2Fother-arrests-dist.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.briancbennett.com%2Fcharts%2Ffed-data%2Fother-arrests.htm&size=13k&name=other+arrests+di...&p=%22drugs%22+and+%22arrests%22+and+%22statistics%22&oid=3d43711b442d90a8&fr2=&no=2&tt=17&sigr=11u9mojis&sigi=1277u2qg7&sigb=13nhlngi8#FCar=23797185bf364b16.
  • Graph Source: Justice Policy Institute Retrieved _September 7, 2009 http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3D%2522drugs%2522%2Band%2B%2522arrests%2522%2Band%2B%2522statistics%2522%26ei%3Dutf-8%26fr%3Dyfp-t-152&w=256&h=179&imgurl=www.briancbennett.com%2Fcharts%2Ffed-data%2Fthumbnails%2Fother-arrests-dist.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.briancbennett.com%2Fcharts%2Ffed-data%2Fother-arrests.htm&size=13k&name=other+arrests+di...&p=%22drugs%22+and+%22arrests%22+and+%22statistics%22&oid=3d43711b442d90a8&fr2=&no=2&tt=17&sigr=11u9mojis&sigi=1277u2qg7&sigb=13nhlngi8#FCar=23797185bf364b16.
  • Hemp. (n.d.). Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia Retrieved _September 28, 2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp.

Cite this Argumentative Essay:

APA Format

A Case for Legalizing Recreational Drugs (2012, December 18) Retrieved June 03, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/argumentative-essay/a-case-for-legalizing-recreational-drugs-152084/

MLA Format

"A Case for Legalizing Recreational Drugs" 18 December 2012. Web. 03 June. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/argumentative-essay/a-case-for-legalizing-recreational-drugs-152084/>

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