A new Global Commission on Drug Policy report advocates for the decriminalization of drug use and possession in the U.S. and Canada, citing the failure of the “War on Drugs.” The report, authored by numerous former world leaders, recommends harm reduction strategies like expanding access to opioid agonist therapy and safer supply models to curb overdose deaths. Instead of prohibition, the report emphasizes health, human rights, and social equity as the guiding principles for effective drug policy, arguing that current punitive measures have led to increased violence and disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. The report highlights the ineffectiveness of prohibition, noting that drug use continues to rise despite substantial global spending on enforcement.
Read More
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk declared the global war on drugs a complete failure, citing its inability to reduce drug use or related crime. He advocates for a human rights-centered approach prioritizing health and well-being over punishment, urging the inclusion of drug users’ perspectives in policymaking. This shift necessitates evidence-based strategies, replacing punitive measures with harm reduction and public health initiatives. The Commissioner emphasizes the need for a transformative approach, as highlighted in the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy, to address the devastating impact of the current system.
Read More
When asked about raising his kids, Trump went on an eight-minute rant calling for the death penalty. It’s a jarring response to a simple question that should have evoked warmth and humanity. Instead, Trump veered off into a disjointed monologue about fentanyl, China, and the death penalty for drug dealers. It’s a stark reminder of his inability to connect with the average American and his penchant for divisive and extreme rhetoric.
Trump’s fixation on the death penalty as a solution to drug-related offenses is concerning. The death penalty has never been a proven deterrent to crime, and its implementation is fraught with errors that can lead to irreversible consequences.… Continue reading
As someone who has personally benefitted from the use of medical marijuana, I cannot stress enough how important it is for the legalization of cannabis. The fact that there are still individuals facing incarceration for the simple act of using a plant that has proven medicinal benefits is not only unjust but utterly absurd. It’s about time that we move past the outdated stigma attached to marijuana and recognize the immense potential it holds in improving the quality of life for millions of people.
Kamala Harris’s stance on legalizing marijuana, going even further than Biden, is a step in the right direction.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the grim milestone that has once again struck the United States, with overdose deaths surpassing 100,000 for the third consecutive year, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and frustration. To put it in perspective, the number of lives lost each year to drug overdoses in America is comparable to the fatalities during World War II or 30 times the number of lives lost during the tragic events of 9/11. It’s a staggering and heartbreaking reality that we are facing.
It’s disheartening to see how differently various media outlets cover this issue.… Continue reading
Finally, it seems like Uncle Sam is catching up to the times. The US drug control agency is on the verge of reclassifying marijuana, recognizing its medical benefits and lower potential for abuse compared to other dangerous drugs. This move, initiated by President Biden’s efforts in recent years, marks a historic shift towards a more sensible drug policy. While it may not legalize marijuana for recreational use outright, it paves the way for harm reduction and eventual federal legalization.
For years, the DEA has been dragging its feet on this issue, but the gears of bureaucracy are finally turning in the right direction.… Continue reading
As the news of the Biden administration’s plans to reclassify marijuana and ease restrictions nationwide spreads, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief and optimism for the future of our country. The decades-long war on drugs initiated by Nixon, with the intent of disenfranchising marginalized communities, has resulted in an alarming number of non-violent drug offenders filling up for-profit prisons. It’s high time that we rethink our approach to marijuana and focus on harm reduction rather than punishment.
The potential implications of this reclassification are vast and varied, touching on issues like landlord-tenant relationships in states where marijuana is legal.… Continue reading
As I read the news about Kamala Harris calling for marijuana to be rescheduled as quickly as possible, I can’t help but wonder what took so long for this issue to come to the forefront. The fact that marijuana is currently classified in the same dangerous category as heroin is not only absurd but also patently unfair. It’s time to address this discrepancy and make the necessary changes to allow for the rescheduling of marijuana.
It’s clear that the legalization of marijuana is a winning issue, with significant support across various demographics. The latest Gallup poll shows overwhelming support for legalization, including 87% of Democrats, 70% of independents, and even 55% of Republicans.… Continue reading
Democratic senators are calling on the DEA to completely deschedule marijuana, and I couldn’t agree more. The current system has caused harm and has been ineffective in addressing the issue of marijuana prohibition. It’s time to legalize it and allow people to grow it, just like tomatoes. The fact that alcohol, with its addictive potential and known carcinogenic properties, is legal while marijuana is not is mind-boggling. The excise taxes that could be generated from marijuana sales alone are a strong argument for descheduling.
It’s frustrating to think about the wasted years, lives, and money that have gone into the failed war on drugs.… Continue reading
Democrats Urge Biden Administration to Deschedule Marijuana
As an individual who supports the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana, I am thrilled to hear that 12 Senate Democrats, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have urged the DEA to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act altogether. It is high time that we address the outdated federal restrictions on marijuana and embrace a more progressive approach to drug policy.
The fact that the NSA, FBI, and CIA have also expressed their desire for marijuana to be descheduled is a telling indication of the shifting public opinion on this issue. Organizations like these are tired of having to disqualify candidates for past marijuana use and recognize the need for change.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker