1. Drug Policy: Prohibition, Decriminalization, Legalization

2. What to Expect in This Lecture Defining prohibition, legalization and decriminalization Defining prohibition, legalization and decriminalization Class discussion on pros and cons of approaches to drug policy Class discussion on pros and cons of approaches to drug policy Introduction of “harm reduction” as an alternative approach to drug policy Introduction of “harm reduction” as an alternative approach to drug policy Class discussion of what a “harm reduction” policy might look like Class discussion of what a “harm reduction” policy might look like

3. Prohibition General policy orientation that defines cultivation, production, distribution and possession of substances as criminal General policy orientation that defines cultivation, production, distribution and possession of substances as criminal Involves enforcement of laws at five levels: Involves enforcement of laws at five levels: Source reductionSource reduction Border interdictionBorder interdiction Disruption of high-level distribution networks (federal level)Disruption of high-level distribution networks (federal level) Disruption of wholesale distribution networks (state level)Disruption of wholesale distribution networks (state level) Disruption of retail distribution networks (state and local levels)Disruption of retail distribution networks (state and local levels)

4. Legalization A general policy orientation that involves the lifting of all criminal and civil proscriptions and sanctions A general policy orientation that involves the lifting of all criminal and civil proscriptions and sanctions Three separate policy options: Three separate policy options: Laissez Faire ModelLaissez Faire Model Limited Distribution ModelLimited Distribution Model Medical ModelMedical Model

5. Decriminalization Similar to legalization, but with unique features Similar to legalization, but with unique features Is not simply a “compromise” between legalization and prohibition Is not simply a “compromise” between legalization and prohibition Policy that removes criminal sanctions for small amounts of marijuana Policy that removes criminal sanctions for small amounts of marijuana Nevertheless, growing or possessing marijuana is not legal—it is simply a civil offense rather than a criminal offense Nevertheless, growing or possessing marijuana is not legal—it is simply a civil offense rather than a criminal offense Currently, 12 states have some form of marijuana decriminalization legislation (see table 11.1) Currently, 12 states have some form of marijuana decriminalization legislation (see table 11.1)

6. Class Discussion: Debating Drug Policy What are the advantages of: What are the advantages of: Prohibition?Prohibition? Legalization?Legalization? Decriminalization?Decriminalization? What are the disadvantages of each of these policies? What are the disadvantages of each of these policies? Based on these advantages and disadvantages, how might we approach drug policy for the 21 st century Based on these advantages and disadvantages, how might we approach drug policy for the 21 st century

7. Harm Reduction: A Policy Alternative Harm reduction is a general policy orientation that shifts focus away from legal status of drugs to policies and practices that would reduce harm caused by drugs and drug policies Harm reduction is a general policy orientation that shifts focus away from legal status of drugs to policies and practices that would reduce harm caused by drugs and drug policies Based on the following premises: Based on the following premises: Drug use will never be totally eliminatedDrug use will never be totally eliminated Drug policies are sometimes more damaging than drug useDrug policies are sometimes more damaging than drug use Risks of drug use should be weighed against the risks posed by drug policiesRisks of drug use should be weighed against the risks posed by drug policies

8. Harm Reduction: Three Levels of Intervention Level of Intervention Definition Policy Responses Primary Intervention Prevention of drug use (where possible) and addiction; Prevention of drug use (where possible) and addiction; prevention of major policy harm prevention of major policy harm Drug education Drug education Marijuana decriminalization Marijuana decriminalization Medical legalization Medical legalization Secondary Intervention Limiting severity of addiction Limiting severity of addiction Limiting consequences of addiction to community Limiting consequences of addiction to community Needle exchange Needle exchange Drug zones Drug zones Tertiary Intervention Limiting consequences of severe addiction to user Limiting consequences of severe addiction to user Treatment Treatment

9. Harm Reduction: A Viable Policy Approach? Discuss the appropriateness of the following harm reduction strategies: Discuss the appropriateness of the following harm reduction strategies: Drug EducationDrug Education Needle Exchange ProgramsNeedle Exchange Programs Drug Use ZonesDrug Use Zones