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Former Cops Agree: Legalization Is the Path to Controlling Drugs

Even the police see regulation as the way to control drugs

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As far as I can tell, drug addiction is completely fake. I've been to many AA meetings, spoken to the 'addicts' and listened to their stories. They never had a deep compulsion to do drugs. Instead, they used drugs to hide mischievous behavior or to alienate others so that they could prowl more freely and sleep around. Of course, they always claim they have a disease. AA is a cult designed to promote the Addiction Myth to protect scoundrels. For whom we are killing innocent people around the world.

AddictionMyth of CA 8:53PM August 12, 2012

Law enforcement, when it comes to marijuana, is a farce. Here is a drug that is far less harmful than alcohol or tobacco -- in fact does have some wonderful medical benefits and we continue to demonize it.

Is it any wonder that the electorate at large no longer believe most of what governments have been telling us about most things -- they lied about the harm of marijuana ... have sent millions to jail under the pretense that they have done something wrong; have ruined thier lives and those of their families; have cost the taxpayer 1 trilion dollars since this farce began ... any person who, knowing those facts, wants to continue this charade, MUST have something to lose if it is stopped or they are insane.

Mark 10:07PM July 26, 2012

Addiction is a chronic, progressive brain disease. Addicts need treatment, not incarceration.

For a not-for-profit website that discusses the science of substance use and abuse in accessible English (how alcohol and drugs work in the brain; how addiction develops; why addiction is a chronic, progressive brain disease; what parts of the brain malfunction as a result of substance abuse; how that malfunction skews decision-making and motivation, resulting in addict behaviors; why some get addicted while others don't; how treatment works; how well treatment works; why relapse is common; what family and friends can do; etc.) please click on www.AddictScience.com.

Steve Castleman of CA 12:24PM July 11, 2012

I believe the "War on Drugs" is an excuse to continue funding the legal system and law enforcement. Government spending is out of control already. Stop the insanity. We couldn't stop alcohol, what makes anyone think we can stop other substances. Treat drugs as a health issue not a criminal activity.

Charles Jones of UT 2:03PM July 10, 2012

This is a great strategy for many things, but yes, let's start with individual choices about whether to use recreational substances or not. A simple thing. Some can manage their business doing so, others may not be mature or self-directed enough and need help. But criminalization and rounding up and "punishing" people has done nothing to stem the tide of drugs being available nor to assist those who get addicted or messed up from overindulgence and need help getting clean/sober. NOR has it stopped anyone curious from finding access and trying them. It's failed all around and it's time to try alternative solutions. We already have the best model with alcohol -- it's legal, but age-limited and there are laws against doing things that affect others negatively while inebriated as a result of that inebriation. That's how the whole thing should work, in my opinion, the same way -- whether it's marijuana or anything "harder".

Rynne Cowham of CA 12:42PM July 10, 2012

It would be nice to see our "War on Drugs" declared over and done. But I agree that the money being made via our Private Prison Industry will preclude any meaningful change at present. After all, it's mostly young "throwaway" African-American males whom we all know are the so-called "dregs of society." Witness that their arrests are cited by bigots all over the land to justify their continued incarceration. All the while their White counterparts receive little or no jail time, and are the recipient of that "rehabilitative" treatment. Comments from the Law Enforcement community are most welcomed, but Neal is in a tiny, tiny minority. Finally, I would like to rephrase the debate some what. Most Americans hear that we have lost the "War on Drugs" legalization arguments and think left-wing Liberals mean throw open the flood gates to ALL drugs. No so. Very few Americans used "hard drugs." Correct me if I am wrong, but most of us are talking about ending the "War on Weed!" Pot! All studies have confirmed that it is not even close to doing damage to us as much Cigarettes or Alcohol. Legally sanctioned "drugs" that kill Americans by the Hundreds of Thousands. Continue the efforts to stem the use of the hard, additive drugs, but it's high time (no pun intended) that we legalize the use of the Weed. Are you listening Mr. President?

Dalton B. Davis of CA 2:17AM July 10, 2012

Thanks Neal. You've exposed their Boogeyman Prohibition for the sham that it is, and that one isn't required to be a "Drugie" to speak out against this failed and flawed laws..

Mike Parent of NH 8:44PM July 09, 2012

Mr. Franklin, thank you very much! The cannabis community understands the need for law enforcement and we respect the law. Our disagreement is with policies that criminalize the actions of any minority group to control them and cannabis prohibition does just that.

I refer to cannabis consumers as a minority group because like previous peoples who were oppressed based on their race, color, gender, or sexual orientation, cannabis consumers have been subjected to decades of ridicule and discriminatory arrests simply because we consume cannabis. And while cannabis is still illegal, so was black freedom, women's rights, and GLTB recognition before courageous people dared to speak.

Again, thank you for articulating the need for a change in the direction of this country's drug policies. It will be reasoned voices like yours that encourage that change, so please do not stop.

Brad Forrester of MI 7:17PM July 09, 2012

It seems like everyone involved knows it is the wrong policy, but there is a huge industry around prosecuting the drug war. Remember if it is not about the money, its about the money.

Tom Barry of IL 6:49PM July 09, 2012

The tax generated on drug sales alone would pay for any rehabilitation programs that people may need. It would also take the sales out of the hands of people operating "outside of the law", which would cut down on homicide and crime. It would be like the sale of alcohol or tobacco both are regulated by the government and taxed to a premium. The money spent annually could be put towards other programs. People always say "who has to pay?" but never think about the big picture and how much our government spends on this war. Precedents have been set by several other countries and drug use has gone down as well as overdoses from "altered" drugs. Wake up people you can have morals but you cannot impose them. Morality is a choice that every human has and its not up to you nor is it your problem. Now go drink a glass of wine and think about what I have said.

Joe Cake of CA 6:33PM July 09, 2012

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