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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsDomestic PolicyStarted 14yrs agoActive 5hrs ago

Are you in favor of decriminalizing drug use?

In 1970, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act which banned the manufacture, importation, possession, use and distribution of certain drugs. The act ranked drugs by their potential for abuse and placed them into five categories. Two of the most widely used drugs in the U.S., wine and alcohol, are exempt from the classifications. Ballot measures in several states including Colorado, Washington and Oregon have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. These laws apply only within the respective states and have no effect on Federal law.

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13.8k Replies

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...14yrs14Y

Yes

 @9FRFK9G from Missouri  disagreed…3yrs3Y

Drugs are a negative force. They impact the mind and make a person lose control of themselves. They help lazy people ignore their responsibilities. So for a successful society to function, drugs cannot be decriminalized.

 @9FMW82V from California  disagreed…3yrs3Y

If we were to decriminalize drug use where would the representation for those affected be for those who had a lack of self-control when taking drugs and committing serious crimes under the influence?

  @Ars-Gratia-Artiscommented…2yrs2Y

Ummm, yeah? Drugs is a lack of self control? Just don't take them? Don't be an idiot?

 @9FTRLC8 from Texas  agreed…3yrs3Y

I understand that this is a steep hill to climb for many - to decriminalize is equivalent to just letting dangerous people out onto the streets. But decriminalizing drug use is more akin to decriminalizing homosexuality than it is to decriminalizing rape and murder. These are non-violent drug offenders and many of them want to contribute positively to society. Drug abusers who commit crimes will still go to prison, but drug users who can contribute positively to society and violate no other laws should be free to do so.

 @9F8Y59L from Alaska  agreed…3yrs3Y

Do you believe anybody could be helped? Because I do, some people just stoop or fall so low in their mentality stableness that they need any sort of help that is offered to them, such as drug users and addicts. I believe that they can be helped and even so if they are in jail paying time for whatever it may be that allies with their drug use. But as for importers and sellers, who may or may not be addicts/users themselves, should probably just pay their time and get restricted help for themselves.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...14yrs14Y

No

 @9TNQJXL from Nebraska  disagreed…2yrs2Y

I thnk some drugs are good to ban but others have properties that make them basically harmless and shouldn't be banned

 @9FTRLC8 from Texas  disagreed…3yrs3Y

There is a great deal of misconception in those who oppose the legalization of drug use. The people who use and abuse drugs are not moral failures in need of punishment, they are sick people in need of treatment. The criminal justice system has been a total failure in treating the epidemic of drug use and abuse. It is time to listen to the experts: doctors, social workers, counselors, and psychologists, all of whom agree that drugs should be decriminalized and treated as a health issue, not an issue of crime.

 @9FSLBBQ from Ohio  disagreed…3yrs3Y

Cartels would have less business, protecting American borders/national security, and a key part of recovery is safe use. Addicts would be safer, given cleaner and sterilized substances as to reduce fatality rate of US citizens.

 @9FPP85Z from Pennsylvania  disagreed…3yrs3Y

Not having resources like Addiction Prevention centers can prevent the public from knowing the basic dangers of substance abuse and leave them uninformed and open to harmful things they know nothing about.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...14yrs14Y

Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...9yrs9Y

No, but decriminalize drugs that offer medicinal benefits such as marijuana

 @9G9TFLSRepublican from Missouri  disagreed…3yrs3Y

We shouldn't criminalize something that has good benefits. I would prefer something natural, instead of a man-made pill or drug.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...14yrs14Y

Yes, for most but not all drugs

 @9TNQJXL from Nebraska  agreed…2yrs2Y

Most drugs are hard drugs and can easily be attained by people and are highly addictive while others are not as addictive and don't pose as high as a threat as those hard drugs

 @9FNJ62L from Georgia  disagreed…3yrs3Y

All drugs can **** you up badly so none of them should be legal because of what they could do to you

 @9G5485V from New York  disagreed…3yrs3Y

I believe that Drugs like Weed are alright and should be fine because of the multiply studies done showing it doesn't really do too much but I also believe that it should only been done in small doses. I also Believe that drugs like heroin and fentanyl are things that should be band and also stuff similar to that that people CAN get addicted to and OD on.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...9yrs9Y

No, but increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation

 @98JZKDC from Maryland  agreed…3yrs3Y

No, but increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation

I absolutely agree. I consider myself to be socially liberal, but my one outlying belief is around marijuana and other recreational drugs, even the "less dangerous" ones. All drugs pose a risk. However, we absolutely do need to remain empathetic and supportive of those impacted by addiction, and increase government funding for community-based rehabilitation and prevention programs.

 @9FPP85Z from Pennsylvania  disagreed…3yrs3Y

I think that addiction preventions centers are a total joke. The root of most addictions starts with mental health issues which are constantly avoided, especially in males. They should instead offer free counseling and free community event to help spread awareness and let people know they have support and are not alone.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...14yrs14Y

No, we should pass tougher drug laws

 @9F87HB8 from Texas  disagreed…3yrs3Y

People should not be criminalized for having an addiction. They should be given help and resources to get help.

 @9F8Y59L from Alaska  disagreed…3yrs3Y

I personally believe that we should decriminalize the drug use in the United States. But at the same time, depending on how badly drug users or addicts are, and how illegally they are using or possibly even selling/ importing, they shall be arrested and get more time than usual, and with that provide help for the addicts while paying time or anything of the sorts.

 @9FLNXF8 from California  disagreed…3yrs3Y

Drugs will still be a thing even if their was a drug policy, people will still find ways to do them.

 @9FN86KL from Florida  disagreed…3yrs3Y

Making the drug laws tougher would make the selling and buying of some otherwise harmless drugs (referring to cannabis and certain psychedelics) more needlessly dangerous for those who are unfortunately addicted. The 18th and 21st amendments to the constitution are a prime example

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...9yrs9Y

No, and increase punishment for drug dealers

 @4Q4842Pfrom California  answered…6yrs6Y

Drug addiction is a mental illness, not a crime. We have Alcoholics Anonymous, which helps people take back their lives, why not have the same thing for drugs?

 @B2K364X from Washington  commented…1yr1Y

There is such a thing in fact there are several different programs of recovnery including Narcotics Anonymous, smart recovery, nar-anon, and more and they also have meetings online at almost any time that works for you as many of them are internationally attended.

 @9D8GBQR from Texas  answered…3yrs3Y

No and ban alcohol cigarettes tobacco and pornography

 @4VXP5HTfrom New York  answered…6yrs6Y

Only if we summarily execute those who sell to people under age 25. (So brain fully develops. Marijuana should be legal over age 21.

 @534HWNPfrom New York  answered…6yrs6Y

Instead of jail time there should be mandatory rehab, and parole for that same as jail. They are still using in jails, so that only perpetuates the problem.

 @9RHYD7S from Michigan  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, decriminalize the buying of drugs but regulate the selling of it. And drug addicts should get the same kind of treatment as alcoholics

 @4THMGRMfrom Connecticut  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, but drugs can also be used as weapons (i.e. as poisons), and hence should be controlled. Recreational use should be legal.

 @4Q4C63Lfrom Nevada  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, but level harsh penalties against the user if they hurt someone while under the influence.

 @8N6QGZS from Texas  answered…6yrs6Y

I do not understand what decriminalization is so I’m going to say that if you possess a drug that’s illegal you should be arrested

 @9FQJH55Democrat from North Carolina  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, treat drug abuse as a health issue instead of a criminal one. Release or at least reduce sentences for non-violent drug offenders

 @4S68HTKfrom Washington  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, but offer safe houses so the public is not harmed.

 @534HTJKfrom New York  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, legalize everything

 @98JZKDC from Maryland  disagreed…3yrs3Y

No, but increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation

What do you mean by "everything"? Are you including substances such as cocaine, heroin, etc.?

 @9D5CCYX from Texas  answered…3yrs3Y

What we should do is increase punishment for drug dealers but at the same time we should increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation.

 @ThrilledCurRepublicanfrom Pennsylvania  agreed…3yrs3Y

Portugal is a great example of this. They decriminalized all drugs in 2001 and instead focused on treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. As a result, they've seen a significant decrease in drug-related deaths and HIV infection rates. But, they also hold drug traffickers accountable with strict laws.

 @4S6KBRMfrom Virginia  answered…6yrs6Y

No, we have a drug problem in this country and it's not likely due to the fact that people just want to break the law to use drugs. That being said, making it criminal is only costing tax payers money in retaining individuals that made poor choices, but are still susceptible to using when they are free, if we spent the same amount ensuring that people recover and educating others on the dangers and effective ways of coping with life, then we'd all be better off. One bad decision shouldn't ruin your life, but it should turn it around.

 @937HGK4 from Texas  answered…4yrs4Y

No and increase penalties for alcohol

 @57FFD7Wfrom Washington  answered…6yrs6Y

Hemp should be legal, execute traffickers

 @4Q8CTVCfrom Utah  answered…6yrs6Y

I believe that if you have nicotine and alcohol legal then why not other drugs. But I would prefer that recreational use of any and all drugs, including tobacco and alcohol be prohibited. I do think that medical use of all drugs should be expanded.

 @8HQ7NMCIndependent from Minnesota  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, but not on dealers. Too much money spent on jailing and prisons.

 @9PT6LY3Democrat from North Carolina  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, treat non-violent drug abuse as a health issue instead of a criminal one and devote more funding for treatment and rehabilitation. Also retroactively reduce sentences for non-violent drug offenders already serving time

 @4Q89XTPfrom California  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, but selling, transporting or supplying drugs should be illegal. The point is to not punish drug users, the real victims of drug abuse.

 @8H96Y52 from Rhode Island  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, and free people currently serving time for nonviolent drug offenses, and expunge nonviolent drug charges from criminal records.

 @BBRDTVP from South Carolina  answered…3mos3MO

Drugs should be regulated based on the known dangers and social impacts they cause. Possession should not be criminalized but strict liability should be imposed for sellers breaking the laws.

 @BB8DHZM from Missouri  answered…4mos4MO

Some drugs should be allowed for medical benefits, and some should be allowed recreationally, but hardcore drugs should have tougher laws passed to prevent bad outcomes.

 @BB7XMSL from Virginia  answered…4mos4MO

Yes, and provide safe drugs and equipment to use + safe environments to use them for current addicts to reduce any possible harm, while providing safe recovery programs for those who want or need it.

 @B8GFGFQ from Minnesota  answered…7mos7MO

No, i feel letting them do this is a bigger harm to themselfs and everyone around them. however there should be a bigger focus on rehabilating criminals and reintegrating them into society and if drugs kill someone treat the dealer as a murderer. harsher punishments discourage activity while helping people reintegrate hopefully breaks that cycle so they stop harming their community.

 @B82QWZV  from Virginia  answered…8mos8MO

Decriminalizing drugs and offering services that aid with withdrawl and drug recovery has been shown to work, at least in the netherlands, better than criminalization. I also believe those arrested for crimes that occured but became no longer crimes should be released, and people who committed the crime before the punishment became law should not be punished.

 @B5QW24BRepublican  from Minnesota  answered…8mos8MO

We should focus on prosecuting drug dealers while allowing private personal use; however, drug trafficking should remain a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment. Additionally, government-funded programs to prevent and treat drug addiction must be expanded."

 @B6ZPV6H from Utah  answered…9mos9MO

Yes and no. Minor drug offenders should be offered rehab mental health help and a fine to teach responsibility but serious drug related crimes should be criminalized with mental health help

 @B23R6DCNo Labels from California  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, decriminalize and regulate most drugs, retroactively reduce prison sentences for simple possession, and increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation.

 @9T6XV9N from Texas  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, then drug overdoses do not qualify for insurance coverage and have an automatic do not resuscitate

 @9D8TB68 from Texas  answered…3yrs3Y

No ban alcohol cigarettes tobacco and pornography

 @9L74FFC from North Carolina  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, though there should be reasonable limitations similar to alcohol restrictions. Drug use should be treated as a health issue instead of a criminal issue provided no violence is involved.

 @9HNVCYJ from Idaho  answered…2yrs2Y

Yes, and we should replace prisons with mandatory rehabilitation and mental health services for those addicted

 @9H3SNRPLibertarian from Colorado  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, but implement a hands-on enforced policy that empathizes treatment instead of jail for public drug users.

 @9GZDTYYIndependent from Maryland  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, I believe that the government should focus more on the mental side of drug use and approach the problems of drug use from a health issue perspective rather than a legal one. Rather than punishing individuals for drug use, local governments should focus on helping them with rehabilitation institutions and making more resources for information and help available.

 @9GYQH4XLibertarian from Illinois  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, for non-addictive/harmful drugs. But increase punishment for use of these while operating a vehicle.

 @9G3DHMG from Wisconsin  answered…3yrs3Y

No, we should pass tougher drug laws; including prohibiting vaping, cigars, cigarettes, wine, alcohol or any other form of recreational drug use or intoxication.

 @8XLR4JXDemocrat  from North Carolina  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, all non-violent drug use should be treated as a health crisis instead of a criminal issue deserving of draconian punishment

 @93P477H from New York  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes. We shouldn't stop at decriminalizing, but also aim for legalization and regulation to make sure we have safe drugs going into the hands of consumers. We should also fund programs for substance abuse and make information more widely available and accessible to all who need help.

 @8HJ3X8NGreen from Oklahoma  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, but only inside of government-certified treatment and rehabilitation centers, where people addicted to drugs can seek help and the ability to get off drugs in a humane way.

 @8H5YSWDGreen from Texas  answered…6yrs6Y

Marijuana should be decriminalized, but other instances of drug use should be dealt with through rehabilitation, not imprisonment

 @8H6T2XF from Pennsylvania  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, and reduce sentences for those already serving time. But, drugs like heroine should remain banned.

 @95SKRY9 from Texas  answered…4yrs4Y

No and illegalize porn and prostitution

 @5J8LMX4Democratfrom Colorado  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, and support increased funding for addiction prevention, treatments, and rehabilitation, as well as mandatory rehabilitation programs in lieu of imprisonment.

 @93V2CXP from Texas  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes and increase penalties for alcohol

 @93SB7YB from Florida  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, not for all drugs, and retro reduce sentences.

 @8H8PPS2 from Pennsylvania  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, unless they commit a crime while intoxicated or in possession. Increase funding for rehabilitation.

 @8GLW8NG from Pennsylvania  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, for most but not all drugs, reduce or remove sentences for recreational drug use as long as it does not endanger the lives of others, and there should be more funding given to addiction prevention and rehabilitation

 @98446W5 from Texas  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, and expand rehabilitation programs

 @94SFFMP from Texas  answered…4yrs4Y

No and make porn illegal and require a special license to drink alcohol

 @8N45T5H from Louisiana  answered…6yrs6Y

yes, but only for certain drugs. for example herion and other hard drug should be criminalized.

 @IanCearnaighProgressive from Michigan  disagreed…4yrs4Y

Yes Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time

I am a person who would have died of my severe mental illness (obviously how is forbidden to say in the public arena bc it’s an absurd world) had I not tried illicitly trialing opioid agonists to treat it. I knew to get on Suboxone since it’s legal but I am clear to all why I take and admire opioids including the so called high which is my only time on earth despite 30 years of continuous mental health improvement (mainly psychotherapy since addding the Suboxone) only since the discovery of opioid agonists. So I guess my case is that of a gutter dwelling vermon?

 @8PJX2RY from Colorado  answered…6yrs6Y

Some but not all. It’s ridiculous for shrooms to apply.

 @8NJX4PP from Montana  answered…6yrs6Y

Marijuana and mushrooms should not be a punishable offense because they can have less or equal effects on a person as alcohol does. And hard-core drugs should be treated as a health risk of the users. Hard-core dealers should be penalized for their actions

 @8FYD6WV from Pennsylvania  answered…6yrs6Y

It depends on what drug is being used.

 @8NZQG54Independent from Texas  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, implement easily accessible rehabilitation programs

 @KFredDemocrat from Texas  answered…6yrs6Y

Yes, decriminalize weed and release all those serving time/probations for having or using it.

 @9F45DZZ from New York  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, but only for drugs that are proven to not be very harmful, like weed, also reducing or voiding existing sentences

 @9F459ZG from Texas  answered…3yrs3Y

Mild drugs such as marijuana should be decriminalized, and we need to rethink the whole war on drugs, because 50 years later, we've made negative progress. We need to lessen some drug sentences and pardon those with arbitrary convictions.

 @9F453HL from Arizona  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes but in moderation, more unsafe drugs should not be decriminalized.

 @9D5G5DXfrom Maine  answered…3yrs3Y

No, with the exception of weed and other plants straight out of nature. And if we're going after hard drugs dealers and traffickers we should also go after Fauci and the WHO, amongst others

 @9D4Y3KJ from Tennessee  answered…3yrs3Y

Mo but we should go after drug dealers and the suppliers. Give the drug user rehabilitation.

 @9D4Y7JBRepublican from California  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, but reduce protections for being terminated from employment or committing crimes due to addiction.

 @9D4XKRD  from Ohio  answered…3yrs3Y

Yes, but decriminalize drugs that offer medicinal benefits such as marijuana and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time

 @6MR65NZProgressive from Texas  answered…3yrs3Y

No, but decriminalize marijuana and increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation of all addictive substances.

 @95F8VRV from Texas  answered…4yrs4Y

i ready dont mine either way because i don't do drugs

 @95DR2KWfrom California  answered…4yrs4Y

No, but increase funding for addiction for rehab , but decriminalize drugs for medical usage such as marijuana

 @93XHPSL from Indiana  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, and make it so that the people suffering from addiction can get help at proper facilities to do the drug safely under medical surveillance in the hope of weaning off the addictive substance.

 @Ryguy23 from Massachusetts  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but there should always be funding to help reduce addiction.

 @93X8PPK from Pennsylvania  answered…4yrs4Y

Yes, but make clear the problems with drug usage.

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…2yrs2Y

A Moment of Darkness': Washington Post's No-Endorsement Decision Ignites Media Firestorm

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