A top story on NBC.com circulated today about two prep-school graduates running a drug ring in the Philadelphia area. Marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy were among the illegal drugs being sold to high school students. Neil Scott and Timothy Brooks were apprehended after a four month investigation. Scott was quoted as saying “…everyone between 15 and 55 loves good weed.” The district attorney stated, “they were using very traditional business principles. To take those skills and turn it into this kind of illegal enterprise is very distressing.” While the War on Drugs is associated with many stereotypes depicting who sells and who buys drugs, this story highlights how very diverse both those who sell and those who buy really are.
Frequented website Buzzfeed recently came out with an article discussing the increased state revenue due to the a 25% tax on marijuana in Colorado. The tax money will help fund the construction of new public schools. The state has been a pioneer in the legalization race. While opponents of legalization fear that making pot legal will lead to an amalgamation of negative effects including an increase in crime rate. However, according to a recent Huffington Post article, “After 3 Months of Legal Pot Sales, Denver Still Not a Crime-Filled Hellscape,” crime has not increased within the state, and has in fact decreased. These facts illuminate the positive aspects of legalization.
The debate over marijuana legalization has become increasingly relevant in today’s society. More and more states have voted for the decriminalization of marijuana possession. As with any nationwide issue, the debate has clear opposing sides. There are many proponents of legalization/decriminalization who argue for legalization due to the medical benefits of using the drug. An ABC News February 4, 2014 article written by Walter Perez spotlights a war veteran who has used marijuana to cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Regarding the other side of the debate in favor of keeping marijuana use illegal, I have also attached a popular anti-drug ad from the Above the Influence campaign. Nationwide trends show that legalization is gaining support. We will further discuss the ever-evolving history and current debate regarding marijuana. Stay tuned!
It is always important to get outsider’s point of view when it comes to polarizing topics such as the War on Drugs. In this scenario, we turn to TED Conversations which is a forum that allows for everyday citizens to engage in thought provoking debates. The question raised was the regarding the continuation of this War on Drugs. The abstract says that far more people are harmed and/or dying from this war as opposed to the drugs themselves. Moreover, the argument that develops is that there needs to be a new approach to understanding this war; and that government must lean towards enforcing law rather than attempting to understand the demand for these hard drugs.
There were many interesting comments by people who felt very passionately about the topic. A comment made by Keith W. states that the War on Drugs has been a failure because with majority of drugs outlawed, this only allows for criminal organizations to thrive off such high demand. Other related opinions include one written by Tina Wang who expressed her disapproval for the War on Drugs because she sees no benefit in the legalization of drugs and has a problem with the sheer greed associated with it.
This idea of greed is further demonstrated in an article published by CTV News, which explains the federal government’s launching of a $1.3 billion dollar project for a free market of medical marijuana. In summary it seems like the government is hoping to profit from this industry and while yielding claims to benefits for both consumers and the economy. However. In my opinion, I see this as just another attempt to capitalize on an effective system that the government believes it can control. Though, at this rate, I believe this War on Drugs will grow to be more uncontrollable and the problem worsen for all parties involved.
Also attached is a video explaining a different prospective on how this War on Drugs affects everyone.
Hello, my name is Leo Dassa and I am a Public Relations major at University of Maryland. Marijuana should be legalized, because of the crime it causes. Especially to a local and hometown like mine, Baltimore, I think it could really use this to get people off the streets. A lot of prison could be freed up for actual serious crimes, such as murder and homicide. Marijuana has never caused a death where legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, have. Coming from a city that revolves around drug problems, I would love to learn more about what causes it. Furthermore, I would like to learn about how to prevent it. I eagerly look forward to diving into the world of drug wars.
Hello, my name is Matthew Hamburger. As a senior majoring in Communication Studies at the University of Maryland, I hope to start a career in the marketing and sales industry after graduation. As a Baltimore native and third generation Maryland Terrapin student, I have always had an affinity for the University of Maryland. My main passion in life is traveling, as evidenced by having visited forty-seven states throughout my life. Immediately after college, I hope to visit Alaska, Hawaii, and Nevada to become one of the youngest persons to have visited all fifty states. I am interested in learning about the War on Drugs due to the significant impact it has had on our country. With many lives lost and millions of dollars spent, I want to further advance my knowledge on this subject.
My name is Kayleigh Poulsen and I’m a senior at the University of Maryland. I am studying Communications with a minor in Rhetoric. I am looking into a career involving Social Work. I am looking forward to working with the War on Drugs topic as it is becoming increasingly salient in todays news. The issue is multi-faceted and fosters the opportunity for discussion. I hope to contribute to an examination of both sides of the debate on marijuana legalization.
My name is Lawrence and I’m a graduating senior at University of Maryland College Park. I care about the war on drugs because it has claimed a senseless amount of lives since its inception. It has also managed to take average communities and turn them into cesspools of crime. Wars are supposed to come to an end, but this so called war has been raging on for almost 100 years. The massive loss of lives, wasted government funds, and destroyed communities are among the top reasons that we are calling for a cease and desist to the war on drugs. This issue has affected every American citizen in some way, shape, or form over the years. If we as a country do not alter our views on this issue there will certainly be no change in the outcome. If insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results, then I would have to conclude that we should all care about this issue for the sake of America’s sanity.
Hello, my name is Biendhy. I am a senior at the University of Maryland – College Park! I am majoring in Communications and in pursuit of a career in the PR field. I am passionate about this war on drugs because I have directly and indirectly seen the effects drugs has on people I know personally, and through what is constantly portrayed via the media. This topic of war on drugs is important because it is taking more lives as the years go by; both young and old. Not only has it become a financial burden for the people involved but combine that with the ill-fated health effects, this war on drugs needs to be addressed and solved.
The War on Drugs has taken on an increasing media relevancy in the past decade. The battle over marijuana legalization and decriminalization has been gaining traction in the news within the United States. This blog will explore the far reaching effects that the War on Drugs has had on countless victims. We will engage in discussions about both sides of the marijuana debate, as this is a prominent issue in today’s society. We will discuss different campaigns, media rhetoric, and initiatives taken in regards to the drug war.
The Failed War on Drugs 