Eva Guo (10) | STAFF REPORTER
In recent years, many countries have jumped on the trend of decriminalizing or legalizing certain drugs. While there are benefits that come with legalizing these substances, the impacts of such a change only prove that all addictive drugs should be banned from the public.
All drugs, whether legal or illegal, pose significant health risks to the individual. From the commonly found tobacco to medicinally used opioids and cannabis, these substances contribute to countless cases of addiction and death each year. Although exchanges may be regulated, the fact that they continue to be available to the public means that the issues that come with drug use will also continue to exist.
The addictive nature of drugs is a case in point on why they should be made illegal. Addiction is an epidemic that devastates entire lives, families, and communities. They lead to bankruptcy, homelessness, and in the most unfortunate cases, overdose and death. Legalization is only making drugs more accessible and making it easier for people to ruin their own lives.
In support of this argument is the example of Canada’s legalization of marijuana. Statistics show that the country’s usage of said drug has increased from 22% to 27% after legalization. This goes to show that legalization will only lead to increased drug abuse.
Some proponents argue that decriminalization will de-stigmatize drug use, allowing addicts to seek help without fear of judgment. While this may be true, it also indirectly encourages people, especially the younger generations, to abuse substances because there are less consequences to fear, creating an environment where substance use is more acceptable.
The main motivation for countries to decriminalize drugs is to take away the control of black market dealers and reduce crimes centered around these dealers. However, the increased accessibility of drugs may result in higher rates of crimes under the influence of drugs that will ultimately affect all communities rather than a select few.
While legalization may seem like a solution to the negative effects of drug usage, the reality is that it does nothing and can even worsen the problems it tries to solve. All drugs, regardless of their legality, pose serious threats and the only true solution is a complete ban.
