home

Myths About the War on Drugs and Legalization

Ryan Grim, in tomorrow's Washington Post, rebuts five myths about drug legalization and the war on drugs. The myths:

  • 1. America's drug problem began in the late 1960s.
  • 2. Nixon is to blame for the war on drugs.
  • 3. Legalization will increase teen drug use.
  • 4. In foreign countries, legalization has been disastrous.
  • 5. Americans aren't ready for legalization.

Grim, who is also a Congressional correspondent for Huffington Post, is the author of This Is Your Country on Drugs: The Secret History of Getting High in America.

< Another Plane Crash in the Hudson River, Coverage Begins | Alberto Gonzales' New Gig >
  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


  • Display: Sort:
    Call me when we have (5.00 / 0) (#2)
    by Fabian on Sun Aug 09, 2009 at 06:56:27 AM EST
    public mental health care.

    You support real treatment for addiction and addiction prevention by treating the mental disorders that put people at increased risk and I'll support legalization.

    get to the point, roll another joint (none / 0) (#1)
    by wilco on Sat Aug 08, 2009 at 05:25:34 PM EST
    Well, do we legalize or decriminalize?  11 states have already decriminalized weed.  Do we legalize all drugs?  Make meth labs legal?  Does the govt make the meth, heroin, crack and sell it?  Its all pretty confusing.

    The 'war on drugs' is a complete failure.  Likely at least half of those in prison are there due to drug related offenses.  Studies have shown that most of thefts/burglaries/robberies are by individuals needing money for addiction.  Makes the brain hurt trying to decide what is best.  Just gonna hit the bong and relax now.