Survey: Public Opinion on Decriminalizing Drugs

The United States federal government declared a “war on drugs” in 1971. The initiative called for much harsher criminal penalties for the use and possession of drugs as well as other drug violations.

Many have criticized these penalties for their tendency to worsen the drug crisis in society and have instead called for the “decriminalization of drugs.” Decriminalization of drugs is the removal of criminal penalties for drug violations, including possession or use.

Decriminalizing should not be confused with legalization. Legalizing is when a once-banned drug is made legal for use and possession under federal law. Decriminalization simply means removing criminal penalties from the possession and use of drugs.

There are often concerns and confusion as some countries may decriminalize drugs but may not legalize their use or possession. However, there are concerns and fears that decriminalization may eventually lead to drug legalization. In fact, on October 6, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the pardoning of federal convictions of “simple possession of cannabis”- which many are seeing as a step towards widespread legalization.

Decriminalizing drugs is a much-debated topic that may help eradicate the drug problem or possibly worsen it. As such, some pros of decriminalizing drugs include increased access to drug treatment and programs, decreased stigma, reduced risk of harm, etc.

On the contrary, others feel decriminalizing drugs may bring more bad than good, including legalization worries, increased drug supply, safety concerns, and eradicating current drug problems.

With varying opinions on drug decriminalization, Real Research launched a survey to gather thoughts from the public on the same.

Hence, hurry and answer the survey seeking public opinion on decriminalizing drugs on the Real Research app from November 15, 2022. After that, you will receive 40 TNCs as a reward.