Drug addictions and abuse are not solely an American problem. The drug problem is worldwide. Drug policies vary from country to country and are unique to their specific problems. Each country has developed its own policy in regards to illicit drug use, with varying degrees of tolerance and enforcement towards consumption-related behavior. (Gatto, 1999). Most drug policies across the world are based on a harm reduction, prevention, treatment, and an enforcement type of approach. (Valleriani and Macpherson, 2015). This paper will discuss the drug policies in Canada, England, and the Netherlands. It will also compare the policies and assess whether or not any of the policies from other countries would be viable in the United States. Canada’s
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(Abadinsky, 2013). Drug use and the acquiring drugs for personal use is not a criminal offense in the Netherlands. The law does state that possession is an offense, but it is never enforced or pursued. The main approach is to minimize risks associated with drug use and not to criminalize people. Cannabis use is tolerated in the Netherlands and this is evident throughout areas that have coffee shops that readily serve the drug that can be consumed on the premises. According to the “Coffee Shop Rules” from 1991 municipalities are able to decide for themselves if cannabis will be allowed. (Gatto, 1999). There are some guidelines and taxes that go along with it in order for an establishment to be …show more content…
policy, it would appear that they are different in some respect. The U.S. is in a transition phase right now when it comes to drug policy. Marijuana, for example, is on the forefront where it is being questioned whether or not it should be legal. We already have medicinal drugs and facilities where addicts can get their drugs safely as a means to help them, just as in other countries, and we already have harsh penalties for drug possessions. It seems that we have a mixture of all drug policies already in place. England’s way of having a tier system of warnings would be a great fit for the U.S. We have this issue of not wanting to pipeline people into the criminal justice system and this would be a great way to implement this policy. Follow England’s lead of having the ability to arrest on the first offence, but having the discretion to just confiscate the drug and issue a warning for the offence. If the person commits the same crime, then follow on to the next step, while always keeping in mind that an arrest can be made. This will give people the opportunity to make better decisions when it comes to drugs. Another great fit is the Netherlands way of minimizing the risk of drug use and helping the person rather than prosecuting them. This is the way that President Obama is leaning toward with his rehabilitation
(Abadinsky, 2013). Drug use and the acquiring drugs for personal use is not a criminal offense in the Netherlands. The law does state that possession is an offense, but it is never enforced or pursued. The main approach is to minimize risks associated with drug use and not to criminalize people. Cannabis use is tolerated in the Netherlands and this is evident throughout areas that have coffee shops that readily serve the drug that can be consumed on the premises. According to the “Coffee Shop Rules” from 1991 municipalities are able to decide for themselves if cannabis will be allowed. (Gatto, 1999). There are some guidelines and taxes that go along with it in order for an establishment to be …show more content…
policy, it would appear that they are different in some respect. The U.S. is in a transition phase right now when it comes to drug policy. Marijuana, for example, is on the forefront where it is being questioned whether or not it should be legal. We already have medicinal drugs and facilities where addicts can get their drugs safely as a means to help them, just as in other countries, and we already have harsh penalties for drug possessions. It seems that we have a mixture of all drug policies already in place. England’s way of having a tier system of warnings would be a great fit for the U.S. We have this issue of not wanting to pipeline people into the criminal justice system and this would be a great way to implement this policy. Follow England’s lead of having the ability to arrest on the first offence, but having the discretion to just confiscate the drug and issue a warning for the offence. If the person commits the same crime, then follow on to the next step, while always keeping in mind that an arrest can be made. This will give people the opportunity to make better decisions when it comes to drugs. Another great fit is the Netherlands way of minimizing the risk of drug use and helping the person rather than prosecuting them. This is the way that President Obama is leaning toward with his rehabilitation