Question

Why have cultures around the world historically tended to permit the recreational use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, while generally outlawing the recreational use of opium, cocaine and cannabis? In what ways, if any, do you think laws regarding psychoactive drugs should be changed?

Answer 1

History suggests that some drugs like alcohol and caffeine are legal, whereas others like cannabis, cocaine and opium do not enjoy the same status. Certain events in history speak for the above-mentioned assumption being flawed in nature.

It is important to note that "alcohol prohibition" was initiated in the U.S. as it was found to have repercussions on families and children. But alcohol still had loyal public supporters, and hence the demand that facilitated bootleg alcohol and underground bars. Such establishments spurred the emergence of mafia and other types of crime syndicates. This led to the emergence of a special army of enforcers by the U.S. government, which was commanded by a person named, Harry Anslinger.  

This army of enforcers came to known as “the untouchables”. Later, alcohol prohibition, inflicting social damage and the consequent public outrage due to the conspicuous crime, endangered the supremacy of Anslinger. As a reaction to the perceived threat to his supremacy, Anslinger was moved to manoeuvre a new drug fear and hysteria regarding the ill-effects of cannabis on youngsters of America. He gave the name of "Marijuana" to cannabis to make it sound more Mexican. He created a negative attitude towards Marijuana by announcing that marijuana-smoking Mexican men were striking white women. The resultant public anxiety thus triggered the ban of cannabis. The US went to the extent of foisting its anti-cannabis campaign on other western countries making it assume prominence. Later, this U.S. stand was foisted on the rest of the world, which is evident from the first UN convention on narcotic drugs in 1961.

The drugs were being defamed, undoubtedly, by defaming people utilizing them. Defaming drugs became a persistent theme in drug policy. Black Americans were condemned and defamed for heroin use in the 1950s. Apart from the Black Americans, the hippies and psychedelics were being defamed in the 1960's as they were against the Vietnam War. In the 1970s, the “poor whites” were also targeted for defamation. The UK followed the footsteps of U.S. over cannabis, heroin and psychedelics. It is known to lead the world in the defamation of MDMA (ecstasy).

The laws regarding psychoactive drugs should be changed for the sake of recreation and pleasure. It anyways cannot be denied that those who are adamant to use drugs find alternative ways to purchase them for recreation and pleasure. It is important to note in this regard that legalization of some drugs may prevent the creation of hidden chains or networks of drug sellers, or expose them to destroy such chains. Considering the advantages of drugs, with respect to reduction in stress and sleep facilitation, legalization of the same is a viable solution to individual and legal agendas related to drug use. So, laws regarding psychoactive drugs should be relaxed to the extent that utilization of the same do not produce repercussions for the society and the individuals using them.