The Case for Legalizing Drugs

by Richard Lawrence Miller

On the 75th anniversary of the Harrison Narcotic Act that unleashed the federal anti-drug crusade, historian Richard Lawrence Miller explores the origins, purposes, and effects of America's drug war. Thoroughly documented, The Case for Legalizing Drugs assembles diverse findings by chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, historians, prosecutors, police officers, and drug users themselves. The resulting mosaic argues that most problems associated with illicit drugs are caused by laws restricting them. This book is a realistic appraisal of legalization, vital to anyone concerned about illicit drugs, public policy, and democracy.

Despite the ineffectiveness and counterproductivity of anti-drug laws, enthusiasm grows for them. Laws that fail to eliminate drugs may nonetheless achieve hidden goals. Miller illuminates those goals and asks whether they are wise. Although drug war proponents may complain that civil liberties interfere with drug suppression, Miller argues that the answer is not less democracy, but more. He presents a message of hope and healing, based upon a century of scientific research and historical experience, and declares that legalization would not be a surrender to drugs, but liberation from them.

Genres: Drugs

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 30, 1991

About the author

Richard Lawrence Miller is an author and broadcaster who writes on American historical topics.

Reviews

[Daniel McQuade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another drug policy book. This book isn't as engaging as Miller's book about how the war on drug users is like Nazi Germany's war on Jews, but it's an incredibly good read and full of interesting information. This man knows how to construct an argument.

[Steve Kohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book about twenty years ago. I expected at the time that the meticulous, irreproachable research of the author would be as convincing to everyone else, and that our national insanity would soon come to an end.

Some things have gotten better. An article in the Wall Street Journal the other day tells us that Scott's, the maker of Miracle-Gro, is "exploring targeting medical marijuana as well as other niches to help boost sales." Also that sixteen states have legalized medical marijuana.

But America is still on its own 10-yard line. There's still so very far to go, as I was reminded by an excellent column from Debra Saunders in today's paper, and what prompts this review. (You can find her article by searching for "At Least 4 Good Reasons to End the War on Drugs.") Also look into the superb THE NEW JIM CROW, by Michelle Alexander, http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Crow-Mi....

THE CASE FOR LEGALIZING DRUGS was ahead of its time. Maybe the book's failing to be more influential was due to Mr Miller's choosing to convince us with calm logic instead of impassioned pleas. His approach was perfect for me, but maybe I'm not typical.

Years from now, hopefully in my lifetime, our drug laws finally repaired, Americans will marvel that citizens of the late 20th and early 21st centuries could have been so senseless for so long. Though ignored when it was first published, I believe Miller's book will have played a large part in making that change happen. I especially recommend it to those like me, on the conservative side of the political spectrum. You will finally become convinced of the calamity our drug laws are causing our country and its people.

I need to start asking my elected representatives about their position on this issue.

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Update: About a month later, I saw that my Congressman, Lamar Smith, was sponsoring a bill to limit legal marijuana. I wrote him asking that he reconsider. He replied:

Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2306, the "Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011."

H.R. 2306 limits the application of federal law to the distribution and consumption of marijuana.

Drug use harms our economy, strains our prison system and destroys the lives of our children. Legalizing drugs like marijuana, even for medicinal purposes, would make these problems worse, not better.

Marijuana possession and distribution currently is prohibited under federal law because it has a high potential for abuse and does not have a proven legitimate medical use. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved smoked marijuana for any condition or disease.

If marijuana is decriminalized, I believe more people would use it and then become addicted to other drugs. It also would lead to greater profits for drug cartels who would continue to traffic marijuana in the underground market to fund their distribution of drugs like cocaine and heroin.

Allowing states to determine their own marijuana policy conflicts with Congress' authority to regulate interstate commerce and Supreme Court precedent. Instead of encouraging the use of marijuana, we should strengthen enforcement of federal drug laws to protect Americans from the devastating effects of drug use.

For more information on my work in Congress or to send me an electronic message, please visit the 21st District's website, [...].

In reply, I sent Rep Smith the following letter today (July 16, 2011):

Dear Hon Lamar Smith:

Thank you for your response to my concerns on HR 2306.

I used to believe exactly as you do. It can be uncomfortable to realize one's long-held beliefs have been wrong, but I ask you to consider that possibility.

Many books on the subject are available. The one that convinced me was THE CASE FOR LEGALIZING DRUGS, by Richard Miller, which I read almost twenty years ago. It's available from Amazon.com.

I believe our drug laws are wrong on almost all counts.
* They artificially increase the price of drugs, which makes them attractive to criminals and gives them wealth and power. (With few better examples than in Mexico.)
* They cause an increase of theft, burglary and assault simply due to the need to pay artificially high prices for drugs.
* They incarcerate our citizens for the "crime" of simply not having more common sense or self control.
* They remove the ability of a free citizen to do what he will with his own body as long as it does not harm another; it places the government into a free citizen's business.

I am 64 years old, that is, I'm not a recent college graduate looking to get high. I spent 36 years in the Army. I currently work a job requiring a Top Secret clearance, have never in my life used recreational drugs, and am a grandfather of six. I generally vote Republican, but usually only because the Democrat alternative is worse.

I agree with most of your policies, sir. I ask you to look at this again.

Sincerely,

Steve Kohn

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I'm hoping others more articulate and persuasive than me will pick up this baton and run with it. Legalizing drugs has dangers, I know. I'm not completely comfortable with the idea.

But I am certain the present situation -- our war on drugs -- is far worse than the problems legalization would bring.

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I have cause for optimism when the Wall Street Journal asks "Have We Lost the War Against Drugs?" (January 4, 2013)

[J Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good look into policy and productive changes.