In a May 2004 press release issued by the Independent Institute, the alarming and unintended side effects of Drug Prohibition were laid bare by Boston University economist Jeffrey Miron. Miron discovered that not only has the War on Drugs not reduced drug use, crime, or poverty, but the criminalization of drugs has actually led to an increased homicide rate in the U.S.
These findings were swiftly published in his book, Drug War Crimes: The Consequences of Prohibition (Independent Institute, May 2004).
The book outlines the very real dangers of Drug Prohibition, including escalating levels of violence, health risks due to the volatility of street drugs, enriched criminals, and the wearing away of civil liberties.
Moreover, Miron argues that while tweaking current drug policy is a step in the right direction, only legalization will affect any real change and that regulation through legalization is the best policy for society as a whole.
Read the full article and purchase Miron’s book via the linked resources below. Share on your own social networks to help us spread the word about a better way forward.
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