Introduction
The legalization of marijuana has been a contentious issue in the United States for decades. Many states have already legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use, while others still prohibit it. New York recently legalized marijuana for adult use, and this decision has raised concerns about the impact of marijuana legalization on drug use, driving under the influence (DUI), and crime. This term paper will examine Goode’s (2023) discussion of this topic, my personal reaction, and some potential solutions to address these concerns.
Goode’s Discussion
In his book “Drugs in American Society,” sociologist Erich Goode (2023) offers a thorough examination of the social and cultural aspects of drug usage and its effects on American culture. While Goode (2023) covers a wide variety of drug-related subjects, he barely skims over the problems with drugs, DUI, and crime and doesn’t touch on the implications of marijuana legalization in New York. One of the main points Goode (2023) makes in his book is that drug usage is influenced by societal, cultural, and economic reasons rather than just one person’s decision to use them. Goode (2023) explores how elements, including peer pressure, accessibility, societal expectations, and economic circumstances, affect drug usage. The ways in which the media and popular culture support the normalization of drug use and the stigmatization of drug users are also covered.
Goode (2023) talks about the effects of drug usage on crime, even if he doesn’t particularly address the problem of drugs and DUI. According to Goode (2023), there are many different ways in which drugs and crime are related, and using drugs may both cause and be the outcome of criminal behavior. He also looks at how the outlawing of drugs has fostered organized crime and raised the general level of violence in American society by creating a sizable and often deadly black market for narcotics (Goode, 2023). Goode (2023) does not address the possible consequences of the legalization of marijuana in New York despite the fact that he provides a thorough study of the social and cultural elements that influence drug usage. This is probably because his book was out in 2011, which was before New York legalized marijuana for recreational use in 2021. It is important to keep in mind, however, that legalizing marijuana in New York is likely to have a big influence on the state’s drug usage, DUI rates, and crime rates.
Reduced DUI charges linked to marijuana usage are one possible outcome of marijuana legalization in New York. Before marijuana became legal, anyone who used it ran the possibility of being arrested and prosecuted if they were found to be driving while impaired. However, it is possible that police will need to develop new techniques for identifying impairment brought on by marijuana use in order to make DUI charges as a result of the legalization of the drug (Goode, 2023). A reduction in crime connected to the marijuana underground market is another possible outcome of legalizing marijuana. People will be less likely to obtain marijuana from unlawful sources if it is accessible for sale at authorized dispensaries. This could result in a decline in drug-related crime and the violence connected to the illicit drug market.
Reasons for a Strong Reaction
The legalization of drugs evokes strong emotions within me, especially when they are linked to addiction, criminality, and impaired driving. Drugs like marijuana have been associated with a higher likelihood of accidents and impaired driving, both events taking a toll on the health and lives of the public. I do not oppose the legalization of marijuana, especially when the decriminalization is within reasonable legal terms. The abuse of marijuana has been an immense challenge for the regulatory authorities since time immemorial, with the efforts being inadequate to stop the abuse. I believe the legalization of marijuana and its use within specific guidelines will ultimately enhance accountability and prevent abuse.
People who are opposed to marijuana legalization may be worried about how it would affect the economy and the general population. Since drug use involves personal responsibility, there are extra moral objections to it. The legalization of marijuana may also convey to society that using drugs is acceptable, causing spiked abuse, addiction, and abuse-related complications. While the sentiments made by these people who oppose legalization are weighty, I believe human society would benefit more from personalized control instead of forced compliance.
Better Response
Instead of criminalizing drug use, it would be preferable to prioritize prevention and treatment programs. Investing in education and treatment programs can provide drug addicts with the assistance they need to overcome their addiction and reduce the likelihood of future drug-related crime. This is particularly important for those who are already addicted to the drugs and crucial for reversing this problem (Kain, 2021). Education programs geared towards educating the general public about the dangers of drug abuse are a vital measure that ensures avoidance from an informed perspective. Treatment programs are essential in achieving rehabilitation for addicts and an austerity measure for those unable to avoid the abuse of marijuana.
Increased law enforcement and stricter DUI legislation would be a preferable response to the anticipated increase in DUI cases. This would make people reconsider driving under the influence of alcohol and ensure that those who do so face severe consequences (Kain, 2021). The safety of both drug addicts and the general public will be ensured by stricter regulations for those culpable for the tragedies. Arrests and prosecutions are crucial initial enforcement measures that can aid in eliminating this challenge and regulating drug abuse. Revocation of driving licenses for those found culpable is an invaluable austerity measure in ensuring such vices are evaded in the future.
Ultimately, decriminalizing cannabis reduces crime rates, but it would be more effective to finance social initiatives that address the root causes of crime. With the aid of initiatives like job training, accessible housing, and mental health facilities, it is possible to reduce poverty and inequality, which are frequently linked to higher crime rates (Kain, 2021). The criminalization of marijuana and other drugs is an avoidance mechanism that disregards the root cause of the drug abuse menace, including poverty. Individuals resort to drug abuse due to hopelessness and harsh living conditions, seeking respite and comfort in this venture.
Practicality of Suggestions
The ability of politicians to put the recommended superior solutions into practice determines their viability. Prioritizing preventive and treatment programs would need spending money on educational and rehabilitation initiatives. These can be pricey in the short term but might end up saving money by lowering the social costs associated with drug addiction and related criminality (Wu et al., 2020). Although it would need more manpower and resources, the implementation of stricter DUI regulations and enforcement might lead to safer roadways and a decline in DUI incidences. Last but not least, spending money on social programs like job training, accessible housing, and mental health services might aid in lowering poverty and inequality, which are often linked to greater crime rates.
While these answers may not provide quick fixes, they could eventually deal with the underlying issues that lead to drug use, drunk driving, and criminality. Policymakers can reduce the strain on the criminal justice system while simultaneously fostering a safer and more equal society by making investments in these sectors (Wu et al., 2020). However, the political will to execute them and the capability of resource allocation efficiently will determine if these measures are successful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the problem of drugs, drunk driving, and crime is a complicated and diverse one that calls for an all-encompassing strategy. Goode (2023) offers a thorough examination of the sociological and cultural influences on drug usage in American culture, but she barely makes a passing mention of the problems with drugs, DUIs, and crime. While the present strategy places a heavy emphasis on criminalization and punishment, there are other approaches that could be more successful in tackling these problems, such as harm reduction and drug treatment and prevention. Although there may be difficulties in putting these initiatives into action, there are huge potential advantages in terms of lowering drug-related damage and enhancing public health and safety. It is crucial to take into account these alternative strategies and their possible effects on drug use, DUI, and crime as the legalization of marijuana in New York and other states changes.
References
Goode, E. (2023). Drugs in American society (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Companies. Web.
Kain, M. A. (2021). The impact of marijuana decriminalization on legal permanent residents: Why legalizing marijuana at the federal level should be a high priority. Boston College Law Review, 62, 2057. Web.
Wu, G., Wen, M., & Wilson, F. A. (2020). Impact of recreational marijuana legalization on crime: Evidence from Oregon. Journal of Criminal Justice, 72. Web.