Against Decriminalization Of Drugs

In “Against the Legalization of Drugs,” by Peter de Marneffe, the argument that the use and possession of drugs needs to be decriminalized is made, because of the belief that the criminalization of drug use and possession violates the rights of citizens. In this paper, I will defend de Marneffe’s position by refuting a possible objection. Contrarians may claim that decriminalizing drugs will inevitably lead individuals to try harder and more dangerous drugs.
Beginning his argument by differentiating between legalization and decriminalization, de Marneffe, states that legalizing drugs indicates that no one will be penalized for the production or sale of drugs, whereas decriminalizing would result in no one being punished for the use or possession
348). Not arresting (and charging) individuals, and instead having them attend rehab facilities will help increase the chance that these men and women will help prevent drug abuse. When someone is arrested, and sent to jail for the possession of drugs, most individuals will continue their lives just as they were before. Programs and policies specifically designed for the rehabilitation of those individuals who are caught with the possession of drugs need to be implemented in law enforcement agencies. On the condition that drug use and possession is not criminalized, I do not believe there is any violation in the moral rights of individuals, if drug production and sale is illegal. As de Marneffe states, there will still be ways for people to obtain drugs.
I believe de Marneffe’s argument is adequate to show that the decriminalization of drug use and possession is valid. Not only are, thousands of underage individuals are arrested each year, for the possession (usually of a small quantity) of drugs, de Marneffe’s argument for the decriminalization of drug use and possession holds as it conserves the future of underage children, and the "right to self-sovereignty” for all individuals (de Marneffe, pg.