Question by ShaunAverett: U.S. Drug Policy – Treat or Punish?
I’m from Europe, and I have always had the perception that drug abusers tend to be punished rather than treated in the United States.
I was wondering, what would the immediate consequences be for, let’s say an 18 year old, who is caught with a joint on his person? Are we talking jail time, and then probation, or treatment, counseling, etc?
If that same person was caught with a very hard drug, like “crystal meth” (I don’t know what it is, just that it’s very strong), would the case be different?
In Sweden, you are usually not punished per se, but required to take urine tests for a while, see a counselor and show that you are staying away from drugs and criminality.
Also, and finally, which way do you think work the best? Throw an 18 year old in jail, or have him (or her!) treated?
Thanks for your input!
Best answer:
Answer by Summer B
It does not matter if it is a joint or meth the punishment is very similar. The punishment can vary from state to state.
I would totally be for legalizing drugs except for what that would do to the children under 18. How does europe address that problem?
Give your answer to this question below!
We have a two-tiered system in America.
Celebrities go to rehab. Average people go to the lockup.
Neither one seems to work very well. Personally, I’d just as soon stop spending tax dollars on it at all, and let users sort themselves out. Or not. Whatever, none of my business what they do.
I personally think they should all get attempted murder charges because drugs kill.
He’ll probably just get a fine for having only 1 joint. However, after multiple offenses, or large amounts of drugs, they get jail time and are forced to attend a rehabilitation program. Neither are effective.
I agree with death toy. Drug dealers should be charged with attempted murder. Illegal drug users should rot in jail. Illegal drug use is a crime and criminals should go to jail.
and actually crystal meth arrest and crack arrest are even treated differently.
crystal meth is mainly used and distributed by whites and the penalties are far less than crack-coacaine arrests.