Project 8: Should the law on drugs be changed?


To print this page: right click it and choose print

Many drugs are controlled by the law and are illegal to have in your possession.

Some people, including police officers and politicians, have recently been suggesting that the laws for some drugs like cannabis should be relaxed. The government has made some changes to the law on cannabis, but it remains an illegal drug.

First make a list of all the reasons you can think of why it might be a good idea to make cannabis easier to buy. Reasons often given include:

  • It would cut crime, the involvement of criminals and gang violence.
  • Fewer people would get criminal records and have their lives ruined.
  • It would save police and court time and cut the jail population.
  • More people would come forward for help if they had drug problems.
  • There could be more control over the quality of drugs.
  • Millions of people ignore the current laws.
  • It could be taxed and the money used to help people who have drug problems.
  • It would reduce the thrill for young people who like to do illegal things.
  • Alcohol and cigarettes are legal and kill more people.
  • It should be up to individuals which drugs they use.
  • There could still be controls to stop young people getting it.
  • Amsterdam is a good example showing it can help lower drug problems.
  • It wouldn't solve all drug problems but it would improve the situation.
  • It would mean young people were less likely to come into contact with drugs like cocaine and heroin.

Next make a list of all the reasons you can think of NOT to make cannabis easier to buy. Reasons often given include:

  • More people would use drugs and there would be more drug problems.
  • Very young children would have access to drugs.
  • There would still be lots of drug-related crime.
  • The drugs gangs would just change to selling other drugs and to other forms of crime.
  • Just because alcohol and cigarettes are legal doesn't mean we should do the same for other drugs.
  • It is immoral and gives out the wrong message to young people.
  • Where would it all end? What other drugs would be made legal?
  • Amsterdam has become a junkie paradise.
  • It just would not work.
  • Laws should be respected.
  • Drug use is not just about individual decisions. It affects other people as well.
  • Things are bad now but would be even worse.

Now ask other people whether they think the law should be changed to make cannabis more available. You might ask fellow students, teachers, parents and other adults. What do they think and what reasons do they give for their views? Record this in note form in your project book. You may also like to consider the arguments for and against changing the law for other drugs such as ecstasy.

Write a report on your findings. Give the reasons for and against changing the law, explain what other people have said and conclude by saying which argument you think is strongest and why.


Resources

 Here are a selection of websites that may help with your project. Please remember that DrugScope/D-World cannot be held responsible for the content of other sites.

Drug Laws - DrugScope FAQ.

Should Drugs be Legalised? - DrugScope FAQ.

Channel4Health - Guide to Drugs and the law, including information on your rights.

 

Close window