Should drugs be legalised?

The infamous war on drugs has for decades stirred controversies and violence. And 2016 is no different. Last month, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte asked for an extension for his war on drugs, saying in reference to those involved in the drug trade, “he cannot kill them all”. Since Mr. Duterte took office in May, however, more than 3,000 people have been killed in his crackdown. The violent impact of the ongoing battles against the narcotics trade around the world has led some to call for a liberalisation of drug policies. Proponents of such measures cite the failure of the war on drugs, the possibility of governments to tax the trade and a reduction in crime, amongst other aspects. Those opposed in turn argue that prohibition deters drug use and that a legalisation of cannabis for example could serve as a gateway to harder, more dangerous substances. Others worry about a legitimisation of a drug culture in society. Should more countries follow the example of Portugal, which decriminalised the possession of all drugs 16 years ago? Or do drug laws need to be further tightened to achieve success? The question for those in favour of liberalisation is also whether drugs should be decriminalised or, more drastically, fully legalised.

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