A Historical and Political Look Into the War on Drugs Within the United States Legal System

Abstract

Illegal drug use and drug addiction has been a complex issue in the United States for centuries. Over the course of time, the United States has used different approaches to tackle the problem of drug use and abuse within its communities. Beginning in the 1800's, drug usage appears to lead to devastating consequences within society, forcing the legal system to create legislation preventing the use and solicitation of such addictive drugs. In recent decades though, state law has strayed from a strict and punishing position on drugs to one that allows for the medicinal and recreational use, or decriminalization of drugs. The war on drugs is at a crucial point in time that is changing the country's legal system and communities, and the new stance on drug policy may consequently lead the nation into a deeper hole within the war on drugs.