Last week's Janus Forum debate on drug legalization was a refreshing break from mainstream political discourse. Salon.com's Glenn Greenwald and former drug czar John Walters delved into an issue that our political leaders rarely address in any meaningful way.
One might argue that with the world mired in economic malaise, now is not the time for policymakers to address our drug laws. But the economic crisis makes drug enforcement issues even more pressing. As we attempt to tackle government spending, party leaders rightly proclaim that everything should be on the table. Yet "everything" seems to arbitrarily exclude drug policy.
The New York Times recently reported that the Drug Enforcement Administration "now has five commando-style squads it has been quietly deploying" to fight drug cartels in countries like the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Guatemala. These units were originally formed to combat the drug trade in Afghanistan. Now they are "blurring the line between law enforcement and military activities" while remaining largely out of the public eye.
This news is emblematic of the decades-old war on drugs. Policies with rhetorical appeal, like fighting the drug trade, are too often exempted from proper scrutiny. Whether you side with Greenwald or Walters in the legalization debate, at least both speakers appealed to prioritization and cost-benefit analyses. At a time when all types of government assistance are being slashed, it is unconscionable that policymakers are not robustly debating programs like the DEA's.
The absence of debate on drug laws is most unfortunate when it comes to marijuana prohibition. The extreme public health concerns associated with drugs like heroin naturally give us pause when we consider legalization. But it is shameful that few politicians are seriously questioning the wisdom of pouring tax money into prohibiting a substance many health experts consider less harmful than alcohol.
Last spring, we applauded efforts in Rhode Island to make progress in the face of federal inaction. At the time, an overhaul of the state's medical marijuana system was moving forward and the General Assembly was considering decriminalizing non-medical possession under one ounce.
Sadly, these forward-thinking proposals were discarded. House Speaker Gordon Fox let the decriminalization bill die without a vote. And in late September, Gov. Lincoln Chafee '75 P'14 declined to issue permits that would allow medicinal marijuana dispensaries to set up shop, like in California. Dispensaries make more sense than the current framework, which allows patients to grow cannabis or buy it from a licensed caregiver. This system is more open to abuse and is harder for patients to use.
Chafee's decision was not just poor public policy. The governor is wasting an opportunity to be a leader. Facing federal pressure to not implement medical marijuana policies, some governors, like New Jersey's Chris Christie, are taking a stand.
Permitting medical marijuana dispensaries is a far cry from legalization. This fight is not about making it easier for first-years to get stoned in Keeney Quadrangle. It is about helping people with debilitating diseases ease their chronic pain. If the governor is unwilling to take up even this cause, we are doubtful real reform to America's drug laws will occur any time soon.
Editorials are written by The Herald's editorial page board. Send comments to editorials@browndailyherald.com.
