History of Drug Laws and Law Enforcement - 1637 Words

Drug Laws and Drug Law Enforcement Since the late 19th century, the federal and states governments of the United States have enacted laws and policies to deter the use and distribution of illegal drugs. These laws and policies have not only deemed what drugs are legal and illegal, but have also established penalties for the possession and distribution of these substances and established federal agencies to control drug use and administer drug law enforcement. This essay will not only examine the landmark drug laws and policies established by the federal and state governments, but also the enforcement of drug laws. Brief History of the United States Drug Laws The first American law that prohibited the use of a specific drug was†¦show more content†¦The young girls story is typical. She had heard the whisper which has gone the rounds of American youth about a new thrill, a cigarette with a real kick which gave wonderful reactions and no harmful aftereffects. With some friends she experimented at an evening smoking party. The results were weird. Some of the party went into paroxysms of laughter; others of mediocre musical ability became almost expert; the piano dinned constantly. Still others found themselves discussing weighty problems with remarkable clarity. The girl danced without fatigue throughout a night of inexplicable exhilaration. Other parties followed, finally there came a gathering at a time when the girl was behind in her studies and greatly worried. Suddenly, as she was smoking, the thought of a solution to her school problems came. Without hesitancy she walked to a window and leaped to her death. Thus madly can mari juana solve ones difficulties (The History of)? This passage shows the moral panic that once again swept the nation. The result this time was the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. The act made growers, sellers, and buyers of marijuana subject to tax. In conjunction with this federal law, state governments made the possession of marijuana illegal (Prohibition (drugs)). In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the federal government began to increasingly tighten drug laws. In 1972, President Richard Nixon formally declared a War on Drugs, which continuesShow MoreRelatedA Brief Note On The War On Drugs1356 Words   |  6 PagesWar on Drugs February 28, 2017 The War on Drugs can be a very controversial topic to different people around the world. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I fully respect that. Some people say that the War on Drugs is a waste of time and money while others are very concerned about the different drugs that are coming into the United States. 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