Legal Marijuana

Colorado Allows the Soft Drug, while Spain Is Committed to Greater Control

Colorado is a small state of around 5 million people, but [its policy] could nevertheless mark a change in the repressive policies the United States has historically implemented with regard to drug use. It is significant that the two territories of Uruguay and Colorado are in the Americas, a region especially affected by the crime and corruption that narcotics trafficking generates. They were the first two in the world whose governments have accepted the cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana, thereby controlling the market of a harmful substance. Uruguay did so in December, and Colorado enacted its law on Jan. 1. Many people will benefit from the additional tax revenue, and [Colorado] will be a testing ground for this new drug policy. This is part of a growing social permissiveness being considered by the United Nations, the Organization of American States and some political leaders.

In Europe, there exist the similar experiences of the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and some European capitals. The United States, the leading consumer of narcotics, has not declared itself totally in favor of exploring other alternatives that would reduce the violence associated with illicit trafficking and increase consumer safety. However, it is possible that Alaska and Arizona will follow in Colorado’s footsteps. Soon, the state of Washington will join in, and New York is also considering [legalization]. These political initiatives are part of an advanced strategy that is obligating the federal government to reconsider its position.

Facing such trends and prompted by the failure of repressive policies, Spain is nonetheless prepared to increase fines and eliminate eligibility for detox programs. This is a mistake, according to some experts who have pointed out that harsher prosecution does not reduce consumption and that this zero-tolerance policy allows for the existence of drug cartels and the deterioration of democratic institutions.

It is essential that the government launch campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of drug use, concurrently with therapeutic approaches to the problem. What it should not do anymore is shut down these new social strategies.