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Conformity and Game Theory in the War on Drugs

Over the past few years, the War on Drugs has been in a very controversial state. Both sides of the debate have strong support but proponents of legalization are clearly coming out ahead. Currently, 23 states and Washington DC have legalized the use of medical cannabis, and after voting yesterday, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington D.C have joined Colorado and Washington in the legalization of recreational cannabis. Many Americans are starting to support widespread legalization due to overwhelming opinion that the war on drugs has failed. In fact, in a recent poll, 84% of those questioned believe the war on drugs can never be won. As we see more steps toward legalization in the states, the support continues to grow. Many methods have been used to help sway people into supporting legalization. After Colorado and Washington legalized recreational cannabis in the 2012 elections, reports of massive tax revenue in the first quarter swept the nation, showing what good could come from taking marijuana off the black market, controlling its sale, and taxing it. This year, Washington expected a revenue of $3 million in tax dollars by September 8, from sales of $12 million. These figures have helped sway people concerned about the economic climate in the states to see cannabis not as a black market drug, but as a taxable substance for adult consumption much like alcohol and tobacco. Proponents of legalization also used popular culture to convince people, giving testimonies from celebrities and other important public figures. This method was very effective in swaying those who conform to the ideals of their idols.

 

From the political side of this argument, much of the consideration over whether or not legislation to legalize should be passed can be seen as a game. In almost all cases, the government has a higher payoff when recreational or medical marijuana are legalized. According to a 2007 report, American taxpayers were spending over $1 billion dollars to incarcerate citizens for marijuana and other drug related crimes. Right now, the government is making moves to shift the war on drugs away from incarceration to treatment. Vermont has already taken steps in this direction and since 2000, the number of addicts in treatment increased by 250 percent. Studies have shown that treatment in the community instead of in prisons can save taxpayers $20,000 per incarcerated person per year. Aside from the financial benefits such as reallocation of taxpayers’ dollars and a huge growth in the economy, local government benefits from reallocating local law enforcement to handle more serious crimes. All of these possibilities are currently on the minds of those who handle such legislation. As we proceed as a nation, we are waiting to see if those opposed to legalization will change their stances after seeing the benefits available. It all comes down to Game Theory.

 

Sources:

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/05/war-on-drugs-failed-decriminalise-illegal-use

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-08-21/vermont-quits-war-on-drugs-to-treat-heroin-abuse-as-health-issue

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/16/marijuana-tax-revenue_n_5829922.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis_by_U.S._state

http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/Prisons_and_Drugs#sthash.Gh606emO.dpbs

http://www.alternet.org/story/47815/pot_prisoners_cost_americans_$1_billion_a_year

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