Global Health

Experts agree: the war on drugs has been a disaster. Is it time for legalization?

Armed security forces take a part in a drug raid, in Manila, Philippines, October 7, 2016. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj - RTSR7MU

The war on drugs: expensive, destructive and ineffective Image: REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Stéphanie Thomson
Writer, Forum Agenda
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   Kofi Annan: Drugs have destroyed many people. But bad governmental policies have destroyed even more.
Of the 1,488,707 arrests for drug law violations in 2015 in the US, 83.9% were for possession of a controlled substance. Only 16.1% were for the sale or manufacturing of a drug.
Global trends in the use and prevalence of drugs
Image: United Nations
Signs in a New York bar warn of the dangers of drinking while pregnant.
Signs in a New York bar warn of the dangers of drinking while pregnant. Image: Chicago Tribune
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Related topics:
Global HealthGlobal GovernanceInternational Security
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