One of Senator McCain’s responses was to ask Bradley if he thought methamphetamine should be legalized. Now, that is what I’m sure Senator McCain thought was a gotcha question. Bradley did a fine job, though, of sticking with the issue of a failed policy and made his point.

Having the advantage of time and hindsight, I would like to offer an additional response to that question. Methamphetamine is a direct by-product of the war on drugs. We would not have meth if pharmaceutical amphetamines continued to be available as they were through prescriptions in the 1960s. With the war on drugs and the crack down on doctors and pharmaceuticals, and since meth is easily created in home laboratories, methamphetamine was created by black marketeers to fill the demand of those who desired stimulants.

The same can be said for crack cocaine. Crack is a direct unintended consequence of the war on drugs. In an illegal environment cocaine is bulky, hard to transport and is difficult to maintain because it is susceptible to the elements. It is easily destroyed by moisture. Cocaine is also difficult to sell in small amounts. Therefore, in order to make the product easier to transport and maintain, cocaine in the form of crack was developed. Crack is not susceptible to moisture and can be broken down into very small amounts, which are easily packaged and sold in cheaper doses. So, like meth, the crack market was created to make it easier and more profitable for the illegal drug dealers.

With all that in mind, and as Senator McCain asked, should methamphetamine be made legal? The answer is yes. Following the Swiss model for maintaining heroin addicts, persons found by their doctors to be methamphetamine addicts, or cocaine addicts for that matter, should be able to go to a health clinic and receive a daily prescription for a pharmaceutical grade dose of the relevant drug. Furthermore, adults who, for whatever reason, choose to use amphetamine should be able to go to their doctor or clinic and receive a prescription. Adults who, for whatever reason, choose to enjoy a dose of cocaine in the privacy of their home should also be able to go to their doctor and receive a prescription. The result will be that the black market for stimulants such as methamphetamine and crack cocaine, created in backyard laboratories, will disappear along with all the accompanying crime and violence created by prohibition. The number of addicts of methamphetamine, crack, and cocaine will begin to decline because no one will be out on the street trying to compete with the open market and clinics. The number of addicts will also decline because addicts will be in constant contact with treatment counselors every day as they go in for their daily dose. Adults who choose to use stimulants will choose pharmaceutical grade amphetamine or cocaine over meth and crack. And when they choose to do so without breaking laws such as driving under the influence, use in public, or public intoxication, they should be able to do so without risking arrest.

By legalizing drugs, with strict regulations that allow adult recreational use, we can put an end to this failed policy which is currently ruining the lives of a million people every year for the nonviolent and victimless crime of simple drug possession.

Russ Jones
LEAP