2014 in Review: Legislative Changes Needed in the War on Drugs
America’s War on Drugs is mired in flawed and incomplete policies as evidenced when looking back on some of the events of 2014.
- Acclaimed actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s overdose death was a tragic reminder of the 105 people who die every day in the U.S. from overdosing. Over 30,000 die annually from accidental overdose. California was the most recent and largest state to help pass overdose prevention laws. Their new legislation allows citizens better access to opiate overdose reversal medication, which can be obtained via a pharmacist.
- Many citizens across the country want to legalize marijuana. In 2014, voters in Oregon, Washington, D.C. and Alaska passed measures to legalize it. In 2012, Colorado and Washington lead the way with legalization measures.
- In November, California passed Proposition 47, which is an attempt to end incarceration for low-level drug offenses. Voters approved a measure to change six nonviolent offenses (like drug possession) from felony to misdemeanor charges.
- The Global Commission on Drug Police — comprised of former UN head Kofi Annan, former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo and others — called for the legal regulation of drugs and drug decriminalization.
- Attorney General Eric Holder continued to make attempts throughout the year to fix the criminal justice system and end mass incarceration.
- Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana in 2014.
- The New York Times editorial staff said it is time to legalize marijuana. It was the first major national newspaper to call for an end to marijuana prohibition.
- President Obama said in an interview with the New Yorker that marijuana is no more dangerous than alcohol. He also said Colorado and Washington’s new laws were “important.” He also expressed dismay at inconsistencies in marijuana arrests relating to class lines.
For 40 years, Lawrence Wolf has worked diligently to bring some compassion to addiction-related offenses. Drug policies based on human rights are needed, especially when one considers that nearly three-quarters of a million individuals continue to be arrested for marijuana possession annually. Over half a million people remain jailed for a mere drug law violation. Additionally, the past 10 years have seen overdose fatalities double in number.
Located in Los Angeles, the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf are here to help juveniles and adults charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime. A drug crimes attorney, Lawrence Wolf is especially well-versed in addiction-related offenses.
For a free case evaluation, visit our website here. If you would like to speak to an experienced drug lawyer now, please call our toll-free line at (310) 277-1707. Contact us via email at LW@youareinnocent.com.
