On the legalization of psychoactive drugs in Western countries since the 1960s

Since the 1960s or so, Western countries have struggled to find a way to deal with psychoactive substances.

Now President Trump is reported to sign an order to reclassify cannabis to a lower schedule.

The spectrum of tried and adopted policies regarding psychoactive drugs in Western countries range from decriminalization, legalization to harsh prohibition, criminalization, law enforcement and military suppression. Perhaps alcohol is a good example!

In many Western countries, the historic moral, religious and cultural rejection of psychoactive substances has lessened or has been waning since the 1960s. More individuals have been willing to try or to consume.

Then there are the many empirical findings of medical benefits of some psychoactive substances as treatment for patients with specific health conditions.

In my opinion, one of the major reasons why legalization was not too successful in many cases is the issue of individual responsibility and accountability of each individual when using psychoactive substances. With freedom/liberty comes great responsibility!

Common sense would suggest that individual responsibility and accountability is automatically elevated when using psychoactive substances. This also means that in case of accidents or crimes the culpability for drug using individuals is automatically higher.

The excuse/reason of addiction for milder circumstances or as a mitigating factor to reduce individual culpability should be eliminated in cases of accidents or crimes. Therefore, more severe punishment or sentences compared to sober individuals are to be expected!

Individuals should be required to seek immediate medical help and treatment when addiction is diagnosed or suspected. Some individuals may have to be required to undergo drug testing for addiction. Some unwilling addicted individuals may have to be forced to undergo treatment like e.g. repeat offenders.

Another important issue is the distribution/sale of psychoactive drugs. Here are some critical questions for which Western countries have not found good and acceptable answers yet:

• Should they be allowed to be sold at stores like alcohol & tobacco?
• Should they be available only via prescription and through pharmacies? 
• How to protect children/minors?

Today, it the diagnosis of and testing for psychoactive substance use/abuse is much more advanced and better. The near future is even more promising. This fact by itself would suggest that more legalization ought to be tried.

The major benefits of legalization have been also known and repeatedly discussed since at least the 1960s:

1. A major illegal business would be largely reduced or perhaps even almost eliminated (remember the failed alcohol prohibition)
2. The many health risks of illegal drugs would be significantly reduced. The quality and safety of the drugs available would be enhanced a lot. Much less adulteration!
3. Better medical care for individuals suffering from addiction would become available
4. Better public education about the use of psychoactive substances would be possible

In conclusion, as a classical liberal I would say at the end of the first quarter of the 21st century it is time to allow for more legalization of psychoactive drugs in Western countries.