On Tuesday (25), the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (STF) reached a landmark decision to decriminalize the possession of marijuana for personal use. While this move has sparked excitement among advocates of drug reform, it has also raised concerns about potential consequences that may arise from such a measure.
Looking at the United States, specifically at states like California and Oregon, we can see firsthand the negative impacts that similar policies have had on society. In Oregon, the decriminalization of drugs, including hard drugs, led to an increase in homelessness, businesses leaving cities, and record numbers of homicides after the approval of Measure 110 in 2020.
The spread of fentanyl and the rise in drug consumption and overdose deaths also became significant issues. Authorities noted a rise in availability of heroin and fentanyl, as well as an increase in drug overdoses and deaths in the state after Measure 110. The overall safety of communities was a growing concern due to public disorder crimes.
In response to these negative outcomes, Oregon reconsidered Measure 110 and restored criminal penalties for drug possession starting in September. Similarly, California faced challenges with the illegal marijuana market thriving despite legalization in 2016. The ease of access to legalized marijuana boosted illegal trade, prompting criminal networks to expand their activities in the state.
Efforts to combat the rise of the illegal market in California proved insufficient, with authorities acknowledging that the underground market is more widespread than the legal one. This led to an increase in violent crimes and property crimes as well as illegal marijuana exports to other states.
Overall, these experiences highlight the complexities and unintended consequences of drug decriminalization policies. It is important for policymakers to carefully consider all potential outcomes before making any decisions on such matters.
