Federal drug policy of the United States

Use of heroin peaked between 1969 and 1971, marijuana between 1978 and 1979, and cocaine between 1987 and 1989.[1] A major decline in the use of opium started after the Harrison Act of 1914 was initiated.[2] A concerted effort to impose mandatory penalties for federal drug crimes took place in the 1980s, leading to mandatory minimum sentences of 5 to 10 years in a federal prison for many drug crimes.

In 1996, California voters passed Proposition 215, legalizing the growing and use of marijuana for medical purposes. This created legal and enforcement conflict between federal and state government laws. Courts have since decided that a state law in conflict with a federal law concerning cannabis is not valid. Cannabis is restricted by federal law (see Gonzales v. Raich). In 2010, California Proposition 19 (also known as the Regulate, Control & Tax Cannabis Act) was defeated with 53.5% 'No' votes, and 46.5% 'Yes' votes.[3]

Pursuant to regulations[4] required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989,[5] as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any Federal program, an institution of higher education must certify that it has adopted and implemented a drug prevention program which adheres to regulations.[6] It has recently gained renewed attention due to Colorado Amendment 64.[7]

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) opposes the legalization of marijuana but supports increased use of alternatives to incarceration for drug abusers. At an international conference hosted by the United Nations' Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the US proposed a declaration to this effect. It was subsequently approved in March 2015.[8]

See also

References
  1. "Interviews - Dr. Robert Dupont". Frontline. PBS. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  2. "Stephen R. Kandall, M.D.:Women and Addiction in the United States—1850 to 1920" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 22, 2008.
  3. "Supplement to the Statement of Vote Statewide Summary by County for State Ballot Measures" (PDF). Secretary of State's office. January 6, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 4, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
  4. 34 CFR 86
  5. codified at 20 U.S.C. § 1011i
  6. 34 CFR 86.100
  7. Yoder, Dezarae (February 25, 2013). "Marijuana illegal on campus despite Amendment 64". The Scribe.
  8. "Commission on Narcotic Drugs Endorses Alternatives to Incarceration for Substance Use Disorders". whitehouse.gov. March 26, 2015. Retrieved January 24, 2016 – via National Archives.
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