Given what we understand about drugs, is current policy and practice in the United Kingdom, an appropriate response to the presence of illicit drugs within our society?”

“Given what we understand about drugs, is current policy and practice in the United Kingdom, an appropriate response to the presence of illicit drugs within our society?”
Illegal drug misuse is one of the biggest issues facing contemporary society today. It wasn’t until the 19th century that drugs became to be seen as something evil. This was purely as a result of government thinking rather than a result of drugs being ‘harmful’ or causing criminal behaviour, as there is not much evidence to suggest this. Nevertheless, governments continue to brand all drugs as evil and dangerous for a variety of reasons. In this essay I will explore issues relating to drug misuse today and whether there is a link between drug misusing and crime and whether the legalisation of drugs would be beneficial for society.
Throughout my research with my group into cannabis, I developed a deeper understanding of where it comes from, why people take it and continue to take it, and the effects it can have on the individual and society. The UN International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP, 2001) notes that the annual turnover for the illicit drug industry vary from $100 billion to $1000 billion per annum. They also note that the illicit drugs accounts for 8% of all global trade, outranking the worldwide trade in motor vehicles. Cannabis is a Class B drug and it is one of three main plant-based drugs. The United Nations International Drugs Control Programme UNDCP (1996) states that ‘The largest share of drugs consumed illicitly are plant-based products’. Because of its versatile nature, cannabis is one of the most popular used drugs in the world and the easiest to produce. This is because it occurs naturally throughout the world and can be produced in doors
In 2000, the British Crime Survey found that 34% of the population of adults (16-59) had consumed at least one illegal drug and 11% had consumed within the previous year. Similar results were found for the year 2002-2003, in which 12%

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