Criminal law control of drug abuse: An appraisal from the perspective of criminal policies

Abstract

Benefits obtained with the control of drug abuse using criminal law are highly dubious, while its negative effects are apparent. All reasonably policy must emphasize demand prevention and actions aimed at lessening losses. Regarding drug traffic, it is necessary to go back to administrative control, although this does not imply that criminal law should not be applied to this field. Most serious violations of administrative control should constitute crimes, as it occurs with food products, medicine, and drug supply to minors or other persons evidently lacking autonomous capacity to make decisions.