Mexico in WPR

Sensible thinking on lowering demand from Andrew Bast:

[Ethan] Nadelmann [of the Drug Policy Alliance Network] said that many tend to think that tackling demand means instituting more D.A.R.E. programs to keep kids off drugs, but it is actually hardcore users who account for the bulk of consumption. However, serious addicts have few options to get themselves out of the downward spiral of addiction.

"It's more and more difficult to get treatment unless you get arrested," Nadelmann said.

For instance, users now can only get methadone in a clinic. Making it available in pharmacies by prescription -- as is done in many European countries -- would make a popular treatment far more accessible. Accessibility to treatment would mean fewer users, reduced demand and less incentive for cartels to angle for power and position on the country's border.

Nadelmann offered two more options. The first is legalization. Across the country there is a widening discussion, and greater policy momentum, toward decriminalization and a new understanding of what is acceptable. Second, Nadelmann said, "The most effective form of treatment is actually not the threat of incarceration, but it is actually paying users for staying clean, like a reward." Nadelmann acknowledged the difficult politics involved, but pointed out, "It actually costs less than locking them up."

Both proposals, in fact, are politically flammable. But in the face of ineffective policies and the threatening violence next door, all options have to be on the table.

I only wonder if there really is "a widening discussion, and greater policy momentum, toward decriminalization..." I hope so, but I haven't seen any polling data to back that up. Then again, between the end of The Wire, the famous Balko-Freddoso debate (our century's Lincoln-Douglas?), and the election of a former weed-puffer and coke-blower to the nation's highest office, it does seem like there's been a lot of chatter about legalization in recent months.