FINAL VERSION

Name Maria Anyela Amell Wilches

Course academic writing
Teachers name: Luis Prez
Date: April 11th, 2017
THE LEGALIZATION OF DRUGS IN COLOMBIA.

In Colombia, the discussion about the legalization of drugs has been debated for many

years and still continues today. Nowadays, there are many for and against arguments

relating to the consumption of this dangerous substances; nevertheless, if the Colombians

want to get a better society, they must analyze carefully this subject because the legalization

is a topic that should not be taken lightly. it is important to know to implementation this

measure without having into account the country context can aggravate the social situation.

The legitimation of the use of drugs could bring new opportunities to the country

development. For instance, the number of people affected by the drug trafficking would

diminish greatly. According to a study of the Princeton's University carried out in 2010,

there would be 5.000 homicides and 100.000 displaced less per year, if Colombia legalizes

the drugs. It means that the lives of many Colombian could change in a positive manner,

because of the legalization of drugs.

In addition, if the drugs are legalized, the country will progress because the Colombian

system could cease investing money to combat drug trafficking instead of that, it might

focus on solving the national needs. It is common knowledge that the government has spent

a huge amount of money in efforts to eradicate the drug trafficking, but if the legalization is

achieved, the state could invest that money in projects for the progress of the society, such

as the improvement of the healthcare system or the creation of new public universities,

which will enhance the quality of the lives of the Colombians.

 Now that the arguments in favor of the drug legalization have been presented, it is

important to analyze the negative aspects that it could bring to the Colombian society.

The situation of drugs has affected the country in many aspects for that reason, the

legalization could increase the Colombias current problems. According to a study

published in the newspaper EL TIEMPO nowadays, there are 400.768 drug addicts in

Colombia, but if the cost of the drugs is lowered, this figure could hugely increase, because

more people would use drugs.

Furthermore, Colombia is inside the countries with a major index of criminality in the

world. Nevertheless, if the legalization process is achieved, the situation could get worse

because the addicts would commit crimes to get hallucinogens so that, the addiction rate,

the violence, and the crimes will increase.

It is possible to conclude that although the legalization of drugs could decrease the

numbers of victims and foster new opportunities for the progress of the country, this

process will bring more problems than solutions because Colombia is not ready yet to

legitimize the use of drugs. Whether the use of these substances becomes legal, the number

of addicts, violence, and crimes will increase, thus worsening the current situation of the

country.

In order for the legalization to be succeed, the country must create new health policies and

security strategies as well as, it is fundamental to solve the todays social problems and to

educate the society about the effects of drugs on health.