Report and Recommendations of theDrug Policy Task Force

October, 1996

Table Of Contents

• Introduction
• List of Participants
• I. Failure of Contemporary Drug Policy to Meet its Stated Objectives
• II. The Costs of Current Drug Policy
• • A. Economic Costs
  • B. Social Costs
• III. Public Health Consequences of Current Drug Policy
• IV. The Relationship of Drug Policy to Violent Crime
• V. Drug Policy, Drug Law Enforcement and People of Color
• VI. The Impact of Current Drug Policy on Women
• VII. Effects of Contemporary Drug Policy on the Integrity of Government
• Task Force Recommendations
• • I. Pursue Alternative Models in Establishing Future Drug Policy
  • II. Provide Immediate Sentencing Relief and Additional Judicial Discretion in Criminal Prosecution of Drug Cases
  • III. Reduce the Harms Associated With Substance Abuse and Drug Prohibition
  • IV. Concentrate Law Enforcement Resources on Reducing Violent Crime and Prosecution of Violent Criminal Offenders
  • V. Reshape the Drug Policy Debate -- Return to Objective Analysis and Realistic Goals
  • VI. Implement Public Education Campaign on Drug Use and Substance Abuse
  • VII. Decriminalize Marijuana
  • VIII. Reverse Encroachments on Civil Rights and Restore "Due Process of Law"
  • IX. Provide Alternative Social and Economic Opportunity for Inner City Youth
  • X. End War on Youth and Inner City Communities -- Restore Confidence and Integrity in Government
• Bibliography
• Footnotes