Comparative Penal Policy: Drug Policies
Introduction
Drug policy in the European Union (EU) is controlled by the national governments of different countries. For this reason, the EU is unable to adopt a common policy on drug reforms due to the emergence of some distinct paradigms within the countries. The paper discusses the differences and similarities adopted by Netherland and Sweden and which rationale can be applied by the United States while combating drug practices. Sweden aims to eradicate drug use in societies by the adoption of a moralistic policy. At the same time, Netherland applies a pragmatic drug policy, which is primarily aimed at reducing the harms experienced by addict drug users in the country. The United Nations convections has currently helped in establishing a cannabis control policy by providing treaty frameworks in Europe. Sweden is advantaged for having low rates of drug abuse compared to Dutch but has more drug-related deaths compared to Netherland, which are accounted at three times the European average. In Sweden, there do not exist any legitimate discussion laws about cannabis, while in Netherland, due to the existence of the “separation of the market” policy, it has decriminalized the use of cannabis. Possession as well as the sale of cannabis in small-scale in coffeeshops, same as cultivation and supply of the same. The Netherlands has a low threshold drug treatment policies compared to other countries in Europe. Drug-related deaths are low in the Netherlands, while drug prevalence is slightly above compared to the European average. Both Dutch and Sweden have political corruption and violence, which are associated with drug marketers are low compared to the European average. Still, there exists evidence in national drug production and organized crime networks in the Netherlands. The declining population of drug users dependant in Dutch is achieved since fewer young people are becoming dependant on the same.
If I were tasked with recommending a law and policy changes for controlling illegal drugs in the United States, I would apply the Dutch approach first and then incorporate both the Sweden and Dutch approach since they are targeting lowering drug abuse cases representatively. The Dutch approach is well elaborated and easily implementable for it starts prohibiting planting, using, transporting, and accessing the cannabis in decriminalization. Overall application of both approaches to help on drug abuse fight as all policies in each country will be implemented in the United States, and drug abuse war will eventually be won.
Conclusion
Both countries, Netherland and Sweden, have each stipulated policies and measures in the war against drug abuse. In this light, when implemented, the policies can facilitate a win against the same. America can come up with something resembling policies made from both Sweden and Dutch and implement the same in the fight against drug abuse.