The “war on drugs,” launched in the 1970s by the United States and adopted internationally, aimed to eliminate the production, trafficking, and consumption of drugs, including cannabis and CBD. Half a century after its launch, this repressive policy is considered a major failure, with severe human, social, and economic consequences. This article analyzes this failure through the specific example of cannabis and proposes avenues for a more effective policy.
The Origins of the War on Drugs
First Anti-Cannabis Laws
Cannabis, which was widely used in the early 20th century for medical and industrial purposes, was gradually criminalized throughout the 1900s under the influence of racial prejudice and economic interests.
Example: The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 in the United States criminalized cannabis against a backdrop of racist prejudice directed primarily at Mexican and African American minorities.
The Nixon Era
In 1971, U.S. President Richard Nixon officially declared the “war on drugs,” intensifying the crackdown on and criminalization of cannabis.
Goal: To reduce drug use through a strict policy that prioritizes arrests and incarceration over prevention.
Global Adoption
U.S. policy has become internationalized through agreements such as the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which classifies cannabis as a prohibited substance except for very limited medical use.
Consequences of the War on Cannabis
Widespread and Ineffective Criminalization
This policy has led to the mass incarceration of millions of people, particularly those from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged backgrounds.
● Key statistic: In the United States, in 2018, approximately 43% of drug-related arrests involved cannabis alone.
● A proven failure: Despite 50 years of repression, global cannabis use reached nearly 209 million users in 2024 (source: UNODC).
Expansion of Illegal Markets
The ban has strengthened powerful criminal networks, leading to violence, corruption, and illicit trafficking.
Example: Cartels in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, have grown wealthy through the illegal cannabis trade, resulting in thousands of deaths each year.
Social Impacts and Systemic Racism
The war on cannabis has exacerbated racial discrimination.
Example: In the United States, African Americans remain about 3.64 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than whites, despite similar levels of use.
Obstacle to Medical Research
The classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance (a substance with no recognized medical use) in the United States has long hindered scientific research, thereby delaying potential therapeutic advances.
Why Did the War on Cannabis Fail?
The Ineffectiveness of Repressive Policies
The repressive approach has not prevented an increase in drug use, but has fueled a counterculture that appeals to young people.
Unsustainable Economic Cost
Public spending to maintain this crackdown amounts to several billion dollars annually, with no significant results.
Example: The United States spends approximately $47 billion each year on drug control efforts without any significant reduction in drug use.
Neglect of Social Issues
The war on drugs has ignored the socioeconomic reasons behind drug use, neglecting prevention and education strategies.
Persistent Stigmatization
The prohibitionist policy has increased the stigmatization of drug users, limiting their access to medical and social care.
New Paradigm: Legalization and Regulation
Decrease in Arrests and Tax Revenue
Legalization has led to a significant reduction in arrests for possession, thereby easing the burden on the judicial and correctional systems.
Example: In 2023, U.S. states that had legalized cannabis generated approximately $3.77 billion in tax revenue.
Quality Control
Regulation helps ensure product safety by reducing health risks associated with contaminants.
Public Health and Education
Policies focused on information and education promote more responsible consumption, thereby reducing excess and abuse.
Social Reparations
Some U.S. states have implemented social reparations measures, such as expunging criminal records and promoting the economic reintegration of communities affected by prohibition.
Role Models
● Canada (2018): The first G7 country to successfully legalize recreational cannabis, while strictly regulating the market.
● Uruguay (2013): The first country in the world to fully legalize cannabis using a public health approach, thereby significantly reducing crime.
● United States: An increasing number of states have legalized cannabis, leading to positive economic and social impacts.
Future Outlook
● Increased global decriminalization.
● Expanding medical research on cannabis.
● Social inclusion of communities historically marginalized by the war on drugs.
● Expanding educational campaigns on responsible consumption.
Conclusion
The war on cannabis, an integral part of a repressive global drug policy, has failed. In contrast, controlled legalization has proven to have numerous social, economic, and health benefits. The future now lies in a balanced, restorative, and pragmatic approach.
Sources
● UNODC, “World Drug Report,” accessed in 2025:
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/wdr2024.html
● Le Cannabiste, “Key Figures on the Cannabis Industry in the U.S.,” accessed in 2025: https://lecannabiste.com/les-chiffres-cles-du-cannabusiness-aux-usa/
● Newsweed, “Tax Revenue from Legal Cannabis in the United States,” accessed in 2025: https://www.newsweed.fr/industrie-legale-cannabis-taxes-etats-unis-2021/
● ACLU, “Report on Cannabis-Related Arrests and Racial Disparities,” accessed in 2025:
https://www.aclu.org/report/tale-two-countries-racially-targeted-arrests-era-marijuana reform
● Wikipedia, “Drug Legalization,” accessed in 2025:
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lib%C3%A9ralisation_des_drogues
● Drug Policy Alliance, “The Economic Cost of the War on Drugs,” accessed in 2025:
https://drugpolicy.org/issues/drug-war-statistics
● Reuters, “U.S. Cannabis Legalization Could Generate Billions in Tax Revenue,” accessed in 2025:
https://www.reuters.com/business/us-cannabis-legalization-could-generate-billions-ta x-revenue-report-2024
