Right through a Council of Ministers assembly on the Casa de Nariño, Colombian President Gustavo Petro reignited a heated international debate by way of evaluating cocaine to whisky and wondering its criminalization.
“Cocaine is against the law as it’s made in Latin The united states, now not as it’s extra destructive than whisky.”
His remark, broadcast reside, straight away sparked divided reactions. Supporters see it as a significant name to reconsider the failed Battle on Medicine, whilst critics argue that equating cocaine with whisky downplays its risks. Regardless, his phrases have reignited a the most important debate on world drug coverage.
Legalizing Cocaine To Undermine Drug Cartels?
Petro argues that legalizing cocaine may just dismantle the illicit drug industry, similar to regulating alcohol ended Prohibition-era legal enterprises.
“The drug industry might be dismantled if cocaine have been legalized international. It might be bought like wine.”
He means that taxation on regulated gross sales may just fund prevention systems, in particular to curb adolescence intake.
This manner aligns with Petro’s broader drug coverage reforms. In December 2023, his management repealed Decree 1844 of 2018, which had allowed police to confiscate small quantities of gear in public areas.
Petro defended this transfer on X (previously Twitter), mentioning:
“If the charter allows private drug use, police will have to focal point on drug lords, now not small-time customers.”
The repeal divided public opinion: warring parties accused him of being cushy on medication, whilst supporters praised it for fighting the criminalization of customers.
Petro additionally highlighted Colombia’s a hit efforts to cut back alcohol and tobacco use amongst younger other people, suggesting equivalent regulatory methods might be carried out to different components.
Cocaine vs. Fentanyl: Petro Takes Purpose At U.S. Drug Insurance policies
Petro additionally drew a parallel between cocaine and fentanyl, a extremely potent artificial opioid wreaking havoc within the U.S. and Europe.
He criticized the U.S. for blaming Mexico and different Latin American countries for drug-related issues whilst ignoring its personal position in fentanyl’s upward thrust.
“They blame fentanyl on Mexico. But fentanyl began as a pharmaceutical drug bought by way of North American companies for benefit.”
Petro’s remarks may just additional pressure U.S.-Colombia members of the family, as Washington continues to drive Latin American countries to crack down on drug manufacturing.
Irrespective of one’s stance, Petro’s daring statements have as soon as once more introduced drug coverage to the vanguard, forcing governments international to confront the screw ups of prohibition.
By way of El Planteo
Photograph: Samantha Energy USAID by means of Wikimedia Commons
Right through a Council of Ministers assembly on the Casa de Nariño, Colombian President Gustavo Petro reignited a heated international debate by way of evaluating cocaine to whisky and wondering its criminalization.
“Cocaine is against the law as it’s made in Latin The united states, now not as it’s extra destructive than whisky.”
His remark, broadcast reside, straight away sparked divided reactions. Supporters see it as a significant name to reconsider the failed Battle on Medicine, whilst critics argue that equating cocaine with whisky downplays its risks. Regardless, his phrases have reignited a the most important debate on world drug coverage.
Legalizing Cocaine To Undermine Drug Cartels?
Petro argues that legalizing cocaine may just dismantle the illicit drug industry, similar to regulating alcohol ended Prohibition-era legal enterprises.
“The drug industry might be dismantled if cocaine have been legalized international. It might be bought like wine.”
He means that taxation on regulated gross sales may just fund prevention systems, in particular to curb adolescence intake.
This manner aligns with Petro’s broader drug coverage reforms. In December 2023, his management repealed Decree 1844 of 2018, which had allowed police to confiscate small quantities of gear in public areas.
Petro defended this transfer on X (previously Twitter), mentioning:
“If the charter allows private drug use, police will have to focal point on drug lords, now not small-time customers.”
The repeal divided public opinion: warring parties accused him of being cushy on medication, whilst supporters praised it for fighting the criminalization of customers.
Petro additionally highlighted Colombia’s a hit efforts to cut back alcohol and tobacco use amongst younger other people, suggesting equivalent regulatory methods might be carried out to different components.
Cocaine vs. Fentanyl: Petro Takes Purpose At U.S. Drug Insurance policies
Petro additionally drew a parallel between cocaine and fentanyl, a extremely potent artificial opioid wreaking havoc within the U.S. and Europe.
He criticized the U.S. for blaming Mexico and different Latin American countries for drug-related issues whilst ignoring its personal position in fentanyl’s upward thrust.
“They blame fentanyl on Mexico. But fentanyl began as a pharmaceutical drug bought by way of North American companies for benefit.”
Petro’s remarks may just additional pressure U.S.-Colombia members of the family, as Washington continues to drive Latin American countries to crack down on drug manufacturing.
Irrespective of one’s stance, Petro’s daring statements have as soon as once more introduced drug coverage to the vanguard, forcing governments international to confront the screw ups of prohibition.
By way of El Planteo
Photograph: Samantha Energy USAID by means of Wikimedia Commons
