Activity 9!

         The methods used to import the narcotics were very specific and secretive. The cocaine had to be tightly packaged in to cube-like shapes and then imported to the states by plane or by a boat. If imported through a plane, the plane would be privately owned and would land at a small airport with little to no security. People with personal planes would store their plane in a garage, which wouldn’t allow one to think a plane would be in it. The documentary mentioned how a stewardess on the plane was able to secretly import the narcotics across borders. As for the boat, the drugs would be hidden from sight within the boat. Someone from the other side would be using binoculars to make sure no police boats were nearby. Both sides would use a radio system to communicate to let the other know when the drugs were ready to be sent out. Colombia specifically controls 80% of the drug cartel, which comes to the United States.

         As far as the distribution of the narcotics within the US, once given to a supplier, that person would distribute it to all kinds of people. The guy in the documentary discussed how he sold cocaine to celebrities and athletes and even people in the streets. In order to keep the drugs in a safe place, the supplier would pay people to keep it in their homes and garages. They would even sell their drugs to people who lived in their neighborhood.

         The city of Miami became a huge center for the drug trade. High-end clubs and bars were created to cater to the drug traffic. People had the money from drugs and used it to be entertained. People spent money like no other in order to get whatever they wanted. Everybody had a price and was willing to do anything or be bribed by the money. People became so powerful because of the money they had, that they were able to sway the government. Miami became the trouble center for drugs and refugees and it became more dangerous. It became an area for mostly criminals and it had lost its sense of “paradise.” In class we discussed the effect of schedule 2 drugs on individuals and cocaine being one of them, can form addiction, which can result in crime in the long run. This might explain why Miami transformed to a dangerous place with criminals following years of drug trade.

Activity 8!

         The war on drugs is something that was declared by President Richard Nixon in order to support drug prohibition. During his presidency, he increased the size of federal drug control agencies and even temporarily placed marijuana as a schedule one drug, which classifies it as dangerous to health. He also pushed toward things such as mandatory sentences in order to prevent people from abusing drugs through crime. I would say that we have, in fact, lost the war on drugs. Although Nixon pushed toward the downfall of the use of illegal drugs such as marijuana, overtime, it has become legal in a handful of states, including Colorado and California. As far as costs of losing the war, there are quite a few. As a legalized drug, marijuana for example, might be easily accessible for young or underage people to receive and abuse. It can also impair one’s judgment for a certain period of time, which may even lead to more accidents or driving issues. One could also grow an addiction to the drug and experience withdrawal and it may even lead to overdose. Most importantly, if only legalized medicinally, people may abuse prescriptions and sell their drugs to other people. Overall, I think we have definitely lost the war on drugs because of how open people have become in being more accepting toward illegal drugs such as marijuana. However, I think majority of the people only support the legalization in terms of using it medicinally. Legalization of specific drugs definitely has its costs, but we have to think about whether those costs outweigh the benefits or vice-versa.  

Activity 7!

         After watching the UF Law Review Panel Forum, I have gained a greater understanding on the benefits and disadvantages of legalizing medicinal marijuana. Hearing the opinions of experts in the field has given me a greater insight of the history of marijuana in the United States as well as what the future could hold if the drug becomes legal. When arguing for the legalization of marijuana, it is important to understand how it can be effective in the treatment of illnesses such as AIDs, cancer, or anything else, which causes severe pain. Although, some people would argue that the drug is dangerous, it can be compared to other painkillers such as oxycodone, which can be found at dispensaries. As far as public health goes, it will provide the public with an alternative method to cope through severe amounts of pain in order to ensure their well being and overall health. People around the country have illnesses and marijuana helps them relieve that pain. Legalizing marijuana would allow them to not run the risk of going to prison for long sentences and it would prevent criminalization. Marijuana is also proven to be less harmful than recreational use of alcohol along with sugar.

         Although there are several pros for the legalization of marijuana, there are plenty of disadvantages too. Growing marijuana would increase taxes by large amounts. One of the experts on the panel discussed how growing a certain portion of a vegetable would cost around $60, whereas growing that same amount in marijuana would cost thousands of dollars. It may also form an increase in usage, which can lead to addiction, withdrawal symptoms and harm to the health of people of all ages. It will also make the drug more accessible to younger individuals. Although, it can help with pain, marijuana might not be necessary when taking in to account the many painkillers with already have. The side effect can also be harmful. It can impair driving ability and even break down the immune system. As far as public policy, the drug hasn’t even been approved by the Food and Drug Administration which lacks it’s credibility to not cause issues in the future.