| NCJ Number: |
171402  |
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| Title: |
Interpreting Dutch Cannabis Policy: Reasoning by Analogy in the Legalization Debate |
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| Journal: |
Science Volume:278 Dated:(October 3, 1997) Pages:47-52 |
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| Author(s): |
R MacCoun; P Reuter |
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| Date Published: |
1997 |
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| Annotation: |
The Dutch decriminalization and subsequent de facto legalization of marijuana since 1976 are examined in the context of strengths and limitations of reasoning by analogy as a way of projecting the effects of relaxing drug prohibitions. |
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| Abstract: |
Three general strategies exist for projecting the likely consequences of a change in the legal regime for drugs: (1) draw on existing theory and research; (2) conduct demonstration experiments or quasiexperimental program evaluations; and (3) project the effects of decriminalizing or legalizing drugs on the basis of analogies to experiences of other places, historical periods, substances, or behaviors. The Dutch experience with marijuana illustrates strengths and limitations of reasoning by analogy. While the Dutch case and other analogies have flaws, they appear to converge in suggesting that reductions in criminal penalties have limited effects on drug use, at least for marijuana, but that commercial access is associated with growth in the drug-using population. The prevalence of marijuana use in the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway, and the United States is discussed. 53 references, 2 tables, and 1 figure |
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| Main Term(s): |
Drug legalization |
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| Index Term(s): |
Crime in foreign countries; Decriminalization; Denmark; Drug abuse in foreign countries; Drug law enforcement; Drug Policy; Drug regulation; Drug use; Germany; Marijuana; Netherlands; Norway; United States of America; US/foreign comparisons |
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| Page Count: |
6 |
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| Format: |
Article |
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| Type: |
Legislation/Policy Analysis |
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| Language: |
English |
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| Country: |
United States of America |
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| Note: |
DCC |
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To cite this abstract, use the following link:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=171402 |
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