Whether the US should allow nonmedical drug usage is a complex matter with many different viewpoints. This essay uses John Stuart Mill’s philosophy, Paul Smith’s sociology, and William Kornblum’s sociology and criminology to examine this complex topic. Three academics examine drug legalization’s ethical, social, and criminological elements. The harm-reduction concept and individual liberty were popularized by 19th-century philosopher John Stuart Mill (Apam, 2023). Mill’s utilitarian worldview promotes individual rights and autonomy. We will discuss how John Stuart Mill’s beliefs on individual liberty and political involvement apply to present drug policy disputes as we investigate the legalization of nonmedical drug usage.
In Ballantine et al. (2021), sociologist Paul Smith brings a social perspective to drug legalization. Smith studies the social effects of drug policies on individuals and communities. Smith’s point of view reveals sociological insights. Addressing the societal consequences of drug legalization extends beyond individual rights. William Kornblum, a criminologist who examines criminal behavior and its social context, contributes to our investigation. Kornblum’s research sheds light on the criminal justice aspects of drug policy as well as the potential consequences of various legalization approaches. We can better understand drug use, criminal behavior, and societal responses by adopting Kornblum’s criminological perspectives.
Hip-hop culture and Mill and Smith’s scholarship give our studies on drug legalization a new and influential perspective. Hip-hop influences and reproduces social values. It originated in cities. We will use a hip-hop culture location or rap song to provide a dynamic cultural element to our argument. Artists use hip-hop to communicate their views on various social concerns, including drug use. Suppose we analyze a relevant rap song’s lyrics, issues, and creative elements. In that case, we can better grasp the intricate relationship between hip-hop culture and public opinion on drug legalization. This investigation shows how these artistic representations reflect the intricacies of substance use across cultures. The incorporation of hip-hop culture into our research is often well-received by the general public since it is a culture that influences public opinion and policy debate. Hip-hop may illuminate narratives, experiences, and views that academic debates may overlook. Utilizing this cultural knowledge expands and broadens our argument. The inclusion of various perspectives in the discussion over the legalization of drugs is made more accessible by this method. To navigate this treacherous terrain, we must combine these opposing viewpoints to gain a complete understanding of the complexities of US narcotics legalization.
John Stuart Mill’s Perspective
Classical liberal John Stuart Mill championed personal freedom and autonomy throughout the nineteenth century (Chaudhry, 2019). According to reports, “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.” Applying Mill’s concepts to drug legalization requires considering the trade-off between individual liberty and society’s well-being. Mill’s focus on damage as a criterion for intervention overlaps with arguments for legalizing drug use for nonmedical purposes. Some drug legalization advocates believe that people should be able to make their own decisions about their bodies and lives, and the state should only intervene if there is a clear and present risk to others.
Mill’s views of drug legalization propose that the government should reduce drug damage rather than ban it. Contrary to current bans. This viewpoint supports policies prioritizing damage reduction, therapy, and education over punishment. According to Mill’s “On Liberty,” “Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.” This remark illustrates Mill’s view on self-determination and lays the groundwork for applying his theories to drug legalization (Đerić, 2020). The virtue of supporting human autonomy over decisions is consistent with attitudes that support the use of drugs for nonmedical purposes.
Paul Smith’s Perspective
Paul Smith, a sociologist, provides a valuable viewpoint on the effects of punitive drug policies. Smith usually studies the social effects of Criminalization on individuals and communities (Inkpen et al., 2022). He views the Criminalization of drug use as a tool to perpetuate social inequalities and hurt marginalized communities. Smith believes criminalizing drug usage worsens social issues. He studies how punitive policies target specific demographics, stratifying society and exacerbating structural inequities. Smith claims that criminalizing drug users perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage.
Smith analyzes the unintended implications of drug prohibitions in light of the contemporary drug legalization debate. He found that decriminalization or legalization could address structural difficulties, alleviate criminal justice system pressure, and improve results for groups affected by the activity. “The Book of Nancy: A Novel,” by Smith, beautifully describes the social effects of drug criminalization. Adding, “Criminalization does not eliminate drug use; it merely redefines the user as a criminal. In this particular incident, it depicts the outlawing of drugs in an effective manner. Smith’s comment shows that the existing drug policy fails to achieve its goals and perpetuates a cycle of Criminalization that slows society’s development (Nunes, 2023). Smith’s work pushes for a more nuanced and socially conscious approach to drug legalization that examines how drug policies affect vulnerable communities.
Hip Hop Culture
Kendrick Lamar’s “Swimming Pools (Drank)” is a powerful look at drug use and its social effects. In his 2012 album “Good Kid, m.A.A.d City,” the song explored the complexity of alcohol and substance misuse in the context of peer pressure and societal expectations (Hollinger, 2021). “Swimming Pools (Drank)” is an introspective story about substance abuse and its effects. Kendrick Lamar’s songs illuminate the social and psychological causes of many communities’ drinking and drug culture. As these songs show, many communities encourage people to conform to this culture. The repeated repetition “Pour up, drank, headshot, drank” shows the individual’s psychological battle and the risks of substance abuse.
This cultural perspective contributes to the drug legalization argument by providing a nuanced and personalized perspective. Artists frequently use hip-hop as a means of addressing societal issues. Lamar’s song shows the complexity of drug use beyond right and wrong. It improves empathic understanding of the persons involved and a more careful appraisal of the cultural circumstances that enable these activities. In the song “Swimming Pools (Drank),” he says, “It is really just me talking about my issues with it [alcohol]… Having a fantastic time, partying, yet being aware of the consequences.” During an interview with MTV, Lamar disclosed this information, which provided light on his goals and highlighted the genuineness of the song as a personal story.
Perspectives on Nonmedical Drug Legalization
John Stuart Mill, Paul Smith, and hip-hop culture support the US decriminalization of nonmedical drug use. Mill promotes individual autonomy, Smith criticizes Criminalization’s social costs, and hip-hop, like Kendrick Lamar’s “Swimming Pools (Drank),” presents varied opinions. Mill supported nonmedical drug legalization because he believed in individual liberty and the right to make life and body decisions without harming others. Restrictive drug regulations strengthen government power and limit freedom. Mill felt regulated legalization would prioritize damage mitigation and public health over punishment, making society more compassionate and equitable. Drug bans undermine culture, as shown by Paul Smith’s sociology. When narcotics are illegal, poor people suffer the most, increasing inequity. Park et al.’s (2020) research suggests that legalization might address structural issues, eliminate socioeconomic inequalities, and provide resources for rehabilitation and education. Kendrick Lamar sings “Swimming Pools (Drank),” a cultural awareness song. This song explores the complex relationship between humans and drugs and its pressures and effects. These artistic themes bring drug prohibition victims’ experiences into the debate, emphasizing understanding over condemnation.
Smart drug legalization, based on Mill, Smith, and hip-hop, can make society more compassionate and just. This paradigm prioritizes human autonomy, social justice, and cultural relevance. Laxing rules can help the US legalize nonmedical drugs more humanely. This approach prioritizes understanding over judgment, reduces damage, and balances individual liberty and society’s more significant challenges.
References
Apam, J. I. (2023). John Stuart Mill’s Political Philosophy and the Shaping of Political and Economic Structures. Classical Theorists in the Social Sciences: From Western Ideas to African Realities, p. 117. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&as_ylo=2019&as_yhi=2023&q=John+Stuart+Mill%2C+a+prominent+19th-century+philosopher%2C+is+renowned+for+his+advocacy+of+individual+freedom+and+the+principle+of+harm+reduction%5C&btnG=
Ballantine, J., Stuber, J., & Everitt, J. (2021). The sociology of education: A systematic analysis. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003023715/sociology-education-jeanne-ballantine-jenny-stuber-judson-everitt
Đerić, M. (2020). What is Autonomy Anyway? Theories of the Self and Autonomy in Medical Ethics, pp. 17–30. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56703-3_2
Hollinger, A. (2021). The Poetics of Disclosure: An Analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s Rap Music. Baylor-Ir.tdl.org. https://baylor-ir.tdl.org/items/fd598496-6dd2-48de-85bc-cff88ad7f2df
Inkpen, R., Ghaemmaghami, A., Newiss, G., Smith, P., Charman, S., Bennett, S., & Ilett, C. (2022). “Othering” by Consent? Public Attitudes to Covid-19 Restrictions and the Role of the Police in Managing Compliance in England. The Sociological Quarterly, pp. 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/00380253.2022.2066030
Nunes, N. da S. (2023, April 11). Desecuritization of cannabis in the United States: drug policy reform from the ground-up. Www.teses.usp.br. https://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/101/101131/tde-14062023-112946/en.php
Park, J. N., Rouhani, S., Beletsky, L. E. O., Vincent, L., Saloner, B., & Sherman, S. G. (2020). Situating the continuum of overdose risk in the social determinants of health: a new conceptual framework. The Milbank Quarterly, 98(3), 700–746. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0009.12470
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