As a seasoned weed lawyer in Omaha, Daniel Stockmann sees a side of the law and the ‘War on Drugs’ that few have the opportunity to view. Most Americans agree that the war has failed, but the stats on how it has let the country down aren’t generally discussed.
1. The United States is Home to 5% of the World’s Population, but has 25% of the Prison Population
The War on Drugs was supposed to deter drug use with its harsh penalties and mandatory minimum sentences, but it hasn’t. American prisons are bursting at the seams.
2. More than $1 Trillion has Been Spent
As of a couple of years ago, the total amount spent on our current drug reduction plan topped $1 trillion, and the war has not stopped or reduced drug use at all.
3. $51 Billion is Spent Annually
According to the ACLU, the federal government spends $51 billion on the War on Drugs each year, on top of the $1 trillion already spent.
4. 91% of People Believe the War has Failed
Richard Branson of Virgin is a big proponent of drug reform. He posted polls across his social media accounts and asked them to vote on whether they thought the war was helping. The overwhelming majority agreed that it wasn’t. Conversely, Rasmussen asked who thought it was a success. Just 4% of respondents said it was.
5. 90% of People Favor Treatment Over Incarceration
Branson also asked about the best ways to combat drug use. Most people agreed that treatment was the best option. Pew Research conducted a similar study, with 68% agreeing that treatment was the best option. In any case, it’s clear most people think treatment is the way to go, and yet our present laws are still focused on incarceration.
6. 1,100 People Die Annually Due to Drug-Related Violent Crimes
This statistic does not include people who have overdosed or those who die by law enforcement’s hand during raids and other skirmishes. Compared to the annual toll of US soldiers in the Afghanistan or Iraq wars, the War on Drugs is deadlier.
7. 46% of Inmates are in for Drug Offenses
The War on Drugs is responsible for roughly half of our prison population. Approximately half of these inmates have historically been imprisoned for marijuana possession.
8. Obama has Commuted the Sentences of 562 Inmates, More than Any Other President
Throughout his presidency, he has intentionally reduced the sentences of non-violent drug offenders, sending a total of 562 free. Despite this, prisons remain packed, with more arrests and convictions occurring daily.
Retain a Competent Weed Lawyer in Omaha
Despite the fact that most signs point to the War on Drugs as having failed, it still has not been reformed. If you’re arrested for a drug-related crime, even as a first-time offender, you will face harsh consequences. Daniel Stockmann is an experienced weed lawyer in Omaha who tailors defenses for each client and fights to ensure his clients do not face the same fate that many Americans do. For a free consultation, call (402) 884-1031 today.
