| One of the major approaches which states have used to prevent or intervene in the drugs-crime cycle is the creation and application of laws. During the past few decades, the nature and extent of the state-level illicit drug laws have included sanction-oriented measures, drug testing policies, diversion into treatment and, most recently, measures authorizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, no systematic attempts have been made to create a taxonomy of those laws. This paper will provide an overview of the current status of selected categories of state drug laws as of December 31, 1999. Specifically, we will summarize the legislative approaches taken by the states for sanctioning individuals who violate bans on the sale, manufacture, and distribution of illegal drugs, as well as bans on the possession of such substances. This taxonomy will show within and between-state variations and will facilitate the analysis of the impact of state laws on drug use. |
Updated 05/20/2006