War on Drugs

The War on Drugs may best be described as a longstanding effort ranging from limitation to eradication of the production, distribution, sales, and use of primarily illicit psychoactive substances. In addition, some proponents of the War on Drugs have expanded the mission to address the continuing production, distribution, sales, and use of legal psychoactive substances. This war is unique in that it has historical significance, presents administrative and policy challenges, has evolved in a sociopolitical context, and continues to advance in scope and meaning today.

During the late 1960s, President Richard M. Nixon refueled the national campaign against illicit drug use by referring to drugs as "Public Enemy Number One." During the Nixon administration, the 1970 Controlled Substances Act was passed. This key legislation produced many ...