A high-level international panel has concluded the so-called “war on drugs” has failed and that governments should consider legalizing substances, including marijuana. The Global Commission on Drug Policy is comprised of 19 members, including several former heads of state. Former Colombian president César Gaviria urged the United States to begin debate on legalization.

César Gaviria: “We want the U.S. society to make a debate on this matter. That has not been done because political leaders are a little fearful of the association between crime and narcotrafficking, and it’s very difficult to distinguish from consumers to users. But this society needs a debate. This society is spending $40 billion each year in fighting drugs — that is a lot of money — has more than 500,000 people in jail. But they are spending that money in a way that is not effective. The consumption is not being reduced.”