Non-Violent, First-Time Drug Offenders

I keep hearing the phrase non-violent, first-time drug offenders. Particularly in discussions regarding drug incarcerations and the war on drugs.

Let me tell you why this phrase worries me.

I agree that the distinction between violent and non-violent offenders is important. And that the distinction between repeat and first-time offenders is also important. But the most important distinction, when it comes to drug offenders is that between drug users and drug dealers. 

The world wants to start treating drug addiction as a health problem more so than a criminal problem. And I agree with this.

But drug dealers are different. Even first-time, non-violent drug dealers should, in my opinion, be put away for life. If that causes a high level of incarceration, then so be it.

I have two boys that will be entering high school in a few years. Like me, my boys are risk takers and somewhat impulsive. They also have some family history of drug addiction. I am doing everything in my power to educate my children on the dangers of drugs. But if I ever found out the name of a drug dealer who sold my children heroin then he better hope he is jailed for life.