Question

What was a rationale used by Congress to enact stricter sentencing for crack cocaine offenders?

Crack cocaine users were repeat offenders.

Crack cocaine contained multiple illegal substances.

Crack cocaine was more addictive.

Crack cocaine was more expensive.

Answer 1

One rationale used by Congress to enact stricter sentencing for crack cocaine offenders was the belief that crack cocaine was more addictive than powder cocaine. This perception was influenced by the medical community's understanding at the time, which suggested that crack cocaine posed a greater danger of addiction and dependency compared to powder cocaine. This belief led lawmakers to view crack cocaine as a significant public health issue and therefore warranting harsher penalties to deter its use and distribution.