What if many of the things you think about illegal drugs and drug use are wrong? What if many of the problems associated with drugs are actually caused by the fact that they’re criminalized as part of the decades-long, failed war on drugs? For years, Dr. Carl Hart has worked to destroy myths about drugs and to change drug policies in the United States. He joins us to speak about all of this and more.

Plus, we talk about state legislation that could move us away from criminalization and towards a more sensible approach to drug policy with NYCLU assistant policy director, Michael Sisitzky.

Resources:

Check out Dr. Carl Hart’s book, “Drug Use for Grownups”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/534657/drug-use-for-grown-ups-by-dr-carl-l-hart/

Low-level drug decriminalization bill: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/A3434

Buprenorphine decriminalization bill: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S699/amendment/A 

Safer Consumption Services Act: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S399/amendment/A

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit https://www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit nyclu.org/en/rightsthisway.

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