DeepSummary
The episode discusses the failures and ongoing harms of the war on drugs, as well as some signs of progress towards ending it. It explores how marijuana criminalization has led to unjust incarceration and devastating consequences, despite evidence of its medical benefits and relative safety compared to legal substances like alcohol. Various perspectives are shared, including a man sentenced to 13 years for possessing a small amount of marijuana, government agencies contradicting each other on marijuana's medicinal value, and the financial benefits states have seen from legalizing and taxing marijuana.
Experts like Johann Hari provide insights into the racist origins of the drug war, the reasons behind addiction, and more ethical policy approaches like Portugal's decriminalization model. The episode suggests that as more states legalize marijuana, there is growing momentum for ending the failed and destructive war on drugs at the federal level.
Personal stories underscore the human toll of criminalizing drugs, such as the disturbing case of a woman who died after being left in an outdoor cage by prison staff because she was a meth addict. Overall, the episode makes a compelling case for treating drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal one.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The war on drugs, especially marijuana criminalization, has been a devastating failure that causes more harm than good.
- Evidence shows marijuana is relatively safe and has potential medical benefits, contradicting its harsh legal status.
- Racist attitudes and financial interests of criminal organizations drove the origins and perpetuation of anti-drug laws.
- Treating addiction as a health issue with compassion rather than criminalization can turn lives around.
- As more states legalize marijuana, there is growing momentum to end the federal prohibition.
- Personal stories reveal the human toll of criminalizing drugs and unjust incarceration.
- The financial benefits to states from legalizing and taxing marijuana demonstrate a better policy approach.
- Government agencies provide contradictory guidance on marijuana, showing incoherent messaging.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Marijuana may have beneficial effects on pain control, appetite, mood, and management of other chronic symptoms. Our findings suggest that occasional use of marijuana for these or other purposes may not be associated with adverse consequences on pulmonary function.“ by Speaker D
- “You know, she just needed some help. And I just. I really stayed with me. And when I went to Portugal and I saw these addicts with their in Switzerland, where they prescribe heroin, and they really treat addicts compassionately, I would see these people's lives turned around, and I would think of Marsha Powell and I would think of Billie Holiday, and I would think of Bud Osborne, I would think of my own relatives, and I would just think, God, this doesn't. None of that had to happen.“ by Speaker C
- “If you're trying to prevent or at least some way help fight against brain tumors, you need to be put in prison. Okay? So look, let's just call it a spade a spade, okay? You're a dangerous criminal. Partaking in a gateway drug. Imagine if you go down that chain and you start using other drugs, how dangerous it could be for you. Like, maybe you could even get a brain tumor.“ by Speaker B
Entities
Person
Company
Product
Organization
Book
Episode Information
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy
BestOfTheLeft.com
5/19/24
Original Air Date: 5/9/2015
Today we take a look at the continuing failure that is the War on Drugs™ as well as some of the signs of hope that we may be making progress toward shutting it down
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!)
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Is Marijuana Harmful to Health? - Healthcare Triage (@HCTriage) - Air Date: 04-19-14
Ch. 2: Man Gets 13 Years in Prison for 2 Joints Worth of Pot - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-13-15
Ch. 3: Legalized Marijuana = Millions For Public Schools In Colorado - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-16-15
Ch. 6: Rand Paul & Others Introduce National Medical Marijuana Bill - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-11-15
Ch. 7: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders Talk Drugs - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 06-01-15
Ch. 8: Marijuana Shows Medical Value, Feds Don't Give A Sh*t - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-12-15
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com