Cato Podcast Repeal Day: Alcohol Prohibition and the Hypocrisy of the Drug War
Dec 4, 2025
Jeff Singer and Michael Fox highlight the destructive parallels between alcohol prohibition and today's drug war. They discuss how both policies fuel black markets and empower violent traffickers. The conversation critiques government actions that increase risks, like poor policing practices and moralistic drug policies. They address the racial disparities in enforcement and advocate for harm reduction strategies, such as safe consumption sites and clean-syringe programs. The episode suggests that legalization can undermine cartels and emphasizes the need for a consistent, liberty-based approach to substance use.
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Prioritize Harm Reduction Over Punishment
- Practice harm reduction rather than criminalization to reduce deaths and suffering.
- Jeff Singer recommends making naloxone and other safety measures widely available to respect autonomy and save lives.
Fatal Raid Over A Few Marijuana Plants
- Ryan Frederick shot an officer after a narcotics unit executed a warrant without identifying themselves.
- He was convicted and served eight years, illustrating fatal consequences of aggressive drug raids.
Supply Crackdown Fueled Deadlier Substitutes
- Cracking down on prescribed pain pills pushed many users to heroin and then fentanyl on the black market.
- Jeff Singer explains supply restriction plus prohibition incentivizes more potent, dangerous drugs.