Within Reason #84 David Nutt - The Truth About Drugs
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Sep 22, 2024 
David Nutt, an influential neuropsychopharmacologist and former UK drug policy advisor, dives deep into the complexities of drug policy and its societal impact. He critiques the paradox of how alcohol is perceived versus other substances, exposing the flaws in current regulations. Nutt discusses the historical failures of alcohol prohibition and the unintended consequences of drug laws, particularly for cannabis and addiction. His insights challenge the stigma surrounding drug use and advocate for harm reduction rather than criminalization.
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Ecstasy vs. Horse Riding
- David Nutt was fired for saying ecstasy is safer than horse riding.
- This statement highlights the irrationality of drug policy not being evidence-based.
Irrational Drug Policy
- UK drug policy isn't evidence-based, with alcohol being the most harmful drug but not even considered a drug.
- Drug regulation is based on politics, not harm or value, which is dangerous to point out to politicians.
Alcohol's Harm
- A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was developed to assess drug harms systematically.
- This analysis revealed alcohol as the most harmful drug in the UK due to its widespread use, not necessarily individual harm.
