Conversations with Tyler Ben Westhoff on Synthetic Drugs, Dive Bars, and the Evolution of Rap
Oct 9, 2019
Ben Westhoff, an author known for his deep dives into fentanyl, rap music, and dive bars, shares his compelling insights. He discusses the rise of synthetic drugs and the vital role China plays in the crisis. Ben also explores the merits of legalization versus decriminalization. The conversation shifts to the evolution of hip-hop, highlighting notable artists and their socio-political impacts. Finally, he reflects on the community aspects of dive bars, contrasting them with corporate establishments, and emphasizes how personal wellness fuels storytelling.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Geographic Drug Trends
- Drug use and sales have a strong geographic component, influenced by distribution networks and local preferences.
- Fentanyl's spread in the US follows heroin networks, moving east to west due to white powder heroin's prevalence.
Internet's Role in Fentanyl Spread
- Fentanyl's spread is linked to the internet, enabling access to chemical formulas and the rise of fentanyl analogs.
- Rogue chemists exploited online papers to create stronger, readily available fentanyl variations.
FDA and Fentanyl
- The FDA initially resisted fentanyl's approval for medical use in the US.
- Paul Janssen, fentanyl's inventor, personally lobbied the FDA, leading to its eventual approval.
