The Moynihan Report Fentanyl, Galaxy Gas, and everything in-between with Hamilton Morris | The Moynihan Report
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Aug 6, 2025 
Hamilton Morris, a chemist, journalist, and documentary filmmaker, delves into the intricate world of psychoactive substances. He critiques the media's portrayal of fentanyl and discusses the politicization of addiction. The conversation also touches on the complexities of vaping and societal perceptions that shape drug narratives. Morris shares his journey from chemistry to documentary filmmaking, exploring challenges in drug policy and the influence of corporate interests on distribution. The light-hearted talks about the 'Philadelphia Nitrous Mafia' add humor to the insightful dialogue.
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Fentanyl's Issues Rooted in Prohibition
- Fentanyl problems largely stem from drug prohibition policies rather than the drug itself.
- Most users do not seek fentanyl; its proliferation is driven by lack of safer regulated alternatives.
Politicization of Drug Scares
- The fentanyl overdose scare is often politicized and exaggerated for political ends.
- Scare stories about drugs typically rely on reductionist narratives that obscure deeper systemic issues.
Challenges in Drug Journalism
- Nuanced drug journalism struggles in mainstream media due to difficulty selling complex stories.
- Experts often resort to platforms like Patreon as legacy media resist in-depth coverage.