Charlie Kirk on Drugs: Addicted to Progressive Values?

On this episode of Minor Issues, Mark Thornton responds to Charlie Kirk’s “most controversial take” on cannabis and drug policy. Mark contrasts Kirk’s opposition to reclassification with the long history of prohibition as a Progressive project, showing how state intervention—not liberty—is responsible for urban decay, social breakdown, and the failures of drug policy. Drawing on examples from alcohol and cannabis prohibition to today’s welfare state, Mark argues that addiction is fueled less by markets than by the permissive culture and coercive power of government.

"Should America Reclassify Weed?" (Charlie Kirk Show): https://mises.org/MI_134_A

"Drug Warriors Claim Colorado Going to Pot" by Mark Thornton: https://mises.org/MI_134_B

"The Oregon Problem: It’s Not Drugs! It’s the Socialistic Political Culture" by Mark Thornton: https://mises.org/MI_134_C

"The Oregon Problem" (Minor Issues Podcast): https://mises.org/MI_48

"Measure 110 and Property Rights" (Minor Issues Podcast): https://mises.org/MI_55

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