Shows
The Drug ReportSNEAK PEEK: Kevin Talks About His New Book Here FirstAmerica stands at a crossroads in our battle against addiction, facing the deadliest drug crisis in our nation’s history. With over 100,000 overdose deaths annually, the devastation is undeniable—but so are the solutions. In this special episode, you’ll get an exclusive first look into Kevin’s groundbreaking new book, One Nation Under the Influence.Kevin reveals how proven prevention strategies could slash regular drug use by two-thirds and highlights innovative criminal justice programs like Hawaii’s Project HOPE, which has successfully reduced methamphetamine use by 70%. He explores lessons from America’s dramatic reduction in cigarette smoking and...2025-07-1025 min
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction236. Luke Niforatos | Smart Drug PolicyThere are different opinions on smart drug policies. Some want to decriminalize all drugs, some promote all drug legalization, and there is drug commercialization. What is the balanced approach from international experts? Luke Niforatos with Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions discusses what an expert panel recommends.
Luke Niforatos serves as the Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading drug policy experts. Leveraging more than a decade working on drug, addiction and health care issues, Luke drives th...2025-06-3056 minThe Drug ReportWhat's Next in U.S. Drug Policy?Drug policy in America is at a critical inflection point. Following a period dominated by extreme harm reduction approaches, we're witnessing a significant shift back toward accountability-based treatment models. This transformation comes as cities like San Francisco and states like Oregon roll back failed experiments that provided tools for addiction without addressing its root causes.Dr. Kevin Sabet joins us fresh from United Nations meetings in Vienna, where American representation was noticeably diminished – a symptom of the current administration's still-developing drug policy strategy. Together, we analyze Dr. Nora Volkow's recent Stat News interview, where the longtime NIDA Di...2025-03-1812 minThe Drug ReportInterview with Dr. Robert Marbut about his upcoming film, "Fentanyl: Death Incorporated"The fentanyl crisis represents one of America's most pressing public health emergencies, one that has affected countless families and communities across the country. In this engaging episode with Dr. Robert Marbut, we explore the alarming statistics surrounding fentanyl's impact, which has become a leading cause of death, eclipsing even the toll from warfare. Dr. Marbut, a distinguished expert on homelessness and addiction, unpacks the connection between structural issues like mental health and substance use, shedding light on the intricacies of these intertwined crises. Throughout our conversation, we delve into how societal factors such as loneliness and consumer c...2025-02-2735 minThe Drug ReportNew York OCM Celebrating Marijuana Profits, New York Times StoriesHigh THC cannabis products are under intense scrutiny, and with good reason. Kevin Sabet, CEO of SAM Smart Approaches to Marijuana, joins us to dissect the cannabis industry's parallels with big tobacco, especially concerning unproven health claims and the relentless drive for profit. We examine a noteworthy New York Times article and question whether New York's $1 billion in cannabis sales is worth the potential cost to public health. Our discussion focuses on prioritizing health over profit, learning from the tobacco industry's past mistakes, and the crucial role of effective regulation in safeguarding public health. Our global audience i...2025-01-2814 minThe Drug ReportDrug Policy News & Policy Outlook for New CongressCan relentless advocacy truly shape the future of marijuana legislation? Join us on the Drug Report podcast as we explore the recent triumph in New Hampshire, where the unwavering efforts of advocates have led Governor Kelly Ayotte to promise a veto on any future marijuana legalization attempts. This victory shines a light on the power of persistence in the ever-evolving landscape of drug policy. As we navigate through these pivotal changes, we're also dissecting the challenges faced by the marijuana industry in New York, revealing how initial promises of social equity have not been fulfilled, leaving many equity applicants...2025-01-1523 minThe Drug ReportBig Wins Against Marijuana: How Local Advocacy Overcame Marijuana LegalizationCould the defeat of Florida's marijuana legalization measure signal a turning tide in drug policy across America? Despite an avalanche of financial backing and celebrity endorsements, Florida's initiative fell short, leaving many to question the power dynamics at play. Join us as we unpack the surprising outcome, delving into the influential role of grassroots campaigns and bipartisan voices, such as the powerful advocacy from former congresswoman Donna Shalala. Discover how "Don't Let Florida Go to Pot" captured the public's attention and vote, challenging the narrative that financial clout guarantees success in the ballot box.Explore the broader...2024-11-0619 minThe Drug ReportGlobal Insights on Drug Policy: Highlights from the Lisbon Addictions ConferenceDiscover the complexities of today's drug policy landscape with insights from around the globe. We promise an enlightening journey as Kevin Sabat and I unpack the highlights from the recent Lisbon Addictions Conference. We bring you the latest updates and debates on harm reduction versus legalization, spotlighting data-driven discussions from regions like Oregon and British Columbia. As we shift focus to the United States, uncover the stories behind various drug policy ballot measures, including marijuana legalization efforts in Florida and the Dakotas. The challenges New York faces in its legalization journey serve as a cautionary tale, and we even...2024-10-2810 minThe Drug ReportBreaking Down VP Harris' Marijuana PlanIs federal marijuana legalization truly a win for Black men, or are there hidden pitfalls? Join us as we take a hard look at Vice President Kamala Harris's proposal, focusing on its goal to dismantle systemic barriers and whether it achieves this when it poses new public health risks. With insightful commentary from Will Jones of SAM, we unravel the intricate dynamics between promising business opportunities and the risks of corporate exploitation in the marijuana industry. By drawing parallels with historical public health challenges like the tobacco industry's impact, we critically question whether this federal move could inadvertently harm...2024-10-1515 min