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An End to the War on Drugs?

Stephen Dyrgas
/
Flickr via Creative Commons

Murderous cartels, over-incarceration, the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C: Many of our social ills are somehow related to drugs. Hence the War on Drugs. But critics say strict drug laws have done as much harm to society as the substances themselves. Now a high-profile international commission has released a report that says the same. The group of 22 medical experts is recommending the decriminalization of drug use and possession, around the world. This comes just as the United Nations prepares to convene a special sessionon drug policy that could shape future laws. Is decriminalization the solution? Or are we endangering youth and inviting even higher rates of addiction? Guest: Dr. Chris Beyrer, member of the Johns Hopkins-Lancet Commission on Drug Policy and Health, Director of the Johns Hopkins Training Program in HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Science, and President of the International AIDS society. 

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Sheilah Kast is the host of On The Record, Monday-Friday, 9:30-10:00 am.
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