We’ve had a great debate on here about how some mind-altering substances (alcohol) have been normalized, destigmatized & legalized, while others have not, and about the harms from both approaches. (Read through the comments for some really thoughtful takes!) Drug policy can be mapped on a U-shaped curve. Harms are highest at the two endpoints: ➡️ total prohibition - leads to a dangerous illegal supply, and harms from criminalization/incarceration ➡️ total liberalization - not only legal, but marketed & PROMOTED by political leaders & others. Leads to overuse and abuse. The best drug policies are found at the BOTTOM of the U-shaped curve: legal and regulated, with rules that are substance-specific. Really, the only drug we’re currently doing a decent job on is cannabis. Legal, but with lots of rules, and not being actively promoted & modeled by politicians & others.