Meet the Neuroscientist Who Wants to Decriminalize Drugs

Oregon is the first state in the U.S. to decriminalize drugs. VICE News meets Carl Hart, a professor at Columbia University, who wants the rest of the country to follow Oregon's lead.
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[@austinadjutant5684]

This is one of the guys that infamously destroyed bill o’Reilly on air.

[@700halo]

He didn't destroy anybody lol

[@andrewbarabas4900]

This video I think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHmcfWyXfb-gfZY O'Reilly is like: 1/3 of teens send more than 100 texts per day and 23% of 12th graders say they smoked pot recently. Texting like that is a dangerous addiction and this combo is going to weaken our country. How are these kids ever going to lead our country? Hart: I'm not aware that texting is an addiction, in 1978 that percentage of 12th graders was 37%, and the last 3 US presidents have smoked weed. Reasonable conclusion: Texting and weed are not a danger to our country's future Hart seems way to knowledgeable, rational, smart for O'Reilly to let that scare-mongering segment go on for very long.

[@baverfjant]

@@700halo I mean he kinda did. He stated facts upon facts, O'Reilly replied with made up bullshit that he was called out on by Carl who is on the board that wrote the fucking paper that O'Reilly tried to use to discredit his arguments. It's like that time O'Reilly tried to use a government study from Sweden on how gay marriage was destroying the foundation of marriage before Sweden had legalized gay marriage, so naturally there was no such study.

[@rs72098]

*Vice is being financed by George Soros, who wants to legalize drugs and has an agenda against the U.S.* Google it.

[@baverfjant]

@@rs72098 The Earth is flat and 5G towers turn you into a lizard. Google it.

[@davejorgen7688]

As someone who has came out of depression and still struggles, ANYTHING can be termed "addicting" when you use it as the vehicle to escape your problems.

[@punkgrl325]

Bingo.

[@firstname713]

I am addicted to chewing ice, it will damage my teeth. It will not kill me, it will not alter my sobriety and make me a danger to myself and others. There is a very big difference between me chewing ice and somebody smoking ice and being willing to rob and kill to chase the high. if i cant chew ice, meh ill survive.

[@mikehunt6107]

@@firstname713 then should we outlaw money. People will rob and kill you for just money.

[@firstname713]

@@mikehunt6107 Money is the worst drug but eating a dollar bill wont kill anybody, popping pills will.

[@firstname713]

@@mikehunt6107 I myself am able to live a life free from the love of money with persistence and guidance from Almighty God. A heroine addict cant live a life entwined with heroine without the addiction and consequences even if not immediately fatal.

[@jz4057]

He’s right about: “it’s not about the drugs. It’s the social and economical factors that caused the problems. Drugs are not the cause, only a symptom.

[@FaithandNova]

Yea ok tell that to the many families who family members overdosed from the friendly drug they was on. Their emotions didn't kill them 🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@punkgrl325]

@@FaithandNova Yeah, but many of those addictions started either by doctors prescribing them the drug in the first place (opioids), or seeking an alternative method for self medicating when they can’t afford or access mental health services. Drug abuse almost always stems from a deeper underlying issue, whether that’s financial, mental, etc. Just like with compulsive eating, gaming or gambling, they’re used as a means of escaping or dealing with a larger problem.

[@jz4057]

@@FaithandNova they wouldn’t be abusing drugs if there were no emotional problems. And that’s why people keep going back to drugs after getting clean, because the root of their problem is not solved.

[@offplanet740]

@@FaithandNova I’m sure many of their families would tell you the same. “He was such a great kid, until...” or “if only she could have stopped, but she fell into the wrong crowd when...” People often get involved with drugs because of factors far bigger than them, combined with personal life experiences. The way we treat addicts in this country is not to actually help them but instead to punish them. When we consider structural factors, we can find better ways to rehabilitate drug users, instead of setting off the cycle of someone going in and out of prison or rehab for a substance abuse disorder and, sometimes, losing their lives over their addiction.

[@FalconsEye58094]

Someone in congress recently said we’ve been a war on drugs for many years and drugs have won

[@amber76OH]

"An addiction almost has nothing to do with drugs." Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@chicotoolegit8616]

@Tommy El Gato 😂😂

[@kb7661]

@Tommy El Gato people have addictions outside of mind altering substances.

[@Benson_aka_devils_advocate_88]

@Tommy El Gato Ever been stuck in line behind someone buying scratch off lotto tickets? Not every addiction is a drug. Not all people suffer from an addiction.

[@Youngbuckinnacut]

He’s right it’s about the admiration you want from others when in a addicted state

[@tempgangster4952]

Perfectly cooked

[@Preacher_.]

I'm waiting for Hamilton Morris and Dr. Carl Hart to sit down and do a podcast

[@shlomovenezia101]

I'll tell #jre

[@arifulrayhan9546]

@@shlomovenezia101 alocha

[@liammcgeean1029]

Undoubtedly going to be the best podcast to be broadcast

[@mineralareaoutdoors2213]

@@shlomovenezia101 he just had Hamilton on and told him about Dr.Hart..no doubt Joe gave him some contact info...

[@the-cleric4821]

It'll be the best #JRE ever made lol

[@herzogsbuick]

5:18 Dr. Carl Hart "We won't say legalization, we'll say drug regulation" Vice: "Meet the man trying to legalize drugs" Edit: that's the original video title, Vice has since changed it to "decriminalized". Which still isn't what Dr. Hart said, but perhaps if he had to choose?

[@lucasunger2720]

Up vote if you came to comment the same thing

[@mr.c7080]

Let’s smear a great guy trying to do something positive for our country.. I love the way he explained it all and he is correct.

[@SL4PSYM4XY]

Yeah, vice is pretty toxic these days. Woke and dumb

[@hibye671]

Yeah I don’t like the title either, he wasn’t pushing the whole legalization idea.

[@SL4PSYM4XY]

@Joseph Arden that way of thinking is what's wrong with America. Just because you stop agreeing with a perspective, doesn't mean you should stop exposing yourself to it. In fact, it becomes more important to keep tuning in. Sounds like you're a pretty closed minded person if you think the only news you should get is the news with which u agree. Also, we need to legalize all drugs.

[@MrWicked61671]

Legalizing all “illegal drugs” = massive drop in the crime rate. Just ask Spain!

[@x-raymind7778]

It will change some time just probably not for a long time

[@blobjoehugo1895]

All drugs are legalized in Spain smoothbrain

[@Deenique16]

@@x-raymind7778 I agree

[@hermenegildoc3933]

Spain is not legal.

[@mariocaballero461]

I’m spanish and I can tell u didn’t chose a good example lol

[@88mphDrBrown]

The war on drugs has failed, it's just led to massive incarceration.

[@Deenique16]

Wasn’t that the governments goal after all.

[@typicalskateboarder3295]

@@Deenique16 If There's lots of blacks and Mexican (Like Myself) behind bars. Then the so called war on drugs has been A success.

[@typicalskateboarder3295]

@@Deenique16 I mean look at the patriot act. Nothing patriotic about it.

[@Bigfish1day]

That was the whole plan, incarceration is free labor. The new slaves ships.

[@88mphDrBrown]

@@typicalskateboarder3295 There's no question that the war on drugs has disproportionately effected minorities, it's the best evidence I know of for systematic racism. I think as a whole class matters more than race, but drug incarceration has undeniable racial injustice.

[@grumpycat9065]

When he said, "less death, less carnage... ", I knew this guy 100 percent understands the problems that come from illegal drugs and a market that needs its supply.

[@Justi.n]

Lol

[@YouYou-sm8tf]

Do you really think it will lead to less death????? Actually it will lead to more deaths

[@Javierisnotatryhard]

I agree with meow man

[@whonotyou.1984]

Its like when the usa made alcohol illegal in the 1920s. People made alcohol which ended up with more criminal activity and people dieing from alcohol that was mixed with other liquids.

[@morkami9521]

@@YouYou-sm8tf Do you know that Portugal decriminalized drugs that lead to less deaths, less addicts and smaller criminality?

[@MelchizedekKohen]

I've always said that the worst thing about drugs is the lack of education about them

[@brandon9172]

@Patricio Jesus That question already has an answer, and its a yes. Tons of people use morphine and opiates without any issue, and even cocaine as well. Coca tea is pretty popular in South America.

[@dot6441]

the worst thing about drugs is that people think its cool to do drugs and now people are trying to normalize it. Instead of trying to be smarter and more efficient beings and invest our time in taking humanity forward with these unimaginable resources we have , some people just wants to get high and waste their time lying on a mattress looking at ceiling. These people dont deserve to be citizens of these privileged nations

[@igorkreep]

@@dot6441 So if "John" is working and contributing to society, but in his day off he wants to use drugs, that he buy with his hard earned money 💲, then he shouldn't live in a first world country?! I believe you're going to be very surprised to see the people that you want to send off

[@MelchizedekKohen]

@chris once its socially accepted you will be very surprised at who actually take drugs like meth coke on the daily and are still in high paid jobs drugs are part of who we are there will never be at time when drugs are not available

[@User-54631]

I agree..if we teach kids weed is the same as coke. That kid goes tries weed and his fine. It’s stands within reason that they would be fine doing blow.

[@mastermind2971]

This man is intelligent; the reporter has a hard time understanding(not on his level). Observe the man inwardly not outwardly.

[@whalefuhk]

I understand this comment, but I think she was being a representative for people with basic blunt questions, as opposed to her deep intellectual opinions/thoughts. If that makes sense..

[@FaithandNova]

Anyone who thinks he's intelligent is crazy. If you need to alter your mind to function you definitely got issues. A sober mind is the right way to go. Wait til this man gets older and develops illnesses from his friendly drug use.

[@lucassouthard5642]

@@FaithandNovakeep sleeping buddy

[@ChemistTea]

The interviewer asked the right questions. the whole conversation was intelligent

[@grawakendream8980]

donald trump is “sober”.

[@DarthFurie]

As a recovering addict (clean 9 months and counting) my instant reaction to this idea was fear. I don't want drug use normalized honestly. BUT locking up drug users isn't going to stop drug use

[@user-sh2rc5kc7x]

Exactly it has never worked. It needs to be regulated and those who wish to partake can do so in a far safer and less exploitative way than presently

[@feliciabowens8622]

Agree

[@jaysunsandnorcal5555]

I would argue you've been brainwashed like all Americans to believe that addiction is inevitable and no one can use drugs or alcohol without ruining their lives. It's sad because people in pain should have the right to relieve their pain.

[@Babooshka47]

​@@jaysunsandnorcal5555 Noone belives that addiction is inevitable but we do belive that drugs are highly addictive. Lets look at Norway, 74,7% employment rate and everyone has the right to free school. Still drug use remains one of the biggest issue in this country, so what hes saying about unemployment being the issue is wrong. Personally i belive we should decriminalize drugs so that the people who struggle can actually seek for help without the fear of being imprisoned, loose their job and their social status etc. Drug use is proven to have no ties to the punishment and remains around the same wether its life sentence or decriminalized. But i am afraid that legalization will cause a lot more users (like we have seen with weed) and that will cause a lot more users. Now drugs can be used without someone being addicted to it, but the risk of actually getting addicted is so EXTREMELY high. So i do not belive that we should give people products that can ruin their life and everyones life around them

[@ricardoaugusto9925]

right on. Drugs should not be legal, but it should not be a crime either. I use cannabis and apart from hard drugs, I have used all drugs known and I am recovering from alcohol addiction. And I think even cannabis should not be legalized. If you want to grow it, do it. Even alcohol should not be consumed the way it is. Over here in Brazil we pretty much have a drunk society, where people start drinking from 13, 14 years of age and it is all normal and spend all their lives drinking alcohol. We need more education when it comes to drugs and alcohol, and those who wish to use them, should use them at their own account, and not want this free for all.

[@ToasterStud]

So the self proclaimed "land of the free," apparently ain't so free, huh?

[@Drowbert]

Private prisons,bail system.

[@kaynefryday1251]

Don’t forget the greatest country on earth has huge tent city’s and if you don’t have health insurance and get cancer you are finished

[@federalreservebrown2507]

@@kaynefryday1251 the greatest country on earth let the small hats get away with 9/11

[@horridCAM]

Its a comparative statement. In contrast to almost all other countries, we DO have a lot of freedoms. That said, even with those freedoms, we still feel the boot of our government as well.

[@biggboi1025]

Who woulda thought?

[@artsafact_official]

He has a very valid point we put people in jails for doing drugs and it’s drugs there too so it’s clearly not about health it’s about money

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodla2091]

Most likely has something to do with the fact that meth and cocaine has the pension to turn someone apeshit insane and make them think their family needs to die.

[@bersisozkan1471]

Aah yeas, lets legalize it so that cartels can get stronger. This comment section is ridicilous.

[@artsafact_official]

@@bersisozkan1471 I’m sure the cartels are already doing fine

[@alejandrogonzalez1541]

Yup.

[@josuemc93]

@@yourfriendlyneighborhoodla2091 You need to do your own research buddy. You known a lot of people on legal meth which is one molecule difference from street meth. Would you say they’re insane? I’ve seen more people turn BATSHIT crazy on alcohol. (i’m referring to adderall and the likes)

[@axolotl3964]

For all those skeptics out there, mind you, this man spent 30 years of his career as a neuroscientist studying addiction. The results of his work concludes that the problems are society's distorted and misinformed perception of drug use. And tainted products on the market... In a nutshell. The evidence checks outs.

[@alexandercrush]

Depends on the person. Some it doesn’t make an impact. Others they get hooked on it from day 1 and become an extreme addict. But you don’t know until you do it and then it’s too late. Also encouraging drug use to a greater population makes these numbers even greater. Imagine if everyone in the US started taking drugs. And only 30% became extreme addicts. That means now you have almost 100 million extreme addicts that eventually will become homeless. So homeless pretty much everywhere you go.

[@tahaansari1967]

@@alexandercrush Decriminalization doesn't encourage drug use; it removes criminal penalties and makes it a health issue and prioritizes REHAB

[@dolla6609]

Wasent he aaddict himself also?

[@tazdingo4986]

@@dolla6609 no i don't think so

[@kd741]

Becuse drug abuse is a victimless crime…right?! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYfGlHecpqxqa9E

[@michaelmcclelland9289]

“Without affecting anyone else…” These are key words here in this quote. Been saying the exact same thing for some time. It’s wonderful to hear another individual who shares the same opinion.

[@mitchjames9350]

Also accountability and responsibility should go along with it.

[@ericsnell3040]

The constant look of skepticism by the interviewer is very off-putting, to say the least. He's a well-respected neuroscientist and educator - stop looking at him like he is crazy. Show a modicum of professionalism.

[@wyattgoodale2403]

Lol thank you

[@RaviSingh-xl3os]

Yu read my mind, her facial expressions as if she is very skeptical about this Dr......dumb reporter🤣

[@amellirizarry9503]

she seems like such a square

[@abramjessiah]

It is highly likely she is in agreement with him. She is a reporter asking the questions that your average not so well educated person would ask.

[@oyemimelaza]

Vice can be very hit-and-miss with the young reporters they take on. Her goofy condescension gives her away as inexperienced and still wet behind the ears. Probably a recent J-school grad. You can tell she's led a "sheltered" life. She needs to start changing her demeanor for the career she wants or is pretending to want to keep.

[@caleblorcan1481]

*Man with PHD arguing for a policy already being successfully done in Europe for more than a decade* Americans: drUgGie, Ur SteLinG aLL oUr frEEdUmS

[@arealtribe]

Comsi-comsa. Even in Portugal drug users are pretty much stigmatized and under harsh social control.

[@caleblorcan1481]

@@arealtribe yeah its not perfect but its statistically better than nothing

[@asdfghjkl3003]

@ALX 8721 Thank you! Finally someone said it.

[@magdelanax2122]

@@caleblorcan1481 Have all other EU countries adopted the same successful policy as Portugal?

[@caleblorcan1481]

@@magdelanax2122 a few not all, but there are movements in most EU countries to decriminalise all drugs. The EU countries that have are Spain, Italy, Croatia, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia and Estonia. A lot of South America has as well. Here’s a list of all the counties that have done it and to what extent. www.talkingdrugs.org/drug-decriminalisation

[@yourbigheadcousin5434]

"Can't deny a man a steak simply because a baby can't chew it." To paraphrase Mark Twain

[@jakeperez6238]

i’m glad he uses “adults” instead of everyone🙏

[@Brett_S_420]

This man, Oregon, and Portugal have it figured out.

[@VinceAndWeed]

👌🏽

[@bentaraaracchi5527]

On the path to self destrucrion

[@user-iz3nt9fd2t]

We have too little data on Oregon to fully confirm they "figured it out". Portugal completely failed because their government didn't regulate anything. They just didn't care

[@bentaraaracchi5527]

@@user-iz3nt9fd2t you a meth head?

[@user-iz3nt9fd2t]

@@bentaraaracchi5527 nah

[@edwardmiller4709]

We need more guys like this. The war on drugs is really a war on people and it needs to stop now!

[@whitestguyuknow]

War on people. Mainly the poor. Intentionally.

[@mini9503]

This is no war, just lazy policies and government without a spine to enforce them. Any person even remotely associated with supplying or having possession of drugs should be sentenced to death, like most Asian countries. Existing addicts whose lives were unintentionally ruined by drugs should be mentally, and physically treated with care and compassion. Strict law enforcement and common-sense education is how you deal with drugs. Perpetually claiming nonsense that drugs don't cause harm to the people around you is fine, but be prepared to pay the consequences when the world develops into healthy society with zero tolerance.

[@prodbyjaxn3780]

@@mini9503 wow 😭😭

[@mini9503]

@@prodbyjaxn3780 Singapore has one of the cleanest, best looking streets in the world. Their secret? Littering is a $1k fine right on the spot. Punishment shouldn't fit the crime, but exceed it as to prevent the crime so people think twice before committing them. That's how the most developed countries operate. Legalization does work, but only within incredibly strict regulations and enforcement, which is practically difficult to achieve in a large population and land like the U.S, unlike European countries and small Asian cities. So the solution? Strict law and education. Death Penalty and Shoot-on-sight in cooperation with National Guard and Intelligence Agencies works for a very good reason.

[@barphs7594]

The war on Drugs and the “privilege” that you can do then in USA, is something that other countries we have to suffer for, you never had to see people beheaded, you never had to see people disappear, Even the poor over USA never had the problems that say Mexico or Latinoamerica

[@gevidee]

Addiction has very little to do with the substance. When someone is an “addict”, it’s a crutch for a deeper mental health issue.

[@stormworks4882]

i was going to roast him but he came from an angle that makes sense

[@pricklycats]

Anyone who does roast him is just purposely stupid and short sighted

[@enormhi]

I'm totally with him. Legalise ALL drugs, tax ALL drugs, stop the stigma, and use the money from these industries to help the people with additions

[@a.t.9654]

Why not just make them illegal to prevent the addictions in the first place.

[@adeaye689]

@@a.t.9654 why can’t people just allow others to have the freedom of choice?

[@a.t.9654]

@@adeaye689 then give me the freedom to own a nuke. I don't see your ass arguing for my freedom of choice in thay area.

[@adeaye689]

@@a.t.9654 now you just don’t want to be logical. Because I didn’t know a functional drug user could compare to you owning a nuke that can potentially kill and put thousands, if not millions of people in danger. But if you want, you can try your nonsensical attempt at comparing two entirely different things again.

[@bjornragnarsson8692]

@@a.t.9654 they have been illegal, here and in other countries, but has never prevented or stopped addiction. It’s a failed system. Like communism, It may seem good in theory, but it never works out when actually implemented.

[@joego9519]

"besides I wouldn't wanna blow my high like that" 😂😂😂 I love this guy.

[@GTAVIDream]

Nobody: VICE: Did I heard drugs?

[@MrWicked61671]

In the thumbnail, my man looks like Denzel with dreads.

[@luisar5755]

DRUGS are there everyday, just tax it, and make good use the revenue..

[@tobiisiba1641]

"and make good use of the revenue" yea right.

[@beakamon]

I'm for it.

[@darthnatas953]

The government is incapable of making good use of revenue.

[@daniels1263]

@@darthnatas953 yeh they are it’s called buying private islands 😂

[@potatoeskimos]

Tax it and limit the usage and guess what, the addicts would just turn to the cartels who would sell it openly and legally to addicts making the problems a lot more worse.

[@domusnuntium7431]

Idk man he kind of makes sense to me...I’m not gonna recreationally use crack, but good for them lol

[@LUImusic856]

Yeah don't do that Lol

[@Catlily5]

I think drugs and alcohol are bad, but they should be decriminalized. The war on drugs clearly isn't working.

[@domusnuntium7431]

@@Catlily5 the war on drugs was bullshit from the start everyone knew it at the end of the day it’s up to the individual some folks can use drugs recreationally some can’t before we do decriminalize drugs we need to build a culture people that are more accepting of going therapy and other healthy was of dealing with stressors

[@yrnty372]

@@domusnuntium7431 exactly

[@vuven8930]

I have followed Dr. Hart's work for a decent amount of time now. I really appreciate the work that he has done. A fresh perspective worth reflecting on.

[@XtarShoter]

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."

[@khalilrazak6486]

Just like the retarded war on drugs.

[@callumgaw9288]

Everyone in this world has a vice. In order to help people who don't want to use their vice any longer we need to stop treating them as criminals for it. If they don't think it's a problem there is no solution.

[@christianterrill3503]

I was a heroin addicted person, I have a few friends that asked me to try heroin. Were not drug people too, none of them asked me to get it again. They loved the high but had no want to use it again. Made no sense to me as a drug addict but people can use drugs without addiction.

[@LunalovaniaGaming]

So glad to hear you kicked the stuff. Congrats and keep it up friend. 🤝💪

[@krystianfeigenbaum238]

Opioids numb pain. If there is no pain - then there's no urge to numb it. And those people who get addicted to opioids are first of all suffering from their pain - not their self-medication. It's very easy to understand. Instead people who suffer are treated like criminals. Disgusting!

[@mistermaumau]

I'm in Oregon, voted for this, and have been a functional opiate addict. Until I wasn't. I'd be wary of promoting the idea that using it without getting addicted, because it's a rare kind of person who can pull that off for long.

[@LoveIXTC]

@@mistermaumau as long as it wont happen on a regular basis it does work for a lot of people. Knowledge is needed though aswell as containment and respect.

[@lonelylongdistancekiller9844]

@@mistermaumau I agree. I been a heroin addict for years and been functioning and not functioning. As of now I'm functioning but sooner or later I'll get to that point of fucking up and go back into detox. I can't kick it.

[@frankwaldeck2359]

As a recovering addict for the last 10+years I must say this is a revolutionary way of thinking. I’m all for it. There are positive and negative things to say about this but this would take a large strain off the courts and jail system. Not to mention that it would put a larger dent in organized crime than “the war on drugs”. This should be more than just considered. Open your eyes people and great job sir.

[@chucktaylor9164]

I love this guy. My father was addicted to heroin for a long time and recently got some that was cut with fentonal and he died from it I'm lost without him😭

[@jjjjjjjjjjjjj13]

Can someone please interview this man without all the judgemental faces and terrible questions. He is really on to something and no one really takes him seriously and it's a shame.

[@TheMouseofdanger]

Google him and your wish will be granted

[@bradmikkelsen8960]

There is a great podcast with him on Spotify with crystal kyle and friends

[@amybigbruda]

He did a Joe Rogan podcast check it out

[@nimhu]

Projecting a little there.

[@MikeMM580]

He's been on Joe Rogans podcast 3 times first back in 2014 . Those are all great conversations. Definitely check them out.

[@auspicioustoot]

The level of discipline to do heroin recreationally and not get addicted is very sus.

[@mgray999]

It's depending how you do it. Snorting kr oral is less addictive than IV.

[@auspicioustoot]

@@mgray999 The come down though is so bad what would be the reward? I think he has good point and purpose here but I also think he's trying to justify a heroin addiction at the same time.

[@mgray999]

@@auspicioustoot H comedown? Not really

[@auspicioustoot]

@@mgray999 You're ignorant not disrespect but I've literally snorted H when I was 17 and the comedown is among the worst. If you have to like to prove your point the your point is not valid.

[@mgray999]

@@auspicioustoot your anecdote isn't an argument.

[@josephhertzberg2734]

I've, up until the past several years, used any drug I liked, recreationally. I'm just not an addict, never had a problem and had damn good times.

[@alexandercrush]

So if everyone does drugs in the US. And let’s say only 30% become extreme addicts. That would mean you’d have almost 100 million extreme addicts who lose their jobs and become homeless and possibly get involved in crime.,

[@josephhertzberg2734]

@@alexandercrush not everyone would, and frankly anyone who wants to can, and usually does.

[@Aimeekate559]

I love that title . It's so absurd the way we are treated as grown adults by governments and society

[@shirleystrom3262]

FINALLY, a man with a real human heart. Humanity above money. He deserves a PULITZER.

[@daddydiesel7177]

Drugs are worse than money change my mind

[@mamabear3217]

I get his perspective

[@tatianar7682]

It’s very interesting. I think there are so many different things we could fix the drug problem . Obviously what we are doing isn’t working, so why not try his way ?

[@JD-jz5rr]

Nobody had any choice as to whether or not to come into this cruel world, therefore we ALL should have the absolute and indisputable right to euthanasia drug if we want to leave. To withhold the means to leave in the most clean, fast, painless and safest way possible is hands-down the biggest egregious violation of personal liberty and bodily autonomy. ~ ~ It’s even worse than criminalizing @bortion imo

[@tatianar7682]

@@JD-jz5rr they gave that for people with life terminating illness and that’s how it should remain.

[@robertc6293]

I was expecting another joke of a video by Vice like the ones where they sympothize with Antifa (who cause just as much terrorism than Proud Boys), but this one made a lot of sense// he made very valid points, especially comparing it to alcohol 🍷 🍺 🍸

[@DTA-me3kv]

@@JD-jz5rr my woman says this isn't about drugs they're killing yourself with your drugs it's about having recreational use to go f****** write your letter somewhere else

[@Tawny-nk6fp]

Ooooof this aged about as well as a carton of milk left in the sun on a hot Arizona day.

[@gramoukdoom]

I read high price a few years ago, such a compelling book. Really glad to see Dr. Hart getting some traction on this kind of media. The man knows his subject, he has a message for us. This is what intelligence and holistic thinking looks like.

[@alexandercrush]

He could have just started exercising to feel better and it would have actually made him healthier. If you are not aware long term workouts feel good.

[@jesteravrgjoe2888]

The problem with his logic is that most people aren’t grown up. Look around you. How many people do you know that really have their isht together?

[@boilingsnowwater2121]

that's mostly by design.

[@arxvphoto809]

Having your life “together” is a relative term. One used by a popular podcaster you probably listen to too much. People have different definitions for adulthood, but we should all have the same definition for our rights and freedom. Use your body how you see fit. Let people consume what they want and educate them on the benefits/risks of their brand choices.

[@Gorrgrim]

So instead lock them up, squeeze money out of them, and then send them out with greater chance to fail? Sounds like a great alternative!

[@jackbrightside]

this heroine user is more libertarian that Dan Crenshaw

[@Hashartnft]

Heroin* Heroine would be a female hero characterized by noble qualities. Grammar nazi out 🎤

[@dawsonclark3861]

That doesn't take much lol

[@punkgrl325]

Conservatives are only libertarian on things they morally agree with, especially if it’s according to the Bible. Everything else, they will pass bills and cut funding to deny others’ rights to practice them.

[@ToddMcKean31]

interview is extremely mismatched, she should be perhaps interviewing cupcake chefs.

[@jamesfullwood7788]

Couldn't agree more!

[@mrjuliusmars]

lol

[@ToxicMothBoi]

As someone who is successfully curing his own mental illnesses, this man is a legend. I usualy do psychedelics and meditate to find my inner self and stop projecting stuff that isnt there in he first place. I have gotten more mentaly stable over the past year and its going great!

[@christianterrill3503]

It's a start to decriminalize all drugs, but we need full legalization and regulation of all drugs.

[@xlunxcyx8172]

Your a user obviously blinded by the addiction or your just insane.

[@steez4778]

@@xlunxcyx8172 *you're

[@circadianvenus7119]

@@steez4778 lmao 😂 thank you! I just deleted my comment and I’m going to stay out of this.

[@xlunxcyx8172]

@@steez4778 i wanna hear your ignorant opinion

[@circadianvenus7119]

@@xlunxcyx8172 all they did was correct YOUR grammar and YOU’RE assuming they are ignorant.

[@connerskates]

Good on you for having a grown up conversation about this. The breakfast club interview was infuriating because they wouldnt set aside their pre conceived notions and have a real conversation with him.

[@brooklynzoo7189]

They sounded like a bunch of idiots trying to make this doctor look and sound crazy like they both needed to several seats at that point

[@sabirzain5053]

It's the breakfast club what were you expecting?

[@AmaniLindsey]

Thank you for speaking the truth!

[@ronkledonkanusmoncher564]

Well Charlemagne is just about one of the stupidest fuckin people on the planet and he’s been the donkey of the day for a couple decades.

[@gmartines8511]

but I mean this is y drugs like crack and heroin are illegal, those are the drugs that cause addiction and ppl would want more, this dude is dumb

[@OfficialTonyTK]

Sounds good buddy. But there’s a tiny problem though: heroin is ACTUALLY addictive, not in a behavioral way but like physically addictive, so good luck getting that bill passed.

[@whitestguyuknow]

Yes but you could have strict dosages given out. And alcohol will literally kill you if you just stop after becoming addicted. You need to go seek treatment. So it's not like this is something completely different

[@OfficialTonyTK]

@@whitestguyuknow the thing about heroin is when you develop a dependency on the substance, ur body will start demanding more heroin. Most people are introduced to heroin by smoking or snorting it, then their tolerance level goes up, and next thing you know they start using needles, not only because the drug gets more expensive but shooting up will be more intense. Plus there’s no such thing as the right dosage when it comes to heroin, because different people require different amounts to feel high. I live in Vietnam, our country never experienced a crack epidemic, but heroin killed half of the older guys from my community at 1 point. So if there’s any drug that needs to be criminalized, trust me it’s heroin.

[@Rika914]

This is true. Very smart guys like Dr Hart know how to dose low and use infrequently enough not to cause serious dependence, and also the willpower to stop if minor dependence develops. The average person is not that careful. If you were to apply strict dosages as Troy mentioned, that's something, but it's not the freedom that Dr Hart was advocating for and would not destroy the black market.

[@chilogutierrez9201]

Judging by the way he speaks he isn't 100 percent un affected. He have many oddities in his speech.

[@stevencigar9897]

@@chilogutierrez9201 So do you

[@taco5467]

I agree 💯 but living in California will change your mind about drug use, addiction and mental Health issues. It’s just a cycle that never ends

[@andreashabeck1155]

Drugs ruin lives. But putting someone in jail for the small amount they have on them for personal use, because they are sick does not help anyone, it will just ruin their their and their familys lifes even more.

[@T1Oracle]

Drugs ruin lives but prison ruins more lives.

[@theonesecond8762]

Drug abuse ruins lives, this guy understands this, using drugs for pleasure is a different thing. Respect to this guy.

[@Vortex__24]

@@T1Oracle facts

[@brucewayne3608]

@@theonesecond8762 People who use drugs for pleasure end up being a drug abuser

[@kickballfever]

@@brucewayne3608 Not always. Some people are more predisposed to addiction than others, it also depends on what drugs you're using and how frequently.

[@Anne_Onymous]

I used heroin "responsibly" for a few years. Now here I sit, 5 years later.... An IV addict thats trying (and failing) to get clean. I see what he's saying, but anyone that's been around drugs long enough can tell you that most hard drug users end up addicted. It's sad, but true. That's just what it does to your brain. It takes over eventually and no one's immune. But at least I'm still alive (unlike many I know).

[@utsavmishra619]

What is IV addict?

[@sefmohamed5242]

Utsav Mishra addicted to shootin up in the veins (needles)

[@utsavmishra619]

@@sefmohamed5242Hey what exactly happen when they take drugs. What make them take it more?

[@TheSarahbee23]

That comes from having a predisposition to addiction, not from heroin. You would have likely become addicted to something else were it not heroin

[@bensherwood777]

Totally agree. This guy hasn’t got a clue of what he’s talking about. Controlled use of heroin sounds like a paradox to me. Heroin should not be tried ever. Period. Don’t open that door

[@1stflicksms]

Besides I wouldn’t want to blow my high like that😂🤷🏻‍♂️ Those words are GOLDEN

[@danielbarrios1653]

This dude has lost his mind, I was an addict and it just don't work like that,

[@krisscanlon4051]

Exactly I'm speechless at this dangerous carefree attitude towards usage. Might as well let them use it and regulate it! What??? This dr trying to class up an addiction is like all the other legal vices in time it will be perverted and laws broken. IE you have an OUD person legally high get in there car and nod off and OMG they just caused a vehicular homicide! I work in a dosing clinic and there is MAT harm reduction ...is this working either? Isn't this the same

[@whonotyou.1984]

We dont just need to decrimialize drugs but we also have to regulate them.

[@daddydiesel7177]

This is so stupid there’s gonna be a drug crisis

[@jordanlightsynakowski7176]

There already is one!!! The war on drugs did nothing but create a black market

[@whitestguyuknow]

People are murdering, torturing, intimidating, abusing others all because we have a black market. Do you think drugs will EVER disappear? Will iron, the metal, or steel disappear? It's part of our reality. You can't fight a war on molecules. There will always be a black market as long as they're illegal cause they'll always be here forever. Just freaking regulate them, put limits on amounts, create extra hurdles to go through, have it purely made in pharmaceutical lab so there's not cartel workers spiking everything with fent or literal rat poison and killing people for extra money. America has a higher percentage of prisoners than any other country because of the "war on drugs". You've got private prisons thriving over it. People eating breakfast in mansions because poor people who chose to use a drug and got caught spend decades in their prisons and can only buy everything food/minutes through them. There's _less_ cons with legalization and regulation. There's far too many with criminalization

[@MattWhalen87]

We should get a free ounce of ‘shrooms and an edible with our tax refund.

[@walkwithelijah347]

Say that again🗣

[@jasonkaiser4563]

I like his point of view, it’s true in some sense people are going to continue to use why dosent the government regulate and capitalize on this like they did alcohol or marijuana

[@problematic_canik]

I remember when this man told some reporter he was on the committee. Priceless.

[@chrisa8007]

Yes, and that reporter was Bill O’Reilly.. and only one of the two are still around. I’m glad it’s this man!

[@TheEd1225]

@@chrisa8007 YES 🙌🏽

[@chrisa8007]

@@TheEd1225 💯

[@Axios10]

Life liberty and pursuit Happniess .. as long as you aren’t harming anyone , I support you sir!!

[@joejohnson5051]

So things are actually much worse here in Oregon now and maybe we shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that a man out in the snow without a jacket is a genius or trustworthy. This video has made us all dumber and may god have mercy on us all

[@Taylor-xo8nv]

Makes sense to me. I know I plan when I’m gonna have a trippy weekend

[@LucasHorowitz]

All the people in the comments calling the guy with a PHD a “druggie” lmaooo

[@emperorfloch]

Right? Mans just likes to get high and feel good sometimes 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@brizuhk5043]

You can have a PHD and still be a druggie lmfaooo, there was a doctor like last month that was high on drugs and destroyed like 10k corona vaccines lol...

[@JD-jz5rr]

*Every citizen of every country should be given a dosage of Pentobarbital or similar drug needed to sleep in and never wake up again, somewhere stored safely.* It would save people all sorts of trauma over not having being able to afford petrol, housing, food, or even clean drinking water. It would decrease unemployment, poverty, homelessness, slums, malnutrition, crime, ect. & Reduce the burden on homeless shelters, food banks, public hospitals, ect. ~ Liquid Pentobarbital is commonly used by owners to euthanize pets. When given to humans, the drug can give them a painless death in under one hour. In the Netherlands, it is part of the standard protocol for physician-assisted suicide for self-administration by the patient. ~ Pentobarbital is also used by mouth for physician-assisted death in Switzerland ~ Having the assurance of a relatively clean, fast, painless way out any time that I want, would put me more on ease by a lot. I want the freedom to have that 'way out'.

[@JD-jz5rr]

Nobody had any choice as to whether or not to come into this cruel world, therefore we ALL should have the absolute and indisputable right to euthanasia drug if we want to leave. To withhold the means to leave in the most clean, fast, painless and safest way possible is hands-down the biggest egregious violation of personal liberty and bodily autonomy. ~ ~ It’s even worse than criminalizing @bortion imo

[@Sergei_kv82]

I have seen the heroin, meth, and crack ruin families and cause only problems. I cant support it being normalised. If you must get high, eat an edible but don't be irresponsible.

[@Vortex__24]

Taji's next episode will be trying the 1 star rated Cocaine dispensary in Oregon.

[@billyreinhardt2040]

No way is that a real thing?

[@trayyoutube]

Underrated comment 😭

[@dstaff7373]

I enjoyed Hearing visions and seeing Sounds a few times.

[@crystalkay1988]

I've been following him and Gabor for years now. Just such brilliant minds that challenge the harmful societal views on drug abuse. When I really stopped going the traditional route of "curing" my addiction, when I started looking deeper inside myself and my emotional pain, only then was I able to stop using drugs as an escape for that pain.

[@Joel.Lehtinen]

After u just do night time highs, it eventually leads to every sec of the day thinking doing and acting different just to get that high, I'm a five year sober from injections 💉 and I can finally say life is alot better without Drugs

[@MrLeifbob]

And the difference could be that he snorts it, doesnt inject, injections cause a flurry of negative side problems (damaged veins, infections, tracks...) But good on ya man,5 years, keep going ! 💪

[@ViceZone]

That's you, not all people have that addictive tendency like you.

[@pegelatrin]

Some people can handle drugs, but far too many can't. Drugs, just like gambling and other industries, prey on vulnerable people as a false solution to managing their problems in order to get their money and ruin their lives in the process. People need to manage their problems without drugs, having them more available will not do that, having a more compassionate society would help.

[@arsiejackson2958]

There is nothing compassionate about locking people up for drug use...which is the only outcome when trying to stop drug use. Also, drugs are used successfully in many situations you cretin. Grow up and stop repeating bromides

[@mrlee9213]

I thought the thumbnail was the equaliser 😂🤣

[@octaviomora9810]

This the dude that “occasionally” does heroin

[@PrinceOfTheCity1]

Lol

[@onenone3209]

And it's none of your business that's what the professor is teaching everyone.

[@onenone3209]

@Michael Simpson 🙏✊

[@keirfarnum6811]

Many studies over many decades have found that 0.6% of the population has the genetic susceptibility to opiate addiction. Most people don’t experience the psychoactive effects as intensely as that small proportion of the population; which is why those people become addicted. The best estimate for the number of opiate addicts in the US is slightly over 2 million; which equates to about 0.6% of 327 million. I used to know a woman who used heroin once per month when she was younger and she stopped voluntarily many years ago. Considering how widely opiates have been prescribed for people in pain, if opiates had the capability to make “anyone” an addict, we would have far more than 2 million people experiencing opiate addiction in the US. It’s only really dangerous for that small proportion of the population. Yes, people can potentially overdose if they take too much, but that’s no different than many drugs; including many over the counter drugs.

[@MsBhappy]

Almost like addiction is actually a combination of neurological predisposition and psychological trauma seeking to be numbed and self medicated...

[@boxertest]

Everyone is free to do as they like but I'll keep myself and my family away from drugs.

[@daddydiesel7177]

Smart man/woman

[@boxertest]

@@daddydiesel7177 man

[@Ryan88881]

That really has nothing to do with the legalization. You should probably also be more specific in what you mean when you say"drugs" being that it's such a vague term to begin with.

[@blazethealaskanmalamute4633]

Yes addiction is a problem! No it is not always drugs! There are many forms of addiction & it is usually an inherited trait. Know yourself, love yourself, keep yourself & others safe & everything else do in moderation! Life is fun!

[@changofaceanimations5402]

This guy also wants no restrictions on guns.

[@seekingbeyondlimits1138]

Dr. Hart is great neuroscientist. Although, I do not like the interviewer, she was trying to be demeaning. This is an interview for someone more open minded!!

[@kickballfever]

They should have had Hamilton interview him.

[@ceasarsfex4840]

@@mainkilla so true

[@kickballfever]

@@mainkilla I agree that the only reason they're interviewing him is because of his drug use. I also think they're only interviewing him now because he was in the news recently talking about his drug use. Vice is late with this story.

[@kickballfever]

@@mainkilla There are positive depictions of black men out there but it's not making the headlines, you have to search for it. I work for an Ivy League university, doing research, and my boss is a black male scientist who does amazing work. He's even done work for NASA. He's been reported on several times but you'd never know. It's not made very public, it's not front page news, the only way to come across the articles is to search him by name. I may be biased but I think my boss is way more worthy of airtime than an Ivy League professor who openly does heroin and only talks about drugs.

[@Moonchild1607]

I do a study on the effects of cannabis everyday! :'D

[@Preacher_.]

Just doing some research over here. 😁

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

It's only a study if you write the results down. ¬_¬

[@justinkase5260]

Don't mind me just researching the effects of drugs over here... Any volunteers?

[@leeroyjenkins5644]

How are the studies coming? :P

[@Moonchild1607]

@@leeroyjenkins5644 they come and go like studies tend to do!

[@media_gts]

I swear I thought the thumbnail was Denzel Washington w dreads 🥴😂😂

[@andrewfroese1067]

This guy’s speaking his truth about a pretty controversial topic. I have huge respect for that kind of vulnerability.

[@prathification]

Idk bout y’all, but I’m good with weed.

[@armyncveteranvital0611]

Yet it is federally it’s not legal.

[@mariann.5669]

The interviewer is extremely annoying in the way she „naivly“ questions him and the title of the video is kinda disrespectful to the honest and very clear answers this man who wants to „legalize“ drugs gave her.

[@vShiinz]

That title change was A class marketing.

[@lambdalambdalambda257]

I live in New Jersey and ever since Covid they won't arrest drug users and will release drug dealers immediately after processing them and giving them a court date.

[@JakobFlyingJ]

Very interesting. I like how he said it would be regulated so the wrong people wouldn't get it.

[@damianvillaescusa1988]

I think it’ll be the same as gun control even tho guns are regulated they are still gonna get into the wrong people or the drugs can be mixed with something else other than the regulated drugs then it becomes a problem when you have cocaine being mixed with gasoline, it’s disgusting

[@thisismyname1701]

@@damianvillaescusa1988 but thats just it. No one wants to go to a drug dealer. Only a fool thinks they are really your friend. Just like with pot id go to a store everytime even if i could save a little im going to the store.

[@thisismyname1701]

@@damianvillaescusa1988 maybe just decrimimalize it and then youll only be catching dealers instead of users and addicts

[@MRLONG758]

@@thisismyname1701 but then you'd still have the problem of tainted drugs being sold to drug users. Where as if you legalize it you will have professional chemists who know what they're doing making the drugs. Same way you have Amazon botanists making the best legal weed today.

[@Lukeevanshen]

Most of the problems that accompany drugs are the result of them being illegal... not all, but most.. if we did legalize drugs, I think it would improve the statistics..

[@stanley19430]

Well, heroine is actually legal medically. With it being legally prescribed and regulated, we see a huge increase in addiction. He is right, you only get addicted if it is tied to emotions. But we all have negative emotions, I mean who doesn’t have issues in life. Once you are addicted, it is nearly impossible to kick the drug long term.

[@Lukeevanshen]

@@stanley19430 Well, I have very little patience for either him or you if you can't show me hard evidence... citing stats like this without specific reference to case studies or anything other than an ambiguous claim that "oh, they did a study" or "it was found that" is not a legitimate way to argue... especially today when we have greater ability to collect evidence in video and whatnot.... I want to see a case study with video recordings of everything...

[@stanley19430]

@@Lukeevanshen just search, “Lapse and relapse following inpatient treatment of opiate dependence”. The study follows opioid addicts looking at long term recovery after treatment. 91% has a relapse. 66% relapse the first year. When a drug alters your brain chemistry so dramatically like opioid and cocaine, it is extremely difficult to stop. You can also search for case studies where addicts will neglect their kids, even commit murder to get the next hit. History also shows the impact of opioids can do to a country like China during opioid war. Studies are literally everywhere. Cases are so abundant.

[@stanley19430]

@@Lukeevanshen if you are really curious, you can literally get books in library. Some anthropologists follow bunch of kids smoking glue, heroine, cocaine in places like Mexico. The long term impact of permanent retardation due to drugs destroying half of their brain cells. Or medical cases where baby were born hooked on hard drugs. And how that would impact rest of their lives.

[@stanley19430]

@@Lukeevanshen for a specific book, something like “The Pastoral Clinic: Addiction and Dispossession along the Rio Grande?” written by Angela Garcia. She tracks chronic heroine addicts in New Mexico in the United States. For actual infant addiction, neonatal abstinence syndrome is the medical term. You can go as far as looking at infant defect images. Or even volunteer in hospital observing the pain of infants going through withdrawals to even death.

[@johannlindstrom5948]

Why does she look so confused after every answer?

[@Susie4Jesus]

How do you explain people who abandoned their kids for drugs, are NOT responsible parents, stealing from people just to buy drugs, drugs are addictive... You see the negative effects of drugs everywhere, homelessness, committing crimes etc....ugh this world has gone crazy . For real.

[@Asshat237]

Come on Vice. Get an interviewer who knows something about the subject she is supposed to be conducting an interview about. This is terrible

[@peegirl6952]

RIGHT, they always have trash interviewers that always show a bias, I mean just look at her shocked face the whole time. I wanna see a professional 👏

[@oOoteethoOo]

Seriously.. just perpetuating more of the stigma surrounded by it

[@Asshat237]

Any and i mean any current or former hard drug addict would do a far better job.

[@daviroza4700]

How can I work for vice and can I carry my brothers as a emotional support

[@abubakralbaghdadi6649]

If your talking about the mujahid i support you

[@zainmudassir2964]

But u r dead

[@HoussamNekkaa]

@@zainmudassir2964 dude he posted the comment like an hour ago

[@insidegrowsite420joeblogs4]

@@abubakralbaghdadi6649 hows the after life doing?

[@maverick6775]

YOOO its Bin Laden!

[@untitled.death_]

its so easy to stand on the outside & say “drugs are bad keep them illegal” until you get into it yourself , as long as you’re responsible it should be legal.

[@empiricalandinquirical2435]

Mmm. Nope, that is fundamentally incorrect. The very neurochemical definition of “mind-altering” means that it is irresponsible for people to prescribe for themselves such substances. Rich people demonstrate that this hedonistic bull crap can ruin their lives just as much as poor people. I say this with authority, because I have dealt with addiction before. I know exactly what it’s like. So let me be absolutely clear: Doing drugs is a stupid decision! None of it’s supposed “benefits” actually come from the drugs themselves! The only substances we should ever allow to be administered are the ones which we are prescribed by medical professionals. Life’s problems are not always dealt with chemical solutions, because life’s problems are not always chemical in nature. Grief and pain are a part of life. We are made weak when we cut ourselves off from the opportunity to learn and grow from it.

[@sergioc.6431]

This brother is my hero. Drugs were fine before but once we started to synthesize it's all bad now.

[@sw7314]

Whats benefit to the politicians ?? Because that is most impotant thing

[@MsBhappy]

No campaign donations from big pharma but tax revenue from legalized, taxed and regulated drugs. It would take politicians who actually care about their constituents. Who don't advocate on behalf of the for profit incarceration system. Who don't have connections to law enforcement approving bloated salary increases.

[@christopherlee1695]

I respect what this man is saying but I never knew anybody that could responsibly use heroin and not destroy thier lives. It just doesn't work like that.

[@rawrberrys]

He. Is. That. Person.... We're you not paying attention?

[@theFRIed12th]

All I keep seeing play in my head as I watch this is the e.meth commercial from snl

[@bornwithoutconsentobviously]

I was like, omg it's that Walking Dead dude

[@averyweaver6715]

I mentioned this type of idea in a group counseling session for drug abuse, in like 2018..... They all gave me the stink eye.

[@plaidpanda]

Because that kind of mentality would threaten their income... silly you.

[@DTA-me3kv]

ultimately people are going to do what they're going to do anyway no matter what a law says they're doing it to themselves therefore it should be their choice

[@andrewcarrillo4814]

Ok but then tax dollars go to their hospital visit for ODing. Have every drug use sign a DNR and we’ll be good

[@seibtyee637]

@@andrewcarrillo4814 Making drugs legal would reduce the amount of people overdosing because they would know how much of a substance theyre actually taking plus all the law enforcement probably costs a lot more than hospital visits

[@ericrahman7932]

My gawd I thought it was Denzel Washington with dreadlocks.,

[@ricardobike123]

so we are talking "control" control this control that, then again is a problem for people to wear masks in public

[@EwYoureCringe]

I just bought his book, so excited to read it!