The following is a conversation with Carl Hart,

Department Chair and Professor Psychology at Columbia University.

He's the author of several books on the topic of drugs,

including his most recent called drug use for grownups,

that challenges us to, quote,

use empirical evidence to guide public policy

even if it makes us uncomfortable.

His research on drugs, including hard drugs,

like heroin and cocaine,

challenges much of what we think we know about drugs

and their role in society.

His main thesis is that drug addiction

has less to do with the drugs themselves

and more to do with co-occurring psychiatric disorders,

such as depression and schizophrenia

and socioeconomic factors,

such as unemployment, under-employment,

and resource deprivation within the community.

In addition, he believes that we should legalize all drugs

so that if people choose to use them,

they could do so responsibly and openly

and get help if needed in a controlled, safe environment.

...