Say Yes to "Saying Yes". Brain Waves: The field of neurotechnology, the focus of this blog, encompasses advances in brain science (neurons), information technology (bits) and bioengineering (genes). Up for discussion and analysis: the political, economic, ethical, and social forces that will shape the future of what will be one of the most important and fascinating stories of the coming decades.

About this author

Zack Lynch is author of The Neuro Revolution: How Brain Science Is Changing Our World (St. Martin's Press, July 2009).
He is the founder and executive director of the Neurotechnology Industry Organization (NIO) and co-founder of NeuroInsights. He serves on the advisory boards of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, the Center for Neuroeconomic Studies, Science Progress, and SocialText, a social software company. Please send newsworthy items or feedback - to Zack Lynch.
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May 13, 2003

Say Yes to "Saying Yes"

Posted by Zack Lynch

I was honored last night to sit next to Jacob Sullum at a release dinner for his new book: Saying Yes: In Defense of Drug Use. For almost a decade he has analyzed the social implications of America's drug laws and in this most recent salvo he uses real people to argue that drug use should be viewed the same way as drinking, with an emphasis on temperance rather than abstinence.

Dave Barry hilariously agrees, commenting, "Jacob Sullum has produced a thoughtful, sane, and logical analysis of our (American) drug laws. Is that even legal?"

The most insightful comment of the evening was when Sullum equated the need for drug education in schools with current sex education classes.

Paraphrasing---No one is promoting sex in these classes, but kids are free to discuss the consequences of sex allowing them to make more informed decisions for themselves. Currently, there is no place for kids to have a thoughtful discussion of drugs (real or imagined impacts), making informed decisions difficult.

As I have blogged several times here, I believe that legalizing currently illicit drugs isn't the best solution for humanity's future. Instead we must repeal the three U.N. conventions that make it illegal to research and develop non-addictive, recreational substances. Governments must make pleasure a viable market. Why should we promote 4000 year-old tools, when we can do so much better?

Comments (2) | Category: Neuropolicy

COMMENTS

1. Sigurfreyr on January 31, 2004 1:13 PM writes...

Sounds like an interesting subject. I just ordered my copy from amazon.com. Strange. I thought the idea of buying something from the web was to get quick service. I ordered the book from England to Denmark on the 26th of January. And will get it on the 7th or 14th of February. :-( Do you know if Jacob Sullum is British or American? Is he still promoting his book? If so, maybe he would consider coming to Iceland for a lecture? Something which is sure needed.

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2. Frankie the terrible on February 2, 2004 2:51 AM writes...

I agree with you, Iceland needs to be liberated from the ignorant majority. I am afraid that the ignorant are so arrogant of their igorance that it may be necessary to load them in cattle cars and force them to learn what is in Icelands best interests.

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