Author Johann Hari. (Johann Hari)

Speaking with Truthdig Editor in Chief Robert Scheer on KCRW’s “Scheer Intelligence,” Hari speaks about the first unofficial drug czar, Harry Anslinger, and his role in criminalizing drugs in the 20th century. He also discusses research demonstrating that a lack of social connections can lead a person to “bond” with drugs, and the success Portgual and Switzerland have had in legalizing certain narcotics.

—Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly

Rock Solid Journalism

In 2026, amid chaos and the nonstop flurry of headlines, Truthdig remains independent, fact-based and focused on exposing what power tries to hide.

Support Independent Journalism.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG