Despite a century of evidence showing that drug prohibition is ineffective, this approach continues to dominate policy decisions. The latest target is flavored nicotine vapes. In the name of protecting children, Denver City Council is now considering a ban on flavored nicotine vapes. However, millions of adults rely on these products to reduce or quit their use of far more harmful combustible cigarettes. Furthermore, adolescent use of nicotine vapes has markedly declined in recent years. As a Denver resident, I recently submitted a letter to the City Council opposing their proposed ban.
Bryon Adinoff, MD is an addiction psychiatrist, neuroscientist, academician, and advocate. He was appointed Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine following his retirement as Distinguished Professor of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and as a psychiatrist for 30 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has published over 200 papers and book chapters on the neurobiology and treatment of addiction and is Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. In his semi-retired status, he has evolved from focusing on the consequences of substance use itself to the consequences of drug prohibition. His commitment to the goals of D4DPR arises from his desire to ensure that the devastating effects of the global drug war are replaced by a science-based, compassionate, and just system that protects both the individual and society.
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