The Economist takes a long, hard look at drug legalization, declares it good

The Economist looks at drug legalization, finds it good

The Economist isn't new to the push for drug decriminalization, but in the short film below it takes a broad, hard-nosed, and sometimes lighthearted look at legalization in action. The narrative starts in Portugal, which decriminalized all drugs 14 years ago, breaking a taboo and setting in motion a growing domino line of falling drug laws. Portugal shifted resources from punishment to treating addiction, and drug deaths and addiction rates fell sharply.

The video is an interesting look at the war on drugs both abroad and in the U.S. Though Oregon legalized the production and possession of marijuana today, The Economist headed to Denver to drop some pot knowledge — and also visit a Colorado business that teaches newbies to roll both a joint and a sushi roll. No matter if you support or oppose drug legalization, the magazine makes an interesting case. You could do worse than watch the 15-minute video below. Peter Weber

The Week

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.