On this "crossover" episode with Bob Murphy of the Bob Murphy show, Adam and Bob talk about the effects (societal and economic) of drugs and drug prohibition. Jeremy Kauffman is mentioned, but we promise it's only peripherally.
00:00 — Intro. Once again, a feud on Twitter(X) leads to great content!
00:49 — What is the libertarian case for drug legalization? Why is often misunderstood?
02:56 — Adam makes a startling admission. Also, does Austrian economics tell us what the effects of drug prohibition would be on consumer demand and product safety?
04:33 — Adam promotes an episode of Natural Order Podcast (linked below) where Oregon had a horrible result when they "decriminalized" possession of many drugs.
06:00 — Bob says many smart things about this issue. Also, Adam makes a case for why conservatives should support eliminating drug prohibition. Also, the reasons why prohibition makes things "worse" are laid out.
19:04 — More details of the Oregon "decriminalization" fiasco are discussed. Also, how do libertarians handle all these "half-measures" offered to us on various issues? The "experiment" seems to refute us, but does it?
24:13 — How should libertarians think about possible "half-measures" on the way towards liberty? Which ones are good? Which are bad? What's the difference?
31:03 — Adam makes an odd argument that ending government prohibitions on drugs (and, in fact, all government) would lead to a decrease in drug use. Also, does fiat money ruin everything?
37:10 — Bob tackles a misconception about why black markets lead to more crime. It's not that there's "too little" police protection, it's that there's too much.
40:32 — Adam asks Bob what he thinks the effects would be if a covenant community outlawed drugs within its borders?
45:33 — Outro. Also, Adam claims that he's completely solved the drug abuse and homelessness problem in Natural Order Podcast Episode 15.
Natural Order Podcast episode mentioned:
Mark Thornton article mentioned:
Miron/Zweibel paper mentioned:
Adam's other show: Natural Order Podcast
Bob Murphy Crossover! Prohibition, DRUGS, and Libertarian POLICY | Hn 60