Chapter 1: The Disconnect Between Public Health and Politics

In recent discussions, it has become increasingly clear that many individuals are ignoring public health recommendations. Could it be that America's drug policies are fueling a growing skepticism towards experts?

Earlier this month, the Department of Justice released a document admitting that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has intentionally violated internationally-recognized drug laws for decades. This revelation stemmed from a lawsuit initiated by a group of scientists. While this might be intriguing, it likely didn't catch most Americans off guard. The federal government's obstruction of cannabis research has been an open secret for nearly a century. Though this strategy may have sufficed in the past, it is evident that public sentiment has shifted dramatically. Today, a staggering 91% of Americans advocate for some level of marijuana legalization, indicating a significant departure from previous government narratives.

This widespread support implicitly acknowledges that leadership has misled citizens about cannabis for many years—a tension that is seldom addressed. In the pre-pandemic era, I might have argued that this topic wasn't worth delving into. However, Michelle Goldberg's recent op-ed in the New York Times has prompted me to reconsider. Goldberg posits that "the Trump administration's disdain for science has weakened America's response to the coronavirus." She notes that this trend is "nothing new," and suggests that Republican leaders bear the brunt of the responsibility.

While I concur with Goldberg regarding the shortcomings of the Trump administration, I challenge her assertion that Trump's disregard for expertise is the primary factor driving the skepticism toward science amid this crisis. Additionally, I dispute her implication that only Republicans have historically dismissed scientific consensus.

Contrary to some commentators' views, the politicization of public health issues is not merely a consequence of today’s heightened partisanship or rampant misinformation. In fact, it has persisted for quite some time, with both major political parties playing a role.

From my perspective, one of the most glaring instances of this "antipathy toward science" is evident in our nation’s protracted history of marijuana prohibition. Recent studies reveal that the origins of cannabis legislation are fraught with instances where the federal government has distorted data, disregarded credible research, concealed findings, and hindered medical professionals from exploring the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

This can be characterized as government-endorsed misinformation. Faced with the facts, elected officials have chosen to overlook them. When challenged by experts, leaders have opted to undermine their credibility. Despite this information becoming public, numerous politicians have doubled down on their existing stance. While I am not advocating for Americans to dismiss scientific evidence now, it is crucial to examine why so many have chosen to disregard this vital information.

The repercussions of marijuana prohibition were already apparent before the pandemic began. Unfortunately, the public's reaction to this health crisis (or rather, the lack of a response) has only highlighted another tragic fallout from our flawed cannabis policies.

After all, despite decades of government-sponsored propaganda, the American populace has come to recognize that using marijuana does not lead to madness, addiction, or a life of crime. The narrative may have unfolded differently had the public understood that these policies arose from misguided yet sincere scientific inquiry.

Instead, the growing momentum towards legalization has made Americans increasingly aware that the prohibition of marijuana was not aimed at safeguarding public health. Historians have illuminated that this policy was a calculated, politically-driven initiative designed to criminalize racial minorities and other groups deemed threats to the political establishment. As citizens now understand, the approach to cannabis was never about public health; it was a colossal, politically-motivated conspiracy. Even more troubling, our leaders were eager to discredit dissenting experts and replace them with individuals who supported their undemocratic objectives. Trillions of dollars wasted and countless lies perpetuated—all in the name of an unfounded, politically beneficial policy.

Is it any wonder that Americans have lost faith in experts?

I firmly believe that the anti-science sentiment contributing to the COVID-19 death toll is, at least in part, a fallout from this long-standing betrayal. This nearly century-long deception has undeniably eroded public trust in the health recommendations from elected officials. Moreover, leaders’ ongoing failure to confront these past misdeeds serves as a constant, painful reminder of their diminished credibility.

I am not asserting that American drug policy is solely responsible for the scientific skepticism revealed by the COVID-19 crisis. However, it has certainly exacerbated the "distrust of expertise" that Goldberg critiques. While I do not exonerate Trump, numerous politicians from both parties have played significant roles in perpetuating these harmful perspectives. Until they confront this legacy, acknowledge their failures, and initiate steps toward reparations, the consequences will remain dire.

Description: This video delves into the reasons why people often disregard advice and recommendations, exploring the psychological factors at play.

Description: This video discusses the role adults play in influencing young people's perspectives, highlighting how listening can either support or hinder their development.