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Comic about the uncanny parallels between alcohol Prohibition and the ‘war on drugs’, including Milton Friedman’s views on drug laws. Buy a printed copy of this comic book.
For more information, read my blog post My Drug Period: lessons learnt from researching War on Drugs & Rat Park
I wrote about my personal experiences with drugs in my short essay Breaking the Silence on Responsible Drug Use.
A classic experiment into drug addiction science. Would rats choose to take drugs if given a stimulating environment and social company?
Here's the deal: I'm 27 years old, which means I have been alive on this planet for 10,000 days. During that time, I used alcohol on about 1,500 days. Additionally, I used caffeine (from tea) about 1,500 times. Also during that time, I used âmagicâ mushrooms 7 times, cannabis 4 times, MDMA 3 times, and LSD 1 time.
A classic behavioural psychology experiment. In the 1970s, researchers took eight strangers and shut them inside a dark room for an hour. What happened next?
Comments
Gary
"The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people," Ehrlichman told journalist Dan Baum in 1994. "You understand what I'm saying? We knew we couldn't make it illegal to be either against the war or blacks, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities." https://www.vox.com/2016/3/29/11325750/nixon-war-on-drugs adds that while Nixon's plan was racist, it also wasn't the vicious policy later administrations took it to mean.
Adam
All accurate stuff, there is a ton more nuance. I also second another comment that Anslinger was a horrible influence on literally the entire world, using leverage in the newly formed UN as the leader of the proto-DEA to influence other countries to follow draconian drug laws, even refusing foreign aid to countries that didn't comply. I highly, highly recommend the 2005 book "Pursuit of Oblivion: A Global History of Narcotics" by Richard Davenport Hines of the British royal historical society. It's an incredibly comprehensive history and cultural analysis of drug laws in particular and humanity's relationship with drugs. It's the most comprehensive and well cited work on the subject I've ever seen, and it really nails things into perspective to have hundreds of years of recorded history regarding drugs and prohibition right in front of you. The ripple effects and repeating history become glaringly obvious, as do the compound effects of ongoing prohibition and political mind games over time.
Frank
Considering the intended targets of this policy (hippies and blacks), when having heard Friedman's well laid out arguments Nixon must had a evil grin on his face. They knew what would happen. This is also around the same time that the NRA started to directly lobby for and against legislation.
Tom
Oh boy, becoming a regular patron is like getting high on herbs. Bet it is as addictive as drugs. What I mean to say is, I love your work and it really works on like drugs. I want more!
Wil
I would add that Harry Anslinger was as instrumental, if not more instrumental than Nixon in starting the War on Drugs. Otherwise, very good illustrations.
eklineklan.
as a jail chaplain I found your thoughts interesting
emilie
Attitudes, legislation and the knowledge of the public need to be changed. This amazing stuff is exactly what we need to see. The more we look into drugs and prohibition in society, the more urgent we become when we look for reform! Awesome job!
Mike Heffernan
Excellent.
Vivek Singh
I am in an english class based around comics at Miami University and we would love to have a conversation with you if possible. Your work is very profoound and there is a lot to learn. I believe there is a lot of growth to be made on our end and you can deliver it through your niche medium. Email me please.
Megan Arnold
Brilliant. You visualise my language.
Ray Maher
You are a legend and this work is brilliant. Thank you.I'm a researcher/designer working on creating an Online Sustainability Network to empower practitioners and engage the public. As it comes to fruition I'd love to include your work.
Adam
I wish this was in Swedish as well. Here it's ok to be a rapist and a murderer, but not smoke cannabis for example.
Amie Illfield
Fabulous, thanks Stuart! Good to met you last night. Looking forward to checking out the others in time :) Will share with friends.
Jimmy Page
Love everything you create. Presented in such a way that even the most conservative, closed-minded person, is forced to reevaluate their views on drugs and and the failed war that's been waged on our own citizens. Please keep doing what you're doing so well. Really enjoyed all the band references in Rat Park as well. Top notch.
Ruby
Great work! I love it! Will definitely buy PDFs from you! All best :-)
Jim Otterson
Just found your site and read 'War on Drugs' and am reading 'Peak Oil.' I am a more than casual student of peak oil and energy use in modern times. One question about Peak Oil: Have you read any works by Daniel Yergin? I have read your bibliography used to prepare the Peak Oil comic and did not see any mention of Yergin's works, but was please to see that you have read both of Richard Heinberg's books. I'm a staunch advocate of public transportation and active transport options (cycling and walking). As you currently live in Canberra, I believe you have some good cycling options available to you.
The making of Peak Oil comic #3: snags and delays
[…] By comparison, it is 3x longer than Rat Park, and 4x longer than War on Drugs. […]
Don Barnard
1991 Interview with Milton Friedman on the Drug War http://www.ukcia.org/research/argue/milton.htm
Aquele sobre a regulamentação de drogas recreativas. | Werhipster
[…] no ponto de ter essa pergunta respondida, acho melhor termos um panorama histĂłrico  da “Guerra as Drogas” e uma outra guerra que veio antes […]
Spyz
Excellant points!, all of which have been know for decades which brings me to ask yet again......why do they insist on this war? Surely the revenue raise from legal drugs should cause their ravenous mouths to water......racism is at the root but with terrorism on the frontlines, i think its about time they refocus their priorities and end this madness. Love you cartoon!
Comics Journalism Index | Lukas Plank
[…] McMillen. Stuart:Â War on Drugs […]
Stuart McMillen | Comicsjournalism
[…] War on Drugs […]
Online Comics - War On Drugs - Just A Platform
[…] Read the rest of the War On Drugs comic by Stuart McMillen. […]
Steven Bailey
What an excellent and creative way to engage in one of our generation's greatest challenges. Good on you.
anon
Criminalizing something is mostly a disincentive. Plus, criminal people are scary, nobody wants to have to deal with them if absolutely necessary. The people who go to them are already junkies, they're in too deep. Cuz i don't do drugs and i wouldn't go outta my way to get my hands on some. But if they were legal and put on the market, i could get curious and want to try, idk. If they sell it in, let's say, the supermarket on the corner :P, i'd think it can't be something too bad or unhealthy. 'v' So, the crime rate decreases but a lot more new people would meet drugs. This comic seems to support this idea, that people actually should try them. But i thought once you try it, there's no going back? Like, you get immediately hooked and can't stop? It's way too risky, it can actually kill you. Alcohol can kill you too but drugs seem more likely.
Samaritan
All true. And @Chris, it's not true that drugs don't give positive and fun experiences, they do. What you said shows that you have almost no knowledge of how drugs work. Most of them don't give you halucinations at all. On another note, all the "happy time" is generated by your brain, even the happy time you get by playing board games with friends, and yeah one can get addicted even to board games if he likes them too much.
Chris
I agree very much with this besides one point. You mentioned about drugs giving positive and fun experiences. This is a lie. What you are feeling are hallucinations stimulated by your brain. It gives you the temporary feeling of happiness and that nothing else matters. However, when it's over, you want to feel it again. This is how an addiction starts. The "happy time" that you feel is fake, created by your mind.
Guerra contra la droga (CĂłmic) [EN]
[…] Guerra contra la droga (CĂłmic) [EN] […]
Terri Terbilcox
Nailed it........govt. has no place in this. The human race will keep on keep'in on, just as it has done for thousands of years. It's called survival of the fittest, and culling the herd. Wonderful illustrations!! Keep 'em coming. We need more folks like you!!
Caroline
I like how you presented the issue. The illustration work is outstanding. I especially like the detail on the typewriter.
Kavih
The fundamental problem here, is not the war on drugs, nor was it the war on alcohol, nor is it the war on terror, etc. The deepest, most problematic issue of which all of the above (and many more) derive from, is the trust in government to regulate human actions and interactions. Once we stop depending on the government and instead, let society be free to make mistakes, watch what can happen. Excellent comic, by the way.
Prohibition Vs Regulation | Here be thoughts
[…] some fascinating and thought-provoking comics on socially relevant topics. One of these is ‘The War on drugs’ (Please read this comic before continuing, or at the least, glance through […]
julian
loved this
Gust Sievert
Well put into discussion!
Ravi Sidhu
Indeed we need maturity. Thank you for providing such a brilliant contrast.
Nikita Tissera
Amazing clarity of thought... A solid argument that pulls no punches. Bravo!
Tom Busby
Nice comic, you should accept bitcoin for the tip. I can help you integrate it if you'd like.
Ariel
While undoubtedly true - one can't simply gloss over the fact that harder drug addiction does have a physical component, which is harmful no matter how legal the drug.
Jim
Really nicely presented comic, great use of the medium!The intelligent debate can only be had in a rational and educated " clear thinking " context. The similarities you draw are very true, and we can look at societies where recreational drug use is legal. But i think you will find those same countries have better education generally, which contributes massively to the sensible use of recreational substances, including alcohol.The worst stories surrounding drugs and alcohol use seem to be from more " unequal " societies.So i would like to go one step further and submit that it is not even "prohibition" that is the root, but in fact the socioeconomic condition of millions of peoples lives. That is the wider issue, not everyone who smokes weed becomes and addict, but i reckon if they have a lower socioeconomic position the chances are higher. Not exclusive.The environment you are raised in plays a massive role in addictive behavior and how value systems are formed, so improving social equality and raising education levels with contribute a great deal more then making laws or prohibitions OR even lifting those prohibitions,...that alone is just not enough.I'd like to also comment that the grape and the grain, wine and beer, were created to enliven company and go together with food. They make people more interesting.Where as drugs make people less interesting to be around, so drug culture, even at the recreation level doesn't really contribute anything to society, so again i think its a social value problem, why are people choosing to sit in a room and smoke bongs, rather then go out to dinner or lunch and have a few drinks?? The difference is one event can be enjoyed openly be many and is a natural element of our social cohesion.So to conclude, i agree with the criticism of the war on drugs, but i also think legalizing drugs themselves would do cause a lot of trouble initially too, as a poorly educated population has a new legal high to play with. etc. Simply, end the war on drugs, spend the budget for it on better education and safe outlets of "regulated" substances. Being careful not to promote the legal high and maintain a socially acceptable value towards being drunk, or having a legal high.
Luke Keen
If only we weren't so corrupt to our core, we could be an amazing species (Not all of us are bad, but a small percentage are, and they're in power)
Jack
Wonderful comic - very beautifully illustrated in clear, understandable, and well-researched terms, with an appropriate sense of fairness to both sides of the argument. Well done! :)
Brett Carawan
END THE WAR ON DRUGS!
Puneet
OH MY GOD, THAT IS SO TRUE AND WHAT A COMIC AWESOME MAN! AWESOME
Glenn Verhaeghe
Can't you translate it and send the author the translations so he can make the comic?
Glenn Verhaeghe
if you think about it, you could say the same regarding food and medication. Where does it come from? Where has it been made? Why is it necessary this way (maybe sometimes it is, but not on the grand scale we see today, or not for as long as it is taking now)? Even if a company prints their name on the package and it's got all the legal documents to bring it on a market, can we really trust it? Should we trust something within a package made by people/robots?I have a question about Friedman finding the use of these laws 'well-intentioned', and it is, are any man-made laws well-intentioned or made to prolong a man-made order (system) in existence? Because, what if that system is keeping the rich rich and the poor poor...?I don't even know if I'm asking them right or if I know enough, maybe someone out there could help...
Rafael Juliano
Omg, that work is from him too? That was amazing too.,
Iain Anderson
Great comic. Here's an animation I made in 2010 saying much the same thing.
Antony
excellently done, it is sad to think of all the money that has been wasted on this war. if drugs had been legal for the last 50 years the pharmacists in the industry would have made them super safe by now - 50 years is a long time to research ways to mitigate the negative side effects.
Dan Bigg
Fabulous summary Stuart! Sally, Legalization vs Criminalization is a faulty argument. How about Criminalization vs De-Criminalization? See Portugal's decades long effort to offer Help vs Cages... Wonderful, life affirming alternatives exist that need no new resources if we are ready to treat our fellow humans with dignity and respect! Such discussions for positive change, as Stuart says, are long overdue!
Andy
Loved this and Rat Park a lot. Bought multiple copies so you could have $10.
Sally
Brilliant comic! And I agree with the major point you're trying to make.However, I would also like to point out that many legalized medical drugs, which are regulated by law in terms of both manufacturing and distribution, are also being abused. And there are drug addicts who SOLELY use prescription drugs. It may be less like to find prescription drug addicts on the street (for the reasons outlined in the comic), but these people are still much more likely to be dysfuntional and require help.I think that legalization of all drugs would definitely remove power from crime organizations. However, I do not think it would solve the problem of drug abuse.
My Drug Period - Stuart McMillen blog
[...] ‘drug period’, I refer to the 12 months I spent researching, writing and drawing War on Drugs and Rat Park. Prior to those comics, I had written comics mostly about ecology and the natural [...]
Johannes
but I dislike Milton Friedman as protagonist
Johannes
Thanks, real good stuff, I'll put a link somewhere in my network ( BTW I came to this comic because somebody distributed your work about 1984/BraveNewWorld which is excellent too)
tumblr backups
[...] (via War on Drugs prohibition comic – Stuart McMillen cartoons) [...]
Mac
While I agree, nothing infuriates me more is a stoner who think only weed should be legal because it's harmless, I think the author was trying to illustrate use is not abuse. A lot of anti-drug campaigns try to frame drug use as abuse.
Mr. Redniw
There are some nice ideas in there, but it gets a little sentimental at times.The comic begins to advocate drug use, instead of simply promoting the removal of prohibition, and doesn't appear to be sympathetic to the adverse effects that can be caused by drug usage.I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but really I'm not sure if pulling the "drugs are amazing and wonderful, kids!" thing is really going to benefit the cause.
Cheryl Cowan
As a social worker at the pointy end of drug use .. I hope that in my lifetime the knuckleheads in power will get it ... with much so evidence about the benefits of decriminalisation I am saddened by the ignorance of policy makers in Australia who refuse to even enter the conversation with a rational argument... thanks for the amazingly accurate portrayal... much love & respect
Ronald Gascon
Most excellent analysis of the War on Drugs. I will post a link on both Facebook and my "regular" web site http://webstation19.8k.com.Sadly I think most who read it will be those who already know the facts (the old problem of preaching to the choir)I also like the two dollar notion (see http://webstation19.8k.com/2dollar.htm)Peace freedom and ToleranceRon/jon
Diarmuid shaw
Good on you. you should do more.along the same lines.
Mark Heinrich
I am a full-time medical cannabis activist and patient advocate. I really enjoyed your work and have shared it several places. Respect!
Shehab
Mr. Sturart Sir,you opened my eyes in the most beautiful and subtle wayi left school for 4 years not fully understanding my drive toward the decision , when i read your comic the 2009 "Challenged" and it hit me the whole challenge trip and since then i am pacing toward what challenges me.beside the amazing music you introduced me too i can't stop listening to "Pink frost":)thank you again and cheers from Egypt Cairo and long live the internet.
Ricardo Avelar
Is there a way to translate this amazing comic into Spanish so Spanish-speakers can understand in such an easy and creative way the effects of the war on drugs?I would say it is very important for our countries to get the message for we're the most affected by this dumb war yet the least informed.Is there's a way to do it without infringing anyone's intellectual property rights, let me know and I'll find the time to do so.Thanks and kudos!
BrightestYoungThings – DC ? Rise & Shine: The Internet Told Me So…
[...] War on Drugs vs 1920s alcohol prohibition (28 page comic by the Huxley vs. Orwell cartoonist) [...]
The Vine feature: ‘A Guide To Cannabis Law In Australia’, December 2012 - Andrew McMillen - A freelance journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. This is his portfolio of published work.
[...] a succinct primer on the topic, my brother Stuart McMillen recently published a 40-page comic, ?War On Drugs?, which outlines why drug prohibition hasn?t [...]
Peter Ray
Alexander. Most "hard" drugs have only been made illegal since WW2. In any case, the pharmaceuticals (LSD, Ice, Meth, Speed, Ecstacy) didnt really exist before the War. So that destroys that argument. In countries that have traditionally banned alcohol, smoking Hashish is, or has until quite recently was, legal. Contrary to the myth, there are many high functioning people who use Heroin and Cocaine. Drugs and Alcohol have hardful side effects and sensible moderation is recommended. But Prohibition doesn't work on either alcohol or drugs.
Paxy
Alexander, your argument is flawed from the outset. Drugs such as marijuana, amphetamines and cocaine were all freely available in the US in the 20th century. The rest of your comments are for the most part equally absurd. How can you possibly argue that drug legalisation will result in an increase in crime? Generally speaking, significant crime relates to drugs' illegality (cartels, gang wars etc) and exhorbitant price (property crime, muggings etc). If both were gone, how does crime increase? You're not a legislator I hope?
Malinkirybak
Bout time.
teddy roos
brilliant very clear and comprehensive and disentangled from evaluation just the facts ma'am
Augusto Gasparetto
Nice comic!Arguments well played.
Marten
The answer is far from a definitive yes. In fact, one might argue it is a definite no. Alcohol is freely accessible and there are so much more people in the world who can handle alcohol responsibly than there are those who abuse it.Keeping something away from people either by law or any other means makes the stuff more exiting and desirable. Not to mention all the complications you get from forcing it into illegality. To remove the taboo is to remove a large part of the attraction. To make something 'mundain'.What will happen when you legalize drugs is the same as what happened with the removal of prohibition; it will lead to a decline in users and a decline in negative effects such as mis-use, crime and questionable quality and a rise in responsible use and moderation.Drugs are a doorway to a world of beauty, creativity and inner peace which of course needs to be regulated in some way by government, just as there are rules on how to drive a car, or ride a bicycle.But the main thing I take away from this comic, this discourse in general is that the way government has chosen to position themselves regarding drugs is exactly what is causing all the mess today. They're doing it exactly wrong and that is kind of hilarious if it wasn't so incredibly sad...
Alexander Hunt
The cartoons are brilliant, but I have to disagree with the comparison between Prohibition and Drug Legalization. The two are very different. Prohibition was introduced when alcohol was legal, whereas other drugs have been illegal for centuries. This is a very important distinction. Whereas during prohibition society at large thought alcohol was socially acceptable (as it had existed in American culture for such a long time), this is not the case with drugs. Most people today view drugs as socially transgressive, attributable both to cultural attitudes (associated with their deleterious effects) and their illegality. Bear in mind that drug illegality serves as a deterrent in itself:1) Drug illegality serves as a deterrent to society at large, as it signals to people that the government will not endorse drug use because of their harmful effects. 2) If you endorse and make drugs legal, they will become more socially acceptable. Individuals will not feel as much shame about taking them, so drug use will increase. 3) An increase in drug use will inevitably lead to higher rates of addiction, crime, unemployment, and poverty. As is the nature of highly addictive, mind altering substances that remove a person's abilities of judgement and self-control. 4) Illegality = drugs less widely available, less socially acceptable, with more pressure on addicts to seek treatment. Legality=drugs more widely available, more socially acceptable, less pressure on addicts to seek treatment. Drug Illegal= Expensive law enforcement, potential for corruption and mismanagement of treatment, but overall less drug use.Drugs Legal= Massively icreased drug use, disastrous socio-economic consequences, more lives ruined. Ultimately, the question of whether drugs should remain illegal can be answered with another simple question. Would people be more likely to take drugs if they were commercially available, and would this lead to increased rates of addiction? Unless you have godly faith in humans abilities of self-control and prudence, the answer is a definitive yes.
Greg
There are always going to be drugs and there will always be people who will use them. Having punishment and zero tolerance is unrealistic and in the long run irresponsible.As Blind Freddy can see, prohibition has only worsened the situation.Take away the hysteria and misinformation and educate the public about drugs and allow the individual to decide if they want to partake based on the factual pros and cons, just as people do now with alcohol.If you're going to take a drug and abuse it by taking it too much, too often and in in too strong a dose, it will bite you back, so don't blame the drug, be responsible and use it wisely.
wrapto
Fantastically well put. There needs to be more honestly about chemicals. There could have been so many lives saved if we'd only have been told the truth.
mike
I'll admit, i have mixed feelings about legalization of drugs, but i did enjoy the comic, and i do agree that instead of having a zero tolerance policy, it would be nice to see people approach the issue with a neutral attitude and an open mind. I think that a lot of the reasons we are so quick to lock someone up for using drugs is revenue. The state and private contractors make ungodly amounts of money off of the prison system. I have a friend in state prison, doing 2 years for drug charges and violating probation (caught smoking pot in her home) and was denied by the judge any sort of program or assistance to help her. Instead we're spending over $30,000 per year to lock her up, and when she gets out, like so many others, she will probably go back to smoking pot. As i said earlier, i'm not endorsing or condeming the drugs, but i thing that if our system was set up differently, people who did want to quit would be better able to do so. Locking up someone away from thier 7 year old daughter for a non-violent crime doesn't seem right. People who commit violent crimes, such as rape murder, etc can actually get less time than drug users. Anyways, my two cents. Oh and incidentally, i do drink from time to time, and i'll admit, there's a good chance i still would even if it was illegal. I hope we get more people that are willing to discuss this like rational adults, not holding to one extreme or the other. Thank you.
Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation » Australian Cartoonist tackles the War on Drugs
[...] Australian Cartoonist Stuart McMillen has produced a wonderful comic that highlights the similarities between our current policy of drug prohibition and alcohol prohibition in 1920′s America. Stuart has very generously made the entire work available online. [...]
Comic 28pages on the War on Drugs – prohibition back to the future « Julian Buchanan
[...] on www.stuartmcmillen.com Like this:LikeBe the first to like [...]
Rhyme
This should be read by absolutely everyone.
LW
great insight. I have a new perspective on drug laws now Stuart. Brilliant artwork throughout.
Why is Australian cartoonist Stuart McMillen inside a box?
[...] way to raise awareness of my Rat Park project.The latest with me and my crowdfunding campaign:My War on Drugs comic has had a great response, with over 56,000 readers in 3 weeks. Most readers found it to be a [...]
Why is Australian cartoonist Stuart McMillen inside a box?
[...] War on Drugs comic has had a great response, with over 56,000 readers in 3 weeks. Most readers found it to be a [...]
Third eye
Absolutely awesome. Well summed up, informative and easy to digest.
LittleJack
Great! Nice characters :-)Go on!
Toiim
This is great work! You explained this idea very effectively! I'm loving it!
Will the war on drugs ever end? « My Thought When…
[...] this wonderfully written comic, Stuart McMillen, succinctly explains why it is that some people [...]
ent
great work, keep it up!BTW agreeing with Milton Friedman is tough for me, but your comics helped me find a tiny bit of appreciation for the neo-liberal bastard lol
Upcoming projects, navel-gazing and cocooning « zebramazing
[...] you comic-savvy folks already know of Stuart McMillen’s existence. I recently discovered his comic strip about the War on Drugs. Not only is it a highly intelligent analysis of American drug policy, but the fact that it is not [...]
Entertaining comic on prohibitions effects on society « Contemplation
[...] http://www.stuartmcmillen.com/comics_en/war-on-drugs/ Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. [...]
Chilly Willy
Excellent. Did you mention the 2 + million people in prison, with the great majority in for trumped up "drug laws". I had a friend in jail and he said ,where he was, ...That 80% were black men on drug charges and the average age was 25(guess). This a huge crime and a deplorable way to run a country. PS I'm a gifted and creative Video Producer/Editor. Bill
D.J. Donahue
I'm an economist, and I am sharing this with my students.
Steven Wagner
Loved your comic. I would love to see this done for bitcoin. see howtobitcoin.info if you dont know what bitcoin is. Let me know if I can help.
Links (#119) « The Honest Courtesan
[...] An excellent analysis of the ?War On Drugs? in comic-strip form. [...]
David Davis
Good job exposing the truth about drugs. I like that you called it "Rat Park". That's my favorite science experiment.
Mark English
truly excellent work, well done
J.S. Peyton
Sam, it's true that some people use illegal drugs to escape their problems. What makes your argument a fairly weak one is that people do many other things to escape their problems as well. Alcohol is a popular example. It can be addictive and drunk people do stupid and dangerous things everyday that harm society. A few months ago, in fact, a drunk driver hit my 14 year old brother and broke both of his legs. Coffee (and caffeine in general) is addictive. So are cigarettes, sugar, and sleeping pills among many other legal things. Addiction to all of these things could have negative consequences that impose costs on society. There may be other ways to relax besides smoking cannabis, but the fact of the matter is that smoking cannabis a very pleasurable way to do so. And the studies regarding how dangerous cannabis is are largely inconclusive for various reasons. Finally, psychedelic drugs aren't always about attempting to escape reality. These drugs also offer a different way to perceive reality. Changing your perception of the world isn't necessarily always a bad thing. Sometimes it can be enlightening. Your concerns seem to stem largely from the dangers of addition in general. That's something that can be cured through group therapy sessions and the like (i.e. AA). Not through criminalization.
What'sYourName?
Drugs should be a medical issue and not a War. I see a day when there will no longer be two types of Canadians. Then and only then will we All be truly free and not just those YOU wish to be free. Legalize, Quality Control, Tax it. Stop the witch hunts, ex: making a fire in the apt. below mine, then the fireman whom tell the cops about a couple of plants in my Bedroom closer, then the detectives who go through ever part of my life. The only place they didn't check, yet, were the rings around Uranus.
Pax
Many countries like Portugal are already reaping the benefits of decriminalization. Drug use is a symptom of disenfranchised society. Drug laws are a symptom of heavy-handed authoritarianism.
A serious issue – the war on drugs!
[...] Click here – no embed available Comments comments Cancel [...]
Josh
You're enforcing your own negative stereotype - the very same stereotype that keeps drugs illegal. You realize that, right?
NQ_4_LYFE
yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa i want legal speed niggggaaaaaaaaaaaaweed and psychodelics are for lazy pussies
zac
Stuart, that comic was so honest, and eloquently written. and you make a good point which so many people have failed to recognise, which is separating the social effects of drug criminalization, from what the drugs actually do. It's time to stop this madness, our society enforcing rigid emotionally charged dogma on our natural inclination to experience altered states of consciousness, it's time to have a rational, honest discussion on how drug prohibition is negatively affecting our society, and making criminals out of people who choose to use them.
A recreational drug (ab)user
First, I want to say thank you for such a beautiful point. I have never lived during a time where drugs were legal. I've been around the block by now. I've dropped acid, rolled on X, the whole deal. Was it fun and mind opening? Sure was. Now I spend my days as a manager for a big retail cooperation and my nights smoking pot - oh, and I'm a published author. Im a fully fuctioning, successful, happy American man. I'm also a criminal. If I'm ever caught with WEED, a drug that i recreationally use in my own house, without hurting anyone, without causing problems, I'll lose everything I've ever worked for. I can kiss my future goodbye because the logging companies would rather destroy the world to make money than allow hemp to be used as a cost effective alternative to paper, rope, clothing, bedsheets.. There's not a day that goes by that I dont fear and hate the lies made into laws regarding drug control. You can overdose on alcohol. Anyone know the dosage limit on marijuana? There isn't one. Oh, what about acid? How many deaths do you think we're actually avoiding by deeming it illegal? You dont overdose on LSD. You dont jump off roofs thinking you can fly (that's called Darwinism). You sit on your butt in a warm living room with friends and laugh your ass off at nothing. The next day, you go back to work.Thank you for this incredible comic. Everyone, you owe yourselves a favor. Smoke a joint. Roll on X. Drop acid. Go look up the negative health risks from doing any of those just once (you'll be looking forever. They dont exist. All you need is a little self control and a friend to join you.)
Dan
Great work! I really liked the scroll feature.
Maria
Beautifully done. Stuart, the link to 'Buy PDF' is missing from this comic (War On Drugs).Everyone else, remember to support this guys next project "Rat Park". Based on his other items I believe that it will be a welcome addition and perspective to the conversation about drugs and addiction.
Dr Nuke
Saul - thanks for providing another great argument for legal regulation of drugs - we have to find alternatives for people's natural desires for drug intoxication - when most only have access to alcohol and pharma-meds
Dr Nuke
effing ineffably brilliant. Respect and love: a work of beauty and genius - Dr Nuke, the Pseudo-Imposter (AnonyNot)
Josh
Saul, you may be missing the point here. If alcohol were illegal now, would those statistics really change that much? And if so, would they go down, or would they go up? And how many additional deaths would result from the alcoholics who would then be considered outcasts?My uncle died from alcohol abuse. I would hate to imagine the kinds of people he would have had to deal with to get his alcohol if it were illegal. He would have likely died much sooner from the crime activity involved with people who deal in black market substances, rather than dying of the actual alcohol consumption. And in addition to his own well-being, his family would be put in danger.If alcohol were illegal, my loving uncle would have been an outcast. He would be looked down upon and shunned for being addicted to a taboo, and instead of looking at him as the amazing artist and builder that he was, they would only see the alcoholism the lead to his death.The people who commit violent crimes under the influence of alcohol are likely to be susceptible to violence anyway. Legalizing alcohol would mean that those people remain who they are, and the people like my uncle and his family wouldn't have to live in fear of, or have to have anything to do with, the violent people.I have never before done any "recreational" drugs, nor do I condone their use. But I do condone open-mindedness and the removal of personal bias when voicing one's opinion.
Edison
Super good point, Saul. I'm actually strongly in line with you on that sentiment. As the son of a criminal defense lawyer, however, I can promise you that our draconian drug laws do nothing but exascerbate the problem. Seriously, the amount of poor, ignorant and hopeless people that we throw into our prisons for no crime but possession is abhorrant. If we took a more educated view on drug addiction (including alcohol) and started treating users as humans instead of meat for the grinder, I think we'd do wonders for our society (and national budget, btw).
vango
awesome
Saul
Wonderful, pretending legalising alcohol stopped it killing people or causing crime. Of course, you don't need to let facts ruin a good internet meme, but:1) 36% of violent crimes in the US are committed while the perpetrator has consumed alcohol. Department of Justice, '062) Alcohol is the world's most harmful substance in terms of burden of disease: it accounted for 3.6% of all deaths worldwide in 2009, and 4.6% of disability adjusted life years. It eats up around 1% of global GDP. WHO, plus The Lancet, Volume 373, Issue 9682, Pages 2223 - 2233, 27 June 2009 .
Niko
Thank you for noting the difference between most drugs and psychedelic drugs. There is a world of difference that most people don't see or understand.
Charles
Impressive work.
Chloe
Cool! Try to sign the petition to vote 3rd party: change.org/petitions/people-of-the-united-states-of-america-vote-for-a-third-party-candidate-2
Max
Would love a comic of this in print. Or great as a poster.
» http://www.stuartmcmillen.com/comics_en/war-on-drugs/#page-1 Lionel J Carter
[...] Subscribe to RSS October 10, 2012 [...]
PortlandStateSSDP
Great stuff! Would the comic be available for print?
Kevin
I loved it ! Very concise and thorough laying out of the basic tenets in support of legalization. I'll be sharing this for sure.
Malinkirybak
Truth must be told and this is an excellent manner of telling our American truth. Please continue with all the energy and speed you can muster. Our country is decline for this idiotic concept and the refusal to enact immigration law.We leave our children a veritable mess, cluster-fucked by ignorance.
Jim Harbis
You see, the problem I have with people using drugs is how they waste their time doing it in high school.
flipper
@chuzz is this a serious reply? If it is then I'm terribly sorry for the kind of close minded household that you were raised in and probably participate in today.
justin
Typical, the kind of retarded use of prefabricated phrase used by an ignorant twat
Justin Chaos
Fantastic approach brother, just keep spreading the love
Charles
You said it chuzz, reason and creativity are obviously consequences of "a brain that's been fried by dangerous psychedelics".
Jakob
Flattr.com !! I want to flattr you.
Pedroca
I´ve almost cried man!greetings from brasil
chuzz
typical, the kind of facile argument that can only come of a brain that's been fried by dangerous psychedelics.Just Say No.
Jib
Love it, made the arguments easier to understand. Keep em coming, well done
M.E.S.
Will your Rat Park comic be based on the work of Bruce Alexander? Also I love your work and am eager for more. What a great way of educating people. You rock dude.
Frankie P
Nice thoughts
kgb
That was awesome totally inspiring !
New Comic Illustrates the “war on drugs” | Students for Sensible Drug Policy
[...] and a sense of fun. Check out his recent rendition of the “war on drugs” illustrated in comic book form. Read the full comic [...]
Ruaidhri McAuliffe
Great work Stuart. You've made an important argument very accessible. The war on drugs doesn't make sense, and you've shown its consequences well.Interesting the parallels between the move from beer to spirits under alcohol prohibition and the tendency for the illegal drug trade to produce stronger drugs. Good luck. Ruaidhri, Dublin
Nick
nice one stuart.....
Pdak
Great work - hop to see more in future. Posting a link to this - hope funding comes through.
David
Terrific, well done. Great how well a cartoon as good as this one works, conveys the message really well.
Nikkiee
I just gotta say, I love it ! ..and thank you so much for giving others a new point of view on this type of subject... also thank you for putting time & creativity into it, this is great in so many ways!!
Dennis
I don't use drugs nor do I advocate their use, but I think this comic is very brave and makes more sense than other legalization arguments. Well done, and fight the good fight.
Juan Pablo Santos
Nice comic. But please avoid re-implementing horizontal scrolling, or better yet make it a vertical comic! Seriously, it's painful to read right now.
Documentary film released on America’s longest war – the ‘war on drugs,’ described as a ‘holocaust in slow motion’ | AEIdeas
[...] Comic Book Bonus: The War on Drugs vs. The War on Alcohol (Prohibition) featuring Milton Friedman Reply Tags: drug war, War on [...]
Roland Gyallay-Pap
well done mate!
Rajsinha
Hemp Hemp Hooray!
Herb
Great piece, we need to start legalising and regulating.
Bonkersmonkey
The argument is a bit simplistic. I'm hooked on toast and jam and I wish someone would make that illegal.
Muhammad
Stuart, this comic is fantastic! It is well drawn and very easy to understand with exceptional factual evidence about drugs and the history of drugs.I commend you on this work and effort and I hope you can keep continue to make these.
Sam
Nice video Stuart - and yes, your comics are very much worth investing in... I'll certainly chip in! You could also look into getting sponsorship from business (heaven forbid! ;-)), NGOs etc...Cheers,Sam
Sam
You still have the issue of people trying to escape the reality of their everyday lives, using drugs as a psychological/social crutch... you say there's nothing wrong with wanting to relax on a substance... I say there are other ways to relax and de-stress, which don't harm your body, or society. As for psychological addiction - what does it matter what sort of addiction it is? Psychological or physical/chemical, it's still addiction, with potentially negative consequences for that individual (and lets not forget there that some people are more prone -genetically- to addiction). My problem with the habitual drug users out there is that drugs are used as an escape from their emotions/problems etc but taking drugs doesn't fix anything -it wastes time and detracts from your ability (unless perhaps they're psychedelics being used for spiritual insight) to do anything to improve your reality... anyway, just my opinion...
Mercedes
I thought that the comic on the war on drugs was very informational and easy to understand. I have researched the subject before but the story and facts that you provided is very effective in educating many different types of people who all bring different perspectives on the war on drugs. personally I agree that the war on drugs was a bad idea to begin with and I hope to see it end soon. I think that Texas Senator and former american presidential nominee Ron Paul has some great ideas about stopping the war on drugs. However when I try to tell my friends, family and colleagues that I believe drugs should be legalized I get some extremely strange looks but hopefully by doing my research and investigating the war on drugs more I can better explain to them why I believe that drugs should be legal.
Ali
I'm so fed up with having to deal with kids half my age trying to rip me off! Sensible laws for sensible people please, and a growth (excuse the pun) industry during recession!
nothanks
the horizontal format didnt work well, i would rather scroll vertically with the mouse instead of having to click each button to scroll and unpredictable amountthe comic itself is alright, the message appears to be truth. i am not a fan of the art style.
lora
Ode to our Canadian Cannabis FlagWritten for Jodie EmeryBe proud of this flag, for its red, white, and true. I show respect and love by flying it for you.The red marijuana leaf on white with red bars,Honors our forefathers, who look down from the stars!The people who lived here before corrupt men cameUsed the power of pot; the plant had earned fame.The sweet smoke was used for pleasure and life.Our eleven fingered leaf honors life without strife.Red bars represent sea to shining sea,For all in between, who aspire to be free! Marc Emery and his BC3 did what was right!Canadian Cannabis Culture lovers put up a fight!When you see our flag, stand up so tall.Lies will die off but truth will not fall.Love and awe, Lora B
Marius
Good painted Comic. Thanks from Switzerland. We also have this bad law, cause of the Nixon-Law. USA fight everywhere on "War on Drugs". Also in my country. If USA would change, World would change.
Marius
nice work. thanks. it would make sense also to show: Why Nixon wanted in 1971 the "War on drugs"? The reason was, Nixon wanted to dissolve the Hippies by define LSD and Cannabis as an illegal thing. With this law, Nixon could criminalize the opposition, the Hippies and so it was easier for Nixon to hold the Vietnam-War. Anyway nice work, cool painted, many thanks from Switzerland (and sorry my bad English). I will prepare now a Joint and have pleasure. Shit on the law, I have my own law.
Jeffrey Dhywood
Brilliant, very well done!I am author of "World War D ? The Case against prohibitionism, roadmap to controlled re-legalization" http://www.world-war-d.com/ and would like to get in touch with you to see how we can work together. "World War-D" is quite academic with 448 pages and 500+ footnotes, but I am working on a lighter version for the general public, more visual and less cerebral. I think your contribution there would be brilliant.One point that the prohibitionist propaganda has totally wipped out: Contrary to popular belief - or conventional wisdom - for all psychoactive substances (except psychedelics that have no addictivity), only 10 to 20% of users will become abusers or addicts. The % is lowest for cannabis (6 to 8% depending on who you believe)and highest for heroin and tobacco. Sigmund Freud easily gave up his cocaine habit but could never give up smoking (which eventually killed him). Cocaine is in par with alcohol at around 10%. Prohibition pushes users towards abuse and addiction instead of preventing it, and encourages binge use.
Maarten
You make several interesting points in this work, nicely done. The debate you talk about is very similar to the debate in the Netherlands (where I live) these days. Some people, especially on the right wing, are taking a tough stance on marihuana, which is semi-legal in Holland. Here, you are allowed to grow marihuana in small volumes for private consumption, but it's not legal to sell it. Only official retailers (coffeeshops) can sell weed legally. There aren't a whole lot of problems related to weed here. It's not cool or exciting to buy it, because anyone can buy it. As a Dutch teenager, you don't impress your friends by buying or using it.I think the points you make also apply to things like prostitution. It is a frequent observation that illegal prostitution leads to more and more brutal exploitation and trafficking of women working in this sector. Again in Holland, prostitution is legal, which attracts a lot of foreign criticism. However, most people here feel it's the best solution: the demand for the service is there, and it's best to regulate the supply in the best and most humane way. No point in turning prostitutes into criminals, i.m.o..
Aram
Hey man, I just had a look at your work for the first time and I really like it. Kudos on what you do! I work at a youth-led, Mexico-based NGO that works on the topic and we would love to translate your drug policy piece into Spanish and perhaps even print some editions in said language. If this is something that interests you, please drop me a line and we can take it from there.
karen
Awesome..you made some great points all with which I agree. Not sure where I stand with legalisation!! But deffo should decriminalise and stop labelling users as criminals and street level dealers as 'evil dealers who prey on children'. I actually cannot believe the government pass up the chance of earning more money and extra opportunity for corruption!!
Milton Friedman strikes back | Eternal Vigilance
[...] the rest of War on Drugs at Stuart McMillen‘s website. This entry was posted in Jihad on Drugs?. Bookmark the [...]
Sarah
Oh my goodness. When your business card said 'all things' I never imagined this was one of them. Hopefully this is the first step toward more progressive and truth based education. Much better than: drugs are bad, mkay.
Col
Sam, not all illegal drugs are hardcore addictive substances - Cannabis isn't (psychological addiction is a fishy term that can apply to almost anything enjoyable and really only means lack of personal control and responsibility) , psychedelics aren't. MANY use cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic substance whether it be for pain, anxiety, sleep, appetite or to relax! There's NOTHING wrong with wanting to relax on a substance. Even psilocybin mushrooms have been shown to cure cluster headaches which are so bad that they cause suicide in some. Legalising drugs would take the rebellious aspect away for teenagers. And as for your argument about 'being careful' with decriminalisation let alone legalisation, I don't think you've read this cartoon carefully enough. NO money would be spent on busting people for drugs. The money made by selling them could be put back into the healthcare system. Those who use them wouldn't be stigmatised, drugs would be cheaper and they wouldn't need to steal and live on the streets.
Zac
Great comic and I loved your pitch for Rat Park, Stuart. Looking forward to seeing how it comes together!
Sam
AND...lets unpack the reasons people feel the need to take drugs... habitually, after experimentation, the reasons why there exists the alcoholic culture we live in... I agree, prohibition is not the answer, but neither is a more than marginal percentage of people 'on' drugs (including alcohol) good for society as a whole... why do people turn to drugs? Why do people anaesthatise themselves to their reality on a frequent basis? And the really frighteningly addictive nature of the 'harder' (i.e. more addictive) drugs really needs to be seriously thought about before being decriminalised... not saying they shouldn't - I understand the arguments against, but these are hardcore addictive substances!!! Its a tough question, but if you are going to decriminalise, let alone legalise, it should be coupled with early, ongoing childhood education to educate kids before they become teenagers on the issues surrounding drugs. (IMO) :-) People need to be educated about the negative affects of drugs - like the increase risk of schizophrenia and lowered IQ for ongoing pot use etc...
Dr Alex Wodak AM
Congratulations on your prohibition comic. We live in an era dominated by the view that the free market is the least worst way to resolve policy. Yet the strongest advocates for the free market are often the very same people supporting the notion that we should live in a drug free world. We need more people using different forms of expression to help establish a post prohibition world. Best wishes. Alex Wodak AM
Revy Springle
So clear and logical - which makes it even more frustrating that it is an actively oppressed argument. The taboo society gives to drug use is only damaging to the normal people who are users. A real distinction needs to be made in the law for what is actually criminal (which is still undoubtedly a lot in the drug world), and what is just someone having personal safe enjoyment
Olaf Steenhuis
Awesome! I've been having dicussions with more than one ex girlfriend, non of them seem to understand. Only the "bad" issues are known, not the good stuff.
Sour Alien Fire
Prohibition is evil, end prohibition for a safer future!
Merrill Gassert
Excellent graphics and text. Entertaining as well as informative. Brilliant use of Milton Friedman's seminal argument.
stevo
I love it! So true and wise. Prohibition is quite immoral.
A comic « Drug WarRant
[...] A comic by Stuart McMillen. Good read. [...]
Rat Park crowdfunding video - Stuart McMillen blog
[...] you liked War on Drugs, you will love what I have planned for Rat [...]
Crowdfunding: your generosity needed to fund my next comic. - Stuart McMillen comics
[...] writing and drawing my comics take a lot of time. For example, War on Drugs took me over 250 hours to [...]