Johann Hari, journalist and author of “Chasing the Scream”, speaks on video about how he began rethinking drug addiction. He reflects on the hounding of Billie Holiday by the US Federal Bureau of Narcotics, the heavy toll that the ‘war on drugs’ takes on some groups, and brighter prospects ahead: the shattering of consensus at the United Nations, and the US liberalisation of drug policy. Watch the video and let us know what you think in our comments space, below the line.

This video is published as part of an editorial partnership between openDemocracy and CELS, an Argentine human rights organisation with a broad agenda that includes advocating for drug policies respectful of human rights. The partnership coincides with the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs.