Ethan Nadelmann

Ethan Nadelmann is recognized as a leading figure in drug policy reform in the United States and internationally. Rolling Stone described Nadelmann as "the point man" for drug policy reform efforts and "the real drug czar." He has played a central role in bringing the issue of drug legalization into mainstream political debate, influencing how policymakers and the public approach topics such as drugs, addiction, and criminal justice reform.

Nadelmann holds a BA, JD, and PhD from Harvard, as well as a master's degree in international relations from the London School of Economics. He taught politics and public affairs at Princeton University, where his research and commentary on drug policy appeared in publications including Science, Foreign Affairs, American Heritage, and National Review. Nadelmann authored "Cops Across Borders," a scholarly study of the internationalization of U.S. criminal law enforcement, and co-authored "Policing the Globe: Criminalization and Crime Control in International Relations," published by Oxford University Press. His academic background provided a foundation for his subsequent advocacy work.

Nadelmann founded the Lindesmith Center, a drug policy institute supported by philanthropic funding. He later co-founded the Open Society Institute's International Harm Reduction Development program. The Lindesmith Center merged with the Drug Policy Foundation to form the Drug Policy Alliance, which advocates for drug policies based on science, public health, compassion, and human rights. Nadelmann and his colleagues have contributed to major drug policy reform ballot initiatives in the United States, addressing issues such as medical marijuana, marijuana legalization, prison reform, drug treatment, and civil asset forfeiture reform. He has also served as a drug policy advisor to philanthropists and elected officials, including mayors, governors, presidents, and cabinet ministers outside the United States.

Nadelmann has published extensively and delivered presentations in approximately 40 states and 40 countries. His TED Talk, "Why We Need to End the War on Drugs," has been viewed by a global audience and translated into multiple languages. He serves on the advisory board of the Open Society Foundation's Global Drug Policy Project and as an advisor to the Global Commission on Drug Policy. Nadelmann launched "PSYCHOACTIVE," a podcast produced by iHeartMedia and Protozoa Pictures, which explores the intersection of drugs, health, and society, and encourages public discourse on drug use and policy reform.