Mandatory Drug Treatment Proven Effective

In the world of politics, policies, and education, there's been a flurry of activity recently. Here's a round-up of some key developments that are shaping the landscape.

Charles Fain Lehman, in his observations, suggests that while people addicted to drugs may not wish to quit, being compelled to do so can aid in breaking free from habits that pose a danger to themselves and others. Meanwhile, research indicates that compulsory drug treatment, despite criticism, can reduce program drop-outs and be positively associated with drug-use cessation for at least a year.

On the policy front, President Trump is reportedly considering a significant shift in marijuana classification. If reclassified from Schedule I to Schedule III, marijuana would join the less-dangerous category of anabolic steroids and ketamine. However, Patrick T. Brown argues against this move, stating that marijuana's benefits are overstated and its harms, particularly for young men's job, marriage, and family-formation prospects, are understated.

In the realm of education, business schools around the globe are undergoing a transformation. They are moving away from teaching about free markets and towards social change, with an emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Allen Mendenhall and Daniel Sutter, however, argue that this shift is a category error, as business schools' primary role is to research and teach principles of successful commercial organization.

In the political arena, New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has proposed raising the city's minimum wage from $16.50 to $30. While this could potentially benefit some workers, critics, including Mendenhall and Sutter, warn that it could lead to fewer employment opportunities and potentially hurt low-income workers in the long run. Santiago Vidal Calvo further argues that such a dramatic increase could devastate small businesses, pushing workers out of jobs, and in other cities, workers have seen a net earnings loss due to fewer hours worked.

Finally, on August 21, 2025, New York City mayor Eric Adams proposed the Compassionate Interventions Act, which allows judges and doctors to order involuntary treatment for dangerous addicts. This move aims to address the issue of drug addiction from a public health perspective, recognising it as a disease rather than a moral failing.

These developments highlight the complex interplay between policy, education, and social issues, and underscore the importance of careful consideration and balanced perspectives in shaping our future.