"Any sensible person or scientist knows that the drug laws are not based on the science of drugs." David Nutt
David Nutt is a neuropsychopharmacologist and author who made headlines in 2009 when he was dismissed from his government advisor role after releasing a report stating that alcohol and tobacco were more harmful than LSD, ecstasy and cannabis.
His latest book, Drugs - Without the Hot Air, is a straightforward and empirically backed analysis of the science and culture behind recreational drugs - how they work, why people take them, and the effects they have.
"We've long been in the grip of extraordinarily destructive drugs policies. There is no better guide to how to get out of this mess than David Nutt." - Tim Newburn, Professor of Criminology & Social Policy, LSE