Maher later shifted the dialogue toward policy issues, expressing support for decriminalizing narcotics while holding a blunt.
"I want drugs to be decriminalized," said Derek.
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Maher voiced his agreement regarding immediate decriminalization on his program.
"On this show, I want it to happen!" agreed Maher.
Derek compared drug prohibition to historical alcohol bans that empowered organized crime.
"Prohibition created the mafia!" exclaimed Derek.
"We learn nothing!"
Maher attributed the continuation of illegal drug laws to financial interests within competing industries.
"Of course," replied Maher. "That's because there's money in it, honey.
There's so much money in keeping it illegal… Do you think the liquor industry wants to compete with this?"
Maher then questioned the necessity of universal COVID-19 vaccine mandates, specifically for individuals who possessed natural immunity from previous infections.
"I mean, why did everybody have to get a COVID shot? Even people with natural immunity.
Natural immunity, which we always used to respect. But in COVID, no.
'Just get our product in you,'" asked Maher.
Maher clarified that he does not oppose vaccines entirely but prefers personal autonomy in medical choices.
"I want it decriminalized today," quipped Maher.
Derek recalled the public anticipation surrounding the vaccine rollout and argued that mandates restricted compliance.
"Yeah, I remember the build-up to, 'It's coming, it's coming, it's coming,'" said Derek. "And I think if they had just left it, 'Here it is!
This vaccine. It's available to anybody who wants it,' I think probably more people would have taken it.
