One of the most damaging consequences of drug prohibition is that scientific approaches to drug policy tend to take a backseat to ideological ones. Ahead of the 18th AIDS meeting, experts from across the world have released the “Vienna Declaration” calling on governments and the UN to promote rational drug policies that promote human rights and public health. “I hope that the Vienna Declaration will inspire many more political leaders to cast aside the drug war rhetoric and embrace evidence-based policies that can meaningfully improve community health and safety,” said Dr. Julio Montaner, president of the International AIDS Society.