Content author

Reason Magazine · reason.com · 36 yrs

Jacob Sullum is a credentialed and experienced journalist with a Cornell University undergraduate degree, 35+ years of professional journalism experience, and multiple journalism awards including a National Magazine Award finalist nomination. He has authored three books published by mainstream publishers, and his column has been carried by major newspapers. His work has appeared in top-tier outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today, lending him cross-platform credibility. However, his primary affiliation — Reason Magazine — is explicitly libertarian in editorial orientation, which introduces a consistent ideological lens across his work. This means his reporting and analysis, while often well-researched and award-recognized, is produced within and for an advocacy-oriented publication rather than a neutral journalistic institution. His awards (e.g., Drug Policy Alliance's Brecher Award, Thomas S. Szasz Award) are also largely from ideologically aligned organizations, which reinforces rather than broadens his perspective. Consumers of his work should recognize his libertarian viewpoint as a consistent framing device, particularly on topics like drug policy, gun regulation, civil liberties, and public health. He is credible as a knowledgeable and experienced journalist but not as a neutral or purely objective source.

Credentials

B.A. in Economics and Psychology, Cornell University (1987)

Senior Editor at Reason Magazine

Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Creators Syndicate (1997–present)

Fellow, Knight Center for Specialized Journalism

Affiliations

Reason Magazine / Reason.com

Reason Foundation

Creators Syndicate

Knight Center for Specialized Journalism

Cornell University (alumnus)

Notable work

Book: 'For Your Own Good: The Anti-Smoking Crusade and the Tyranny of Public Health' (Free Press, 1998) — #1 public policy bestseller

Book: 'Saying Yes: In Defense of Drug Use' (Tarcher/Penguin, 2004)

Book: 'Beyond Control: Drug Prohibition, Gun Regulation, and the Search for Sensible Alternatives' (Prometheus Books, 2025)

National Magazine Award finalist, Public Interest category (1998)

Keystone Press Award for Investigative Reporting (1988)

First Prize, Felix Morley Memorial Journalism Competition (1991)

Thomas S. Szasz Award for Outstanding Contributions to Civil Liberties (2004)

Drug Policy Alliance Edward M. Brecher Award for Achievement in Journalism (2005)

Weekly column syndicated in New York Post, Chicago Sun-Times, Los Angeles Daily News

Contributor to Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, Los Angeles Times