Our Goals

While a much broader national discussion on drug policy reform is needed, we do believe there are steps that can and should be taken immediately to reduce the harms associated with both drug use and our failed policies:

• Eliminate criminal penalties for marijuana, except those involving distribution of drugs to children, and make marijuana legally accessible for medical purposes. 
  
  
• Redirect government drug control priorities from criminal justice and interdiction to public health and education, and repeal mandatory-minimum sentencing for nonviolent drug offenses. 
  
  
• Support sensible harm reduction measures, including syringe access to reduce infectious diseases, and effective addiction treatment including maintenance therapies.
  
  
• Curtail drug testing not related to detecting impairment and facilitate effective, reality-based drug education for teens.
  
  
• Restore constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

This statement of objectives and issues should not be regarded as comprehensive, but rather as suggested components of a rational drug policy not based upon fear, prejudice or punitive prohibitions. You can read our full vision and mission here.

About DPA

Goals

History

Staff