State legislatures are traditionally at the forefront of policy change, serving as "laboratories" for new ideas and solutions. Drug policy reform is no exception: on issues of drug sentencing, medical marijuana, overdose prevention, and expansion of effective drug treatment services, many states are working for better ways to reduce the harms associated both with drugs and current drug policies.

The Drug Policy Alliance and its partner organization, Drug Policy Alliance Network, is actively working in a number of states (Alabama, California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico, New Jersey, and New York) to advance effective drug policies through coalition building, public education and legislative efforts. In addition, we are closely monitoring the pace of reform in many other states.

Read more about our state-based work done through the Organizing and Policy Project, and get involved by becoming a member of DPA Network's Action Center to help further change at the local level.