How does your state measure up when it comes to establishing policies that reduce the harms of both drug use and drug prohibition?
Harm Reduction
Does the state permit access to clean syringes for people who inject drugs?
Does the state have legal naloxone distribution to prevent overdose deaths?
Does the state have a 911 Good Samaritan law?
Does the state have legal methadone access?
Marijuana
Are marijuana possession and use legal for medical purposes?
Is there a government-regulated distribution system for medical marijuana?
More information on medical marijuana:
What are the criminal penalties for marijuana possession?
Criminal Justice
How many people are arrested for a drug offense each year?
What are the racial disparities in arrest rates?
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Total population (2010): 38.5% white, 50.7% black.
Arrests: 8.3% white, 90% black.
What happens to people’s voting rights when they become part of the criminal justice system?
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People with felony convictions may vote upon release from prison.
Nearly two-thirds would support a ballot measure to make marijuana legal for adults and establish a system in which it is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol
Statements below from the Marijuana Policy Project, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the sponsor of the poll
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three out of four Washington, D.C. voters would support changing District law to replace criminal penalties for possession of limited amounts of marijuana with a civil fine similar to a traffic ticket, according to a survey conducted last week by Public Policy Polling. Two-thirds (67%) said they believe law enforcement resources currently being used by District police to arrest individuals for marijuana possession should be directed toward other crimes.
New Law Encourages Calling 911 in Drug Overdose Cases; Some Drug and Alcohol Law Violations Not a Crime When Help is Sought
Twice As Many Overdose Deaths in 2010 as Traffic-Related Fatalities; Nearly 900 Overdose Deaths in D.C. Since 2003
On Tuesday, March 19th, a new District of Columbia law takes effect that provides limited legal protection for those who witness or experience a drug overdose and summon medical assistance. The majority of overdose victims are in the presence of others and do not die until several hours after they have taken a drug, meaning that there is both time and opportunity to summon medical assistance. Fear of arrest and prosecution often prevents people who are in a position to help from calling 911.
This is the text of the District of Columbia's Good Samaritan law.
Legislation Criminalizes Possession of “K2,” “Ivory Wave” and Other Synthetic Drugs
Councilmembers Ignore Plea from D.C. Advocates to Reject Criminalization, Regulate Retailers Instead
Legislation Encourages Calling 911 in Drug Overdose Cases; Overdose Second Leading Cause of Accidental Death in D.C., Ahead of Traffic Accidents
D.C. Coalition of Advocates, Students, Parents and Community Providers Commends Mayor Vincent Gray and D.C. Council for Approving This Life Saving Legislation
Legislation Encourages Calling 911 in Drug Overdose Cases; Overdose Second Leading Cause of Accidental Death in D.C., Ahead of Traffic Accidents
D.C. Coalition of Advocates, Students, Parents and Community Providers Urge Mayor Vincent Gray to Sign This Life-Saving Legislation
Tues: U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit Will Hear Oral Arguments
DPA Statement: Feds’ Claim of “No Medical Use” Ignores Science
On Tuesday, October 16, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will hear oral arguments in a case challenging the Drug Enforcement Administration’s decision to designate marijuana as a Schedule I substance. Schedule I is the most restrictive category for controlled substances, including those drugs defined as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
Legislation Encourages Calling 911 in Drug Overdose Cases; Overdose Second Leading Cause of Accidental Death in DC, Ahead of Traffic Accidents
DC Coalition of Advocates, Students, Parents and Community Providers Support Passage of This Life-Saving Legislation
Today, the Council on the District of Columbia’s Committee on the Judiciary will consider the Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Amendment Act of 2012 (#B19-754), which provides limited legal protection for those who witness a drug overdose and summon medical assistance. The hearing will be held today, June 27th at 11:00 a.m. in Committee Room 120 on the first floor of the Wilson Building.
Landmark Report Released in Advance of 2012 World AIDS Conference in Washington, DC
Global Commission Calls for Drug Decriminalization and Expansion of Proven, Cost-Effective Solutions to Reduce HIV/AIDS – Including Sterile Syringe Access, Safer Injection Facilities, and Prescription Heroin Programs
While Some Countries Have Virtually Eliminated Drug-Related HIV Transmissions, Drug War Policies in U.S., Russia, Thailand and China Cause Millions of Needless Infections and AIDS Deaths
On June 26, the Global Commission on Drug Policy will release a groundbreaking report at a press conference in London followed by a worldwide teleconference. The report describes how the global war on drugs is driving the HIV pandemic among people who use drugs and their sexual partners. It condemns the drug war as a failure and recommends immediate, major reforms of the global drug prohibition regime to halt the spread of HIV infection and other drug war harms.
Announcement Comes as Obama Administration Escalates Attack on Medical Marijuana Patients and Caregivers in California, Colorado and other Medical Marijuana States
Drug Policy Alliance Commends DC Policymakers for Respecting Voters and Standing Up to Federal Government to Protect Patients, But Calls on Them to Allow Patients to Grow Their Own
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