Massachusetts

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?

  • YES

Does the state have legal naloxone distribution to prevent overdose deaths?

  • YES

Does the state have a 911 Good Samaritan law?

  • NO

Does the state have legal methadone access?

  • YES

Marijuana

Are marijuana possession and use legal for medical purposes?

  • NO

What are the criminal penalties for marijuana possession?

Criminal Justice

How many people are arrested for a drug offense each year? 

  • 12,099

What are the racial disparities in arrest rates?

  • Total population (2010): 80.4% white, 6.6% black.
    Arrests: 72.6% white, 27.4% black.

What happens to people’s voting rights when they become part of the criminal justice system?

  • Voting rights restored automatically after release from prison.

Opioid Overdose Prevention

The Official Website of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), Massachusetts

Over the past ten years opioid overdoses have increased significantly in Massachusetts. Opioids include heroin and prescription drugs such as oxycodone (oxycontin), fentanyl, hydrocodone, codeine, and methadone. In response to this growing problem, the Department of Public Health has implemented a number of projects to reduce the number of overdoses.

Learn more.
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