Friend, most people agree that drug use should be treated as a health issue instead of a crime. Yet many still support harsh punishment for people who sell drugs because of stigma and fear.  

Punishing people who sell drugs has failed to keep us safe. Those most harshly punished have minor roles in the supply chain. In fact, people at the bottom of the supply chain who use drugs, have low income, and come from communities of color are most targeted. They often sell drugs to support their own drug use or to make ends meet.

And research and history show that criminalizing people who sell or distribute drugs has not reduced the use, price, demand, or availability of drugs. 

It’s time to fundamentally rethink responses to people in the drug trade. Learn more about how we are advocating for new solutions to drug sales that improve public health and safety while reducing punishment.