MAY 2024
NEWSLETTER
Vermont Moves to Allow Overdose Prevention Centers
The Vermont legislature passed a bill to authorize and fund the state’s first overdose prevention center. OPCs are vital in the fight against overdose deaths. DPA led a coalition to pass the bill and is organizing health experts and community leaders to call on the governor to sign it.
Read DPA’s response: [link removed]
DEA Proposes Rescheduling Marijuana
The DEA has proposed rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule I drug (the most restrictive class) to a Schedule III drug (a less restrictive class). Marijuana reform is long overdue, but this is not enough – it would still be illegal. Marijuana must be removed from the Controlled Substances Act entirely.
Learn what rescheduling will do: [link removed]
Senate Introduces Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana Federally
Senators have introduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. It would also expunge and resentence federal marijuana convictions. The CAOA would provide the comprehensive reform that we need.
Tell Congress to End Marijuana Prohibition: [link removed]
U.S. Overdose Deaths Hit Record High
New data shows there were a record 107,941 overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2022. The rise is fueled by the unregulated drug supply and strict drug laws, which have proliferated potent drugs like fentanyl. Overdoses involving stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine are also on the rise.
See DPA's graphs and analysis: [link removed]
California Bill Would Allow Drug Checking Services
A California Assembly committee has passed a bill to allow drug checking. Drug checking helps prevent overdoses by informing people if their drugs contain fentanyl or other unexpected substances. Health agencies can also use drug checking results to warn about dangers in the drug supply.
Read DPA's response: [link removed]
SNAP Drug Felony Ban Could be Repealed
In the 1990s, Congress cruelly banned anyone with a felony drug conviction from SNAP benefits. Two proposed bills – one from a Republican and one from a Democrat – would repeal the ban. This would let people with drug convictions focus on finding jobs and housing, instead of figuring out how to put food on the table.
Take Action: [link removed]
DPA on Montel Williams’ Podcast
DPA’s Director of Drug Markets and Legal Regulation, Cat Packer, joined Montel William’s podcast Let’s Be Blunt with Montel podcast to discuss federal marijuana scheduling.
Follow DPA on Twitter: [link removed]
Watch the clip here: [link removed]
Drug Policy In The News
Rolling Stone - Is the Biden Administration’s Pot Decision Historic — Or Half-Baked?
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Truthout - Physicians Like Me Must Oppose Medical Discrimination Against Methadone Patients
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The Hill - Biden Administration Plans to Ease Marijuana Restrictions
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Marijuana Moment - Feds Consider Removing MDMA From Workplace Drug Testing
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Drug Reporter - Re-Criminalization of Drug Use in Oregon (Interview with Theshia Naidoo, DPA)
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Salon - Touching Fentanyl Won’t Kill You. Why Won’t Cops and Policymakers Get the Memo?
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