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| Friend, Last November, we made history when Oregon became the first state in the country to pass a ballot initiative to decriminalize possession of small amounts of all drugs and increase access to treatment, recovery, harm reduction and other services. Today, Oregon’s law officially goes into effect and the first domino of our cruel and inhumane war on drugs has fallen — setting off what we expect to be a cascade of efforts in other states that center health over criminalization and punishment. Let’s build on our momentum: sign our petition to support decriminalizing drugs and dismantling the drug war. This year marks the 50th anniversary of President Nixon’s declaration of a ‘war on drugs.’ This disastrous set of policies has led to the criminalization and punishment of millions and disproportionately harmed communities of color. More people are arrested for drug possession than any other offense in the United States, with one arrest every 23 seconds. Oregon’s new law marks a substantial shift away from that shameful legacy, showing us that we can give people help without punishing them. People who possess drugs for their personal use will no longer face arrest, incarceration or the burden of a criminal record. Instead they’ll be connected with support services — such as evidence-informed and culturally-responsive treatment, peer support and recovery services, harm reduction and other health services, and even housing and job assistance — should they need and want them. And it will also chip away at racist enforcement, resulting in an estimated 95% decrease in racial disparities in drug arrests. Over the last year, we have been painfully reminded of the harms that come from drug war policing and the absence of necessary health and support services in our communities. Now Oregon is leading the way to show us a better, more just world is possible. Oregon is just the first step. Help us take the next step by adding your name to our petition demanding that we stop arresting and incarcerating people who use drugs. Our advocacy arm, Drug Policy Action, was proud to spearhead Oregon’s successful ballot initiative along with our allies. Now we’re actively working with a diverse coalition of partners to carry out the will of voters, implement the new law without delay, and center the needs of communities most harmed by the war on drugs. With your support, DPA has long advocated for drug decriminalization as a critical first step to ending the drug war. Oregon’s historic victory has invigorated similar efforts already underway in other states and even Congress. Thank you for playing a pivotal role in this historic moment and please keep standing with us to end the disastrous drug war once and for all.
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The Drug Policy Alliance depends entirely on private donations to fund our work to end the war on drugs and promote new drug policies grounded in science, compassion, health, and human rights. Your support is crucial – thank you!
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