John,

As we wind down the year, LEAP is spotlighting key justice and drug policy issues that made an impact in 2021. Our law enforcement experts address these topics head-on, creating positive change to the justice system. Throughout our year-end funding campaign, you’ll hear directly from our speakers on why these issues matter to them personally, and why they should matter to everyone invested in changing the system – and the world – for the better.

Decriminalization of psychedelics was one of the most pressing issues in drug policy reform in 2021, marking a major turning of the tides in the War on Drugs. LEAP speakers advocated for a practical, evidence-based approach to psychedelics in key states including Oregon, California, Washington, Michigan, New York, and the District of Columbia.

LEAP Board Member Det. Sergeant Neil Woods (Ret.) is one of our most passionate advocates on psychedelics decriminalization. Here, he explains the critical nature of the issue:

LEAP: From your perspective as law enforcement, why is the decriminalization of psychedelics such an important issue right now?

Neil: Psychedelics have the potential to reduce the impact of mental health disorders on society. This in turn will drastically reduce pressure on policing.

LEAP: What is the most exciting thing you observed in 2021 on the issue of decriminalizing psychedelics?

Neil: Decriminalization and allowing easier research means quicker development of novel treatments. The exciting prospect of new treatments for PTSD means a real possibility of reducing police suicides that are at an all-time high. No one has any other answer to this ongoing crisis so new treatments have to be championed.

LEAP: What do you believe makes LEAP the right organization to impact this issue? 

Neil: Only LEAP can approach this issue from every angle and is an organization dedicated to an evidence-based approach – necessary in navigating unhelpful moral judgments.

In Solidarity,

Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.) & the LEAP Team
Executive Director

LEAP Advances Decriminalization of Psychedelics Around the Country 
  • Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.) wrote an article/op-ed in favor of decriminalizing psychedelics in CA. The article was picked up by the wider Southern California News Group (SCNG).
  • Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.), Sgt. Terry Blevins (Fmr.), Sgt. Carl Tennenbaum, and Det. Nick Morrow (Fmr.) gave oral testimony before the CA Senate Appropriations Committee in favor of decriminalizing mushrooms (psilocybin)/ psychedelics.
  • Chief Paul Pazen, Denver, CO, participated in an ally’s (MAPS) training for officers on dealing with use of psychedelic drugs.
  • Chief Brendan Cox (Ret.) recorded video testimony in support of a New Paltz, NY city ordinance decriminalizing psychedelics.
  • LEAP endorsed Seattle's campaign to decriminalize psychedelic drugs.
  • LEAP wrote a letter to a CA senator in support of CA SB 519, that would decriminalize the use and possession of some psychedelics.
  • Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.) signed a letter on behalf of LEAP supporting the decriminalization of psychedelics in MI.
 

Law Enforcement Action Partnership
121 Mystic Avenue Suite 9 | Medford, Massachusetts 02155
781-393-6985 | [email protected]

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