There is a model for how the decriminalization of drugs can work. Portugal did it in 2001, and since then the number of people voluntarily entering treatment has increased, overdose deaths have plummeted, and rates of problematic and adolescent drug use have fallen.
We had a big win decriminalizing drugs in Oregon, and now we must continue this fight. Far too many people are suffering in our country—last year more than one million people were arrested for drug possession and over 100,000 died of a drug overdose.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Together, with your support, we can realize our shared vision of a free world where drug policy is grounded in science, compassion, health, equity, and human rights. Not in destructive policies and harmful penalties designed to control us.
Please, make a special “early bird” Giving Tuesday gift today. It will go THREE TIMES as far to fight for health-based drug policies that help people rather than punish them.
In solidarity,
Drug Policy Alliance
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