Prohibition fuels the overdose crisis. It pushes drugs underground where they avoid regulation. Here, drugs become more potent and dangerous. By promoting “just say no” rhetoric, prohibition stigmatizes individuals, discouraging them from finding the resources they need.
Though we won’t end prohibition tomorrow, it’s possible that with enough support we can use President Trump's emergency declaration as an avenue to pass tangible drug policies grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights.
Send a message to Congress today. If they are serious about addressing the overdose crisis the current administration must embrace health-based solutions and eventually decriminalize drug use and possession.