Decriminalizing Drugs Can Make DC Safer
DC's drug abuse problem is an emergency. But decriminalization can make all of us safer.
Overdose deaths are at an all-time high
In 2020, overdose deaths in DC increased by about 72%—more than any state and more than double the national average. This resulted in 511 overdose deaths in DC in 2020.
Decriminalization reduces harm
Other countries have proven that we can reduce drug-related harms by decriminalizing the use and possession of drugs. For example, since Portugal decriminalized personal use of all drugs in 2001, it has seen no major increases in drug use, fewer drug-related arrests, 35x fewer HIV- and drug-related deaths than the U.S. per capita, and more people seeking treatment voluntarily. Punishment and stigma don’t work, but decriminalization does!
Decriminalization reduces racial disparities in the legal system
Research shows that affordable housing, well-funded schools, youth programs, job training, trauma-informed healthcare, and other community services can all reduce gun violence.
Decriminalization is a better use of tax dollars
Community members who have broken cycles of violence can help others do the same. Violence interrupters are up to 5x more effective at reducing gun violence than policing, yet police get almost 100x more funding.