By Special to the AFRO

“Let’s Talk About Drug Legalization! ALL Drugs, Not Just Marijuana!” 

Every year, there are more than 1.5 million drug arrests in the United States. More than 80% of  these arrests are for possession only. Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have  already decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana, and some are exploring the  merits of decriminalizing other drugs. The opioid crisis has jump-started the conversation on the  best approach to drug use across the country, including in Maryland. While drug  decriminalization is a step in the right direction, it does not go far enough to protect the rights of  people who use drugs and people of color. The conversation about drug legalization needs to be  further explored. The so-called “War on Drugs” has been an epic failure and it will take love,  determination, vision, and leadership to open people’s minds about ending prohibition. America  has been conditioned to think prohibition against drugs is protecting our nation without giving  much thought to the devastating effects our current criminal justice laws have had on  communities of color, the working poor, and those who suffer from medical illnesses. 

Please join the National Coalition for Drug Legalization and Students for Sensible Drug Policy  on “Drug Legalization as a Public Measure ” on Wednesday, April 27th at the campus of John  Hopkins University: Room W3030, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205. The time will be  6:00 pm. Register using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drug-legalization-as-a-public health-measure-tickets-264421390497 

This event will provide an opportunity for community engagement, education, and a chance to  discuss the benefits of a public health approach to drug use. 

The forum will be a moderated panel discussion with plenty of time for Q&A, followed by a  casual reception. The panel will be led by experts in the field of drug policy.  

Special guests include: 

  • Dr. Carl Hart, American psychologist and neuroscientist, Ziff Professor of Psychology at  Columbia University and the author of Drug Use for Grown Ups. 
  • Billy Murphy, JD, Attorney, Murphy, Falcon & Murphy 
  • Jacob Rich, The Reason Foundation 
  • Dr. Susan Sherman, John Hopkins School of Public Health 
  • Dr. Saba Rouhani, John Hopkins School of Public Health 
  • Michael Galipeau, MSW, Urban Survivors Union All are welcome, and we look forward to helping facilitate this important community discussion.

All are welcome, and we look forward to helping facilitate this important community discussion.

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