Issue Position: Drug Laws

Issue Position

Families have specifically been torn apart by our failed drug laws that are disproportionately applied to poor and minority communities. A conviction for a drug crime can follow someone around for life and prevent future job opportunities. We should expand pre-trial intervention, diversion programs, and drug courts that focus on helping drug addicts rather than simply sending them to prison. Rehabilitation programs for drug use have also proven more cost effective long-term than incarceration.

Marijuana should be decriminalized. Otherwise law-abiding adults should not be arrested for possessing small amounts of marijuana. States that have decriminalized marijuana have not experienced increased drug use. Law enforcement should be allowed to allocate their resources to combat more serious crimes.

Source