Drug use is a health issue, not a criminal justice issue, and should be treated as one.

Punishing drug possession as a felony has not reduced the availability of drugs.

Criminal legal system involvement compounds the stigma, risks, and harms associated with drug use.

Incarceration results in worse health outcomes for individuals and perpetuates cycles of intergenerational trauma in families.

The "war on drugs" is rooted in racism. Criminal responses to drug use impact people of color disproportionately, and this is by design. 

Felony records permanently limit people’s opportunities, resulting in economic harm to entire neighborhoods.

Substance use disorder treatment initiated by the individual is inherently more aligned with human rights and dignity than treatment that is coerced.

Prosecuting small-scale drug possession as a felony is a waste of public resources.