The Drug Policy Alliance Network (DPAN) is the leading organization in New York promoting an end to the failed war on drugs by advancing a health and public safety approach to drug policy. We advocate for drug policies based on science, compassion, health, and human rights. We're working towards a system that embraces effective drug policies to reduce the death, disease, crime and suffering associated with drug abuse and failed drug policies. 

To create effective drug polices, we focus on the four essential pillars of effective drug policy:

1. Prevention
2. Treatment 
3. Enforcement 
4. Harm reduction 

We work on issues ranging from sentencing reform to expanding harm reduction services; from marijuana law reform to promoting effective youth drug education policies.  We promote a health-based approach to drug policy. Together we can build a safer and healthier New York. Join Us!  

Ending the Marijuana Arrest Crusade in NYC 

New York City is the marijuana arrest capital of the world. Even though marijuana possession under 25 grams was decriminalized in New York in 1977, over 40,300 people were arrested in NYC for marijuana possession in public view (MPV) in 2008, and 87% of those arrest are people of color -- even though whites use marijuana at higher rates. This year DPAN is spearheading a campaign to tackle this issue and stop the practice of arresting people for low-level marijuana possession. [More]

Making it Work: Implementing Rockefeller Drug Law Reform

In 2010, DPAN is focused on implementing 2009's reforms to the Rockefeller Drug Law reform and advancing a health and public safety approach to drug policy. [More]

Reducing Accidental Overdose Deaths: 911 Good Samaritan Law 

Accidental Drug Overdose is the fourth leading cause of death in New York City and an emerging crisis nationwide. DPAN is working to pass legislation to reduce accidental overdose deaths and save lives. [More]

Syringe Access: Conforming the Criminal Code with Public Health Code

Access to clean syringes and proper disposal of used syringes has numerous benefits for the public's heath, including dramatically reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. DPAN and its partners are working to pass legislation making clean syringes more accessible and promoting proper disposal of used syringes. [More] 

Reducing Racial Disparities and Promoting Equity: Racial Ethnic Impact Statements 

With the  Rockefeller Drug Laws, their implementation led to unprecedented, unwarranted racial disparities in New York's criminal justice system, and a range of collateral consequences for marginalized communities of color. The premise behind racial and ethnic impact statements is to address those potential consequences before adopting new policies. [More]

New Directions for New York: a Public Health and Safety Approach to Drug Policy

DPAN and The New York Academy of Medicine co-hosted a two-day conference in New York City in order to develop joint strategies to move towards a more effective public health and safety approach to drug policy in New York City and State. [More]