Drug Criminalization Impacts

It’s time to decriminalize drugs and invest in health services. Select a specific state to explore laws, arrest rates, overdose rates, and drug decriminalization legislation.

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  • Misdemeanor
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DC
Understanding Map Data & Disclaimer

Each year, there are over 1 million arrests for drug possession in the U.S.

In 2021, there were 107,600 overdose deaths in the U.S.

We need a health approach to drugs, not more criminalization. Drug criminalization and prohibition have led to an unsafe, unregulated drug supply that’s driving the overdose crisis. Possession of even a small amount of drugs can land someone in jail, and saddle them with a lifelong criminal record that prevents them from getting a job, public benefits, or a place to live. Opioid overdose deaths among recently incarcerated people are 27 times higher than the general population in the first 2 weeks post-release.

It’s time to decriminalize drugs and invest in health services.

Drug Possession Laws:
Drug Paraphernalia Laws:
Decriminalization Legislation Introduced:
Decriminalization Legislation Law In Effect:

Arrest Rates

In 2019, at least 17,278 arrests were made for drug offenses in Mississippi, with law enforcement making 581 arrests per 100,000 people.

Overdose Rates

Drug Possession Laws

Drug Paraphernalia Laws

Decriminalization Legislation Introduced

 

There is no data collected on this state

A young woman holds a sign that says "End the Drug War."

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