Fact Sheet: California’s Prop 36: The Wrong Approach on Drug Issues

Fact Sheet September 25, 2024

California is experiencing an unprecedented overdose crisis that can only be addressed through health-based solutions. Prop 36 is a false solution that would divert funding from treatment, homeless services, and other vital programs. Drug treatment in the state is already difficult to access for many who need and want it. Prop 36 would make the situation worse, and result in far more Californians incarcerated for simple drug possession. It would harm individuals and communities instead of investing in the evidence-based solutions that are proven to reduce overdose, public use, and homelessness and maintain public safety.

Real solutions must include: Expanding and funding more overdose prevention and harm reduction services, ensuring universal, low-barrier access to voluntary addiction treatment, removing barriers to care caused by criminalizing people who use drugs, expanding community response services to address mental health, substance use, and homelessness service needs, and increasing access to low-barrier, affordable and supportive housing.

Read our Fact Sheet: California’s Prop 36: The Wrong Approach on Drug Issues

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

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