The War on Drugs

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Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis Fact Sheet

Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis

This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report outlining the need for a whole-of-government, society-wide approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by the opioid overdose epidemic.

Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach Report
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents sift through packages in search of fentanyl.

Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach

The opioid epidemic is a complex public health crisis that can be ameliorated by addressing root causes of drug use; expanding access to treatment and harm reduction strategies; and reducing the supply of illicit opioids entering the United States.

Guns Without Borders Past Event

Guns Without Borders

Addressing the flow of U.S. firearms to Mexico and Central America

Nick Wilson, Nick Wilson

The MORE Act: A Fair and Just Approach to Marijuana Policy Video

The MORE Act: A Fair and Just Approach to Marijuana Policy

The war on drugs has adversely affected people of color for decades; if enacted, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act has an opportunity to correct these harms.

Max Hardman, Kurt Mueller, Akua Amaning

Using Marijuana Revenue to Create Jobs Report
Preparations begin on the first day of the legalization of recreational marijuana sales in California, January 2018. (Containers of marijuana for sale on display counter)

Using Marijuana Revenue to Create Jobs

The war on drugs crushed economic opportunity in African American and Latinx communities, but marijuana tax revenue can help fuel job growth.

Maritza Perez, Olugbenga Ajilore, Ed Chung

A Community of Recovery Report
A man holds a nasal spray that is used to treat opioid overdose at a Narcan training session in Queens, New York, March 2018.

A Community of Recovery

Once considered the epicenter of the opioid epidemic, the city of Dayton, Ohio, pioneered an innovative response that has saved countless lives and become a national model for addressing addiction.

Erin Welch

Ending the War on Drugs: By the Numbers Fact Sheet

Ending the War on Drugs: By the Numbers

Researchers and policymakers alike agree that the war on drugs is a failure. Policymakers must replace the war on drugs with a fairer, more effective model that treats substance misuse as a public health issue—not a criminal justice issue.

Betsy Pearl

Ending the War on Drugs Report
Used hypodermic needles are seen in a bin, July 2, 2015, at a Maine public health center's needle exchange. (Getty/Portland Press Herald/Joel Page)

Ending the War on Drugs

From needle exchanges to decriminalization, cities are pursuing strategies once considered unthinkable to address drug misuse outside the criminal justice system.

Betsy Pearl, Maritza Perez

Rethinking Federal Marijuana Policy Report
A worker trims cannabis at a growing facility, March 2011. (Getty/Uriel Sinai)

Rethinking Federal Marijuana Policy

The time is now to end the war on drugs and take steps to legalize marijuana.

Ed Chung, Maritza Perez, Lea Hunter

Related Priorities

Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice

Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice

We pursue climate action that meets the crisis’s urgency, creates good-quality jobs, benefits disadvantaged communities, and restores U.S. credibility on the global stage.

Restoring Social Trust in Democracy

Restoring Social Trust in Democracy

Democracy is under attack at home and abroad. We must act to ensure it is accessible to all, accountable, and can serve as a force of good.

Building an Economy for All

Building an Economy for All

Economic growth must be built on the foundation of a strong and secure middle class so that all Americans benefit from growth.

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice

Advancing Racial Equity and Justice

We apply a racial equity lens in developing and advancing policies that aim to root out entrenched systemic racism to ensure everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

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