Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Harm reduction is the act of mitigating negative consequences associated with drug use.[2] SSDP provides tools for its members to advocate for the implementation of harm reduction measures and support to engage in direct service work. Harm reduction strategies aim to reduce the negative consequences of drug use, such as overdose, HIV transmission, and hepatitis C infection. These strategies include providing access to clean syringes, safe injection sites, and overdose prevention medications like naloxone.[3] Harm reduction has been shown to be an effective way of reducing the harms associated with drug use and improving public health outcomes.

A sensible drug policy also recognizes the importance of evidence-based approaches to drug treatment. Effective addiction treatment should be readily available and tailored to individual needs.[4] This includes medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and support groups. By providing access to effective addiction treatment, individuals can overcome their addiction and lead healthier, more productive lives.[5]

Students and chapters work on marijuana policy reform[6] at the local, state, and federal levels by supporting legislation and ballot initiatives for decriminalization, medical marijuana, adult-use taxation and regulation, and social equity measures for communities disproportionately targeted by marijuana prohibition.[7]

SSDP provides resources for its members to advocate for psychedelic policy reform,[8] such as psychedelic therapy programs and allowing the research of currently prohibited psychedelic substances by researchers.[9]

Students should not have to submit to a drug test at random[10] or to participate in extracurricular activities.[11]

SSDP is a member of the Economic and Social Council and thus a consultant to its functional commissions. As such, SSDP has been advocating for policy reform and youth inclusion at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, including the 2016 Special Session of the UN General Assembly on the World Drug Problem and the High Level Ministerial Segment in 2019.[12]

SSDP Global Drug Policy and Development Consultant, Orsi Fehér, held the office of Treasurer on the board of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs between 2018–2020.

SSDP's former International Program Coordinator, Jake Agliata, is a co-founder of the Paradigma Youth Coalition.

The organization also coordinates youth participation in global campaigns such as Support. Don't Punish and International Overdose Awareness Day.

Protugal's drug policy, implemented in 2001, is based on the principle of harm reduction. Drug use and possession for personal use are no longer criminal offenses but administrative ones. Instead of facing criminal charges, individuals caught with drugs are referred to a Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction, where they receive a health assessment and may be recommended for treatment. Portugal’s drug policy has been successful in reducing drug use and associated harms, including HIV infections and overdose deaths.[13]

SSDP encourages chapters to create and support campaigns to decriminalize simple drug possession and other low-level crimes associated with drug use.[14]

Although all countries have problems with drugs, no other country can compare to the amount of people put in jail for “petty” drug crimes. The U.S has many problems with drugs and my claim is to legalize drugs to end this war on American people. This won’t only help those in need by giving them safe and regulated drugs, but also be able to fund money for addiction treatment.[1]

The War on Drugs has been criticized for its harsh penalties for drug offenses, which have led to the over-representation of people of color in the criminal justice system. The sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine, for example, have been shown to have a significant racial bias.[15] Crack cocaine was more commonly used in black communities, and penalties for crack possession and distribution were much harsher than those for powder cocaine, which was more commonly used by white individuals.[16]

Drug policy reform is necessary to address the racial disparities in drug policy. One solution is to shift the focus of drug policy from criminalization to treatment and rehabilitation. Drug addiction is a public health issue, and individuals struggling with addiction should be given access to appropriate treatment and resources.[3] Reforms that prioritize treatment and rehabilitation over criminalization, coupled with accountability for law enforcement officials, are necessary to ensure a fair and equitable drug policy.

Just Say Know[17] is a peer-to-peer drug education program, provides evidence-based drug information on campus and empowers them to reduce drug-related harm within their communities.[18]

SSDP’s international chapters engage in reform from their campus and community to the United Nations,representing the voices of youth from their countries and sharing their experiences fighting the drug war with their fellow SSDPers all over the world.[19]

SSDP’s international network has doubled in size through 2018 and expanded its structure to include regional fellowships to represent the specific needs of the Latin American, West African and European chapters. In 2020, SSDP International was