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Drug treatment, not incarceration, better serves the common good
March 09, 2021
"The Washington State Supreme Court recently struck down the state’s main drug possession law, effectively decriminalizing simple possession of controlled substances. The court ruled last month that the law is unconstitutional because it lacks...
Read More ShareHow $1 billion in pot taxes gets spent in Washington state
February 22, 2021
"This year marks a milestone for the state’s legal pot industry. For the first time since voters approved recreational pot use nine years ago, the state of Washington is expected to collect more than...
Read More ShareAnnouncing the Pathways to Recovery Act - Washington State HB 1499
February 04, 2021
The Pathways To Recovery Act (HB 1499) proposes a new, common sense approach to improving public safety by eliminating ineffective and destructive criminal penalties for personal use and expanding proven treatment and support services...
Read More ShareWashington could become the second state to decriminalize drugs
February 04, 2021
“This week, Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine and other drugs. On Thursday, state lawmakers and advocacy groups in Washington state announced a plan to...
Read More ShareBuoyed by Oregon drug decriminalization vote, Washington groups propose similar plan for 2021 Legislature
November 04, 2020
“Critics of the nation’s war on drugs have launched a proposal similar to Oregon’s Measure 110, aimed for Washington’s 2021 legislative session. It would move the state away from arrests and jail for persons caught...
Read More ShareOregon just decriminalized drug possession, Washington could be next
November 04, 2020
“Oregon, on Tuesday, became the first state to decriminalize possession of illegal drugs, and Washington could be the second to do so.”
Read More ShareTacoma deputy mayor champions initiative to decriminalize personal drug use
May 19, 2020
“Proponents, including Tacoma City Council member Keith Blocker, say I-1715 would help keep those with substance-use disorder out of jails and prisons while blunting the disproportionate negative impacts drugs laws have had on communities...
Read More ShareTreatment First Washington Launches Drive To Qualify I-1715, Treatment and Recovery Act, to November Ballot
May 06, 2020
Treatment First Washington, a coalition of public health experts, treatment professionals, legal and law enforcement experts, elected officials, community leaders of Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color, and formerly incarcerated and directly impacted...
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