The Movement To Decriminalize Drugs

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
A drug syringe being picked up
In this Aug. 9, 2019, file photo, a drug syringe found behind a vacant property in northeast Albuquerque, N.M., is placed into a container, as crews attempt to clear the lot of needles and other heroin paraphernalia. Last week, Oregon became the first state in the country to decriminalize possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine, LSD and other hard drugs. Instead of going to trial and facing possible jail time, a person would have the option of paying a $100 fine or attend new “addiction recovery centers.” (Mary Hudetz/ AP Photo)

Last week, Oregon became the first state in the nation to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine and other hard drugs while five other states legalized marijuana. A drug reform advocate and a public health expert explain why this could be a better approach to dealing with drugs.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Joe Tarr Producer
  • Lee Rayburn Technical Director
  • Ellen Flenniken Guest
  • Susan Sherman Guest

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