Cautious Optimism about New Drug Czar

June 15, 2009

In February, the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) expressed their cautious optimism about President Obama’s selection of Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske to be the country’s new drug czar. While disappointed that yet another law enforcement official has been appointed to the post rather than a major public health advocate, DPA said they believe Kerlikowske will be supportive of Obama’s drug policy reform agenda which focuses on a public health approach.

DPA is hopeful because Seattle has been at the cutting edge of harm reduction and other drug policy reform developments including:

•    Being among the first cities to implement syringe exchange programs;
•    Legalizing medical marijuana ten years ago (statewide);
•    Categorizing marijuana arrests as the lowest law enforcement priority; and
•    Implementing innovative overdose prevention strategies.

Source: Drug Policy Alliance

 

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