Drug Policy Alliance

Annual Report 2008

The Drug Policy Alliance envisions a justsociety in which the use and regulation of drugs are grounded in science, compassion,health and human rights, in which peopleare no longer punished for what they putinto their own bodies, but only for crimescommitted against others, and in which thefears, prejudices and punitive prohibitionsof today are no more.Our mission is to advance those policiesand attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug misuse and drug prohibition andto promote the sovereignty of individualsover their minds and bodies.

The work described herein includes that of the Drug Policy Alliance, a 501(c)(3)(h) organization and DPA Network,a 501(c)(4) organization that have worked with various501(c)(4) affiliates, including the Center for Policy Reform,the Campaign for New Drug Policies and Americans for Medical Rights.

Table of Contents2Alternatives to Incarceration6Marijuana: Toward Responsible Regulation8Reducing Harm, Promoting Health12Just Say Know: Parents and Teens16Provoking Debate18Building the Movement20Conclusion21Grants, Donors, Board and Financials

Letter from the Presidentand Executive Director

For the first time in a long time, we feel the momentum ondrug policy shifting in our favor. The political climate is rapidlychanging – at the state and local level as well as nationally.The current dialogue on drugs and drug misuse, preventionand enforcement is becoming more sophisticated. The publichas grown skeptical of the drug war and politicians are figur-ing out that “tough on drugs” rhetoric is not a real solution.The Drug Policy Alliance and the growing movement inwhich we play a leadership role are fast maturing. The manyaccomplishments detailed in this report certainly point to ashift in tone and tenor.The biggest possibility for change is in California, wherevoters will have an opportunity in November to enact thebiggest prison and sentencing reform in U.S. history. DPA putyears of insight and research into drafting this initiative –the Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act or Proposition 5.If we win, the new law will provide a national model for apublic health approach to substance abuse and addiction.But California isn’t the only place where reforms are afoot.As you’ll see, we’ve been busy in Congress and in our othertarget states – Alabama, Connecticut, New Jersey, NewMexico and New York – and in the District of Columbia.New additions to our U.S. Honorary Board also reflect thistrend of sane and sensible drug policies entering the politicalmainstream. One of our newest members, George P. Shultz,served as both U.S. secretary of state and secretary of thetreasury in two Republican administrations. He’s now beenjoined by Russell Simmons, the hip hop impresario, whoplayed an important role in advancing Rockefeller Drug Lawreform efforts a few years ago.We’re also in the process of creating an International HonoraryBoard as we re-engage on international drug controlissues.We are proud to tell you that the first two members areVáclav Havel, the famous writer, political dissident and formerpresident of the Czech Republic; and Ruth Dreifuss, whoplayed a pivotal role in advancing drug law reform inSwitzerland during her presidency of the Swiss Federal Council.We know that ours is destined to be a multi-generationalstruggle, just like most other movements that advanceindividual freedom and social justice. But we feel moreenergized and optimistic right now than we have in years.As we move into a new phase of our work, one that buildson many of our major state and federal wins, we take pridein the fact that DPA is a stronger organization now than atany time in our history.We hope you enjoy learning about our work over the lastyear; please don’t hesitate to call or email our staff to discussany of the report’s contents.Many thanks for your continued support.

Ethan NadelmannExecutive DirectorDrug Policy AllianceIra GlasserPresidentDrug Policy Alliance