With the July 31 deadline rapidly approaching, Students for Sensible Drug Policy is urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to extend the public comment period on its proposed emergency scheduling of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Although this proposal could have far-reaching consequences for scientific research, public health, and individual ...

In a collaborative webinar between Students For Sensible Drug Policy & 7-HOPE Alliance, we explore kratom, 7-OH, and other emerging products. Featuring addiction neuroscientist Dr. Michele Ross and moderated by SSDP’s Finnegan McGuinness, this session breaks down what we know—and don’t know—about safety, drug interactions, and key warning signs. Whether ...

This powerful conversation from Healthy America 2026 explores the proposed federal bans on 7-OH and SR-17018, the science behind these compounds, and the potential consequences for research, pain treatment, public health, and individual freedom. Panelists discuss why they believe prohibition is the wrong approach — and what citizens can do ...

The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is the central drug policy-making body within the United Nations system. During the 69th Session (March 9 to 13, 2026), SSDP was able to bring several young people to Vienna, Austria to make their voices heard. In this installment of a blog series capturing ...

The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is the central drug policy-making body within the United Nations system. During the 69th Session (March 9 to 13, 2026), SSDP was able to bring several young people to Vienna, Austria to make their voices heard. In this installment of a blog ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kat Murti Executive Director Students for Sensible Drug Policy kat@ssdp.org One Year After the HALT Fentanyl Act, Scientists Are Still Waiting for Promised Research Access. SSDP Releases Roadmap to Reduce Research Harms. A new policy paper written by members of SSDP’s Science Policy Committee outlines recommendations ...

On July 1st, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a temporary order to place 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine or SR-17018 into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). SR-17018 was developed by researchers studying opioid receptor signaling as part of an effort to separate pain relief from respiratory depression, tolerance, ...

DEA's Holiday Weekend Emergency Scheduling Order Pushes Criminalization Over Harm Reduction and Risks Slowing Development of Safer Pain Medicines and Addiction Treatments FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kat Murti Executive Director Students for Sensible Drug Policy kat@ssdp.org DEA's Holiday Weekend Emergency Scheduling Order Pushes Criminalization Over Harm Reduction and Risks Slowing ...

Want to see more news, updates, and opportunities from SSDP? We're looking for volunteers to help us get our comms back on track! There are currently four open volunteer positions. Time commitment varies for each but all will need to be able to join weekly meetings (time/date TBD). Email alaina.jaster@board.ssdp.org ...

Before the DEA Decides Cannabis' Future, Those Harmed by Prohibition But Denied Participation Will Share Their Stories in a Press Conference in front of the Courthouse FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kat Murti Executive Director Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) kat@ssdp.org Before the DEA Decides Cannabis' Future, Those Harmed by ...

On June 17th, the DEA denied SSDP's request to participate in the upcoming marijuana rescheduling hearing, choosing instead to platform only pro-drug war voices. Today, with the help of our friends at the Rights & Reason Project, we pushed back on that decision with another legal filing: SSDP_Request_for_Reconsideration_DEA-1362_June_2026 (1)Download ...

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 4:30 PM PST A discussion between Gül Dölen, MD, PhD. and Hamilton Morris about the current state of psychedelic research and the enduring legacy of Sasha and Ann Shulgin. Dr. Gül Dölen is a Professor and the Renee and Bob Parsons Endowed chair in the ...

On May 24th, SSDP filed a legal intent to participate in the upcoming DEA ALJ hearing on marijuana rescheduling. We sought participation because SSDPers represent virtually every community affected by federal cannabis policy: students pursuing degrees in cannabis science and business, researchers whose work has been obstructed by Schedule I, ...

This official statement outlines Students for Sensible Drug Policy's opposition to California's Assembly Bill 1088, which aims to severely restrict products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a naturally occurring alkaloid in the kratom plant. Prepared by neuroscience researcher and SSDP staff member Brooke Sanders, the document argues that the legislation lacks scientific ...

SSDP is looking for Volunteers on June 27th, 2026, for Lion Heart Music Festival in Coatesville, PA. Attendance for the festival is FREE! We are seeking support with our SSDP booth. Use the sign-up form below to express your interest! Our events committee will be in touch with the next ...

This blog post is a collaborative effort written by members of SSDP's Science Policy and Harm Reduction Committees. For years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has played a major role in the nationwide effort to reduce overdose deaths. Through block grants, prevention funding, recovery programs, naloxone ...

Learn to grow Cannabis at home, in your backyard, or on a patio. Emily will provide practical advice and resources for growing at home, and you can support SSDP by purchasing plants or seeds. Did you know folks across the U.S. are already growing Cannabis at home? Whether you call ...

SSDP respectfully requests that DEA designate SSDP as a participant in the hearing commencing June 29, 2026, and allow SSDP to present testimony, submit evidence, cross-examine where permitted, and otherwise participate under thegoverning procedures to develop the record on the legal, factual, economic, educational, research, and practical consequences of the ...

We're looking for individuals & organizations to join the fight at home during the Cannabis Unity Coalition's annual Cannabis Week of Unity this May 11-May 15, 2026 Join the coalition for updates or to help organize your own event! It takes less than a minute to send a letter to ...

SSDP and the Cannabis Unity Coalition will be in D.C. lobbying at the U.S. Capitol on May 13th. For those attending, to help prepare yourself on how to engage with federal offices more effectively, join Cannabis Unity Coalition members on Facebook LIVE, YouTube, and Instagram on Thursday, May 7th at ...