Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Drug Policy Groups Unite to Demand End to Medical Marijuana Raids

Coalition to President Obama: “It is time for a new approach on marijuana policy.”

Please check out this sensible release from six major national drug policy organizations. Don't miss the action links below our press release and letter to the White House!

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Florida House Enacts 911 Good Samaritan Act to Combat Overdose Deaths

Advocacy Efforts Spearheaded by Florida State University Chapter

Tallahassee, FL – On March 7, the Florida House of Representatives passed the 911 Good Samaritan Act, a law which will reduce the fear of police involvement that delays and deters 911 calls during a drug overdose. The 911 Good Samaritan Act (SB 278) protects people who seek or obtain medical assistance during a drug-related overdose from prosecution for simple drug possession. Research shows that when someone in America overdoses, a call for help occurs less than 50% of the time and fear of police involvement is the most common reason for not calling 911. This legislation is intended to save lives by making sure that people, even those who possess controlled substances, call 911 without hesitation during an emergency.

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New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law Takes Effect

The 911 Good Samaritan Law goes into effect Sunday, September 18, 2011 to help curb accidental overdose deaths. The law will protect those who seek medical assistance for drug or alcohol overdoses from criminal charges for drug or alcohol possession.

Albany, NY - Sunday, September 18th, the statewide 911 Good Samaritan Policy will take effect. The purpose of the law is to encourage a witness or victim of an alcohol or other drug related medical emergency to call 911 to seek emergency assistance in order to save the life of a potential overdose victim. This new life-saving policy gives legal amnesty to individuals who are in need of medical treatment resulting from drug or alcohol use, as well as to individuals who seek help for someone else in need of medical assistance resulting from drug or alcohol use. The law protects both parties from being charged or prosecuted for drug or alcohol possession.

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Overdose Prevention Bill Becomes Law in New York State

Governor Cuomo signs bill removing penalties for calling 911 during drug overdoses

Albany, NY - Yesterday, July 20th, Governor Cuomo signed into law a statewide 911 Good Samaritan Policy. The purpose of the law is to encourage a witness or victim of an alcohol or other drug related medical emergency to call 911 to seek emergency assistance in order to save the life of a potential overdose victim. This new life-saving policy gives legal amnesty to individuals who are in of need medical treatment resulting from drug or alcohol use, as well as to individuals who seek help for someone else in need of medical assistance resulting from drug or alcohol use. The law protects both parties from being charged or prosecuted for drug or alcohol possession.

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New Jersey Coalition Forms to Support Bi-Partisan Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and the New Jersey chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML-NJ) have started a new coalition to support decriminalizing marijuana: Sensible New Jersey.

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NY State Assembly Passes 911 Good Samaritan Bill to Curb Escalating Drug and Alcohol Overdose Deaths

NY legislators passed A2063B, which would allow New Yorkers to call for medical assistance in drug or alcohol related emergencies without being prosecuted for drug possession or underage drinking; Senate vote could come as early as this week

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