SSDP and Coalition Letter on Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues Sentencing

SSDP recently joined with the Drug Police Alliance (DPA) and a large coalition of public health and criminal justice organizations to urge the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) to reject increased sentencing requirements for fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other synthetic opioids.

In a public comment submitted to the USSC, the coalition stated that the history of prohibitionist drug policy in our nation has failed to reduce use, overdoses, and deaths. Failed policies have been unable to protect our most vulnerable communities. Harsher penalties have led to the emergence of more potent and dangerous substances, which have fueled the opioid epidemic.

SSDP and the other members of the coalition emphasized the importance of evidence-based policies centered on saving lives rather than further criminalizing people who need help, rather than punishment. We hope that future leaders will base their decisions on empathy, factual information, and a desire to end the war on drugs.

Link to DPA, SSDP, and Coalition Public Comment: USSC regarding Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues