Rethinking Nicotine: Science, Harm Reduction, and Sensible Policy is a one-day conference hosted by Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) in Pittsburgh that challenges the extension of the War on Drugs into nicotine policy. While framed as public health protection, punitive and prohibitionist approaches to nicotine reflect the same drug war strategies that have failed for decades—criminalization, stigma, fear-based education, and the silencing of people who use substances.

Register to Attend

This conference brings together scientists, harm reductionists, journalists, educators, policy advocates, and grassroots organizers to expose how drug war thinking undermines tobacco harm reduction and public health outcomes. Sessions will explore the science of nicotine, the overlap between traditional harm reduction movements and THR, and the role of media and policy in reinforcing or dismantling prohibitionist narratives. Centering social justice, lived experience, and youth-led advocacy, Rethinking Nicotine aims to build power for a future where nicotine policy is rooted in harm reduction, evidence, and human dignity—not the failed logic of the War on Drugs.

We'll gather at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) Pittsburgh Campus – Foerster Student Services Center from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for panels and discussions at the intersection of science, harm reduction, social justice, journalism, and sensible drug policy. Then keep the conversation going at happy hour from 4:30–6:30 PM at Federal Galley—and yes, your first drink is on SSDP.

This gathering is about bringing people into conversation who don't always share the same rooms—scientists and street-level harm reductionists, students and seasoned advocates, journalists and policy experts. If your work touches nicotine, drug policy, public health, or harm reduction in any form, we want to hear how your perspective adds to the bigger picture.

Apply to Speak 

First-time speakers and those with lived experience are encouraged to apply. SSDP's mission is to empower the next generation of drug policy leaders, and that means creating real platforms for students, young professionals, and emerging advocates to step up, share their ideas, and shape the conversation. You don't need a long CV to have something valuable to say.

Our team will curate and organize all panels to ensure conversations are thoughtful, balanced, and engaging. We're not accepting pre-formed panels, but we strongly encourage you to submit your ideas—if selected, we'll place you in a discussion where your voice can have real impact.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026.

Nonprofit organizations and aligned businesses are invited to exhibit at CCAC. Booths include registration, lunch, and a drink ticket for two attendees—plus the opportunity to include an item in the conference bag and connect directly with students, advocates, and public health leaders. 

Booth Registration