August 2015
SSDP Welcomes a New Chapter at Diablo Valley College
I am incredibly excited to introduce Jacob Bazarov, a full time student studying Computer Science and Psychology at Diablo Valley College, working a full time job as a software engineer. Jacob is undoubtedly one of the most resilient SSDP activists in the network. Jacob first established his SSDP chapter in the fall of 2014, with a following of over 50
SSDP Welcomes a New Chapter at University of California Berkeley
Meet Lalitha Thirunagari and Oliver Zerrudo, the newest chapter leaders of the SSDP chapter at University of California Berkeley! The founding of the SSDP chapter at University of California Berkeley has an interesting story. Before this school year, Lalitha and Oliver had both been organizing around drug policy issues, in different ways, and with different groups of people. The two
SSDP Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day
Today, August 31st, is International Overdose Awareness Day. A global event held annually, this day aims to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and spread the message that the tragedy of overdose is preventable. Events are being held around the world to pass along these messages and tributes to those who have been affected by overdose
SSDP Welcomes the Boise State University Chapter
Hey everyone, I’m happy to announce more exciting developments for SSDP in the Mountain Region as we welcome another newly established chapter at Boise State University. Here’s what current chapter leader Tate Fegley had to say about their group! How did you hear about SSDP? Through an IHS program – they were doing a video series on the drug war.
The Tragedy of the Ganja Policy
This column was written by University of the West Indies SSDP chapter member Vicki Hanson and originally appeared in the Jamaica Observer. The passing of the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs Act 2015 in February has laid the foundation for the development of the policy framework governing a ganja industry in Jamaica. The baton has now been passed to the
SSDP Welcomes the Northern Kentucky University Chapter
It’s been a great week for SSDP, as we are fortunate to welcome another newly established chapter to the network, Northern Kentucky University. Chapter leader Dylan Birkenhauer spoke with me about his experience starting a new chapter, and his plans moving forward. How did you hear about SSDP? I first heard about SSDP through Marijuana Policy Project’s website. Why did
SSDP Welcomes the Colorado School of Mines Chapter!
I am overjoyed to introduce the newest SSDP chapter, Colorado School of Mines. I reached out to chapter leaders Jake and Raina about their start with SSDP, what the chapter has done so far, and their plans for the future. How did you hear about SSDP? I found out about SSDP while browsing reddit. Why did you want to get
SSDP Chapter Leader Studies Drug War in South America
As any SSPDer will know, there are many reasons for college students to become actively involved in ending the international failure that is the “war on drugs,” despite how overwhelming of a project it can appear to be at times. But it is much rarer for colleges to actively engage with students who have dedicated their academic career and future plans
Meet our new California Campus Coordinator!
Hello SSDPers! My name is Brian Ortiz and I am SSDP’s 2016 California Campus Coordinator. My job is to act as an on-the-ground organizer, grow SSDPs presence on campuses, and facilitate collaboration between SSDP and marijuana reform ballot initiatives being voted on in the November 2016 election. In order to contribute to next year’s campaigns efficiently, it is critical that
Join Activists Across the World for International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug 31)
This August 31st, thousands across the world will join together for International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event that aims to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and spread the message that the tragedy of overdose is preventable. It is also a time to remember family and friends who have passed away as a result of
SSDP Welcomes the Mount Hood Community College chapter!
Meet Sam Krause, the leader of the first SSDP chapter at Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon. Sam decided to start a chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy in Spring of 2015 in order to educate people about Measure 91, a medical cannabis legalization initiative in Oregon. Last year, he organized a panel featuring lawyers, journalists and medical
