Blog
SSDP Newsletter – July 2021
Note from Executive Director, Jason Ortiz ’08 Hello SSDP! As the new Executive Director of SSDP, I’m excited to share all the amazing work we’ve been doing over the last few months to pass cannabis laws, create opportunities in the psychedelic space, and continue to lift the voices of those most impacted by the war on drugs. If after reading
We’re hiring!
Have you ever wanted to work for Students for Sensible Drug Policy? We’re hiring for THREE positions, and this could be your chance to land your dream job! Working for SSDP is an opportunity to serve our network of students who are leading the charge to end the disastrous War on Drugs and heal the harms of drug prohibition. SSDP
#SensibleSummer – How to Make the Best of Your Summer as a SSDPer
In some parts of the world summer is in full swing, and we’ve put together a bank of ideas to help you and your chapter make the most of your summer!
Introducing SSDP’s McHenry, Illinois Ambassador
Written by Taylor Hansen ‘21, McHenry, Illinois SSDP Ambassador How did you hear about SSDP?I heard about SSDP when I attended a few conferences relating to the studies of psychedelics. I originally heard about the UK organization and was thrilled when I learned there was one also active in the US. Why did you want to get involved/what made you
SSDP Burundi Hosts First Harm Reduction Event at the Institut Supérieur Islamique de Muyinga
Gathering over 60 participants, including educators and government members, SSDP Burundi chapter members successfully delivered a harm reduction focused event, raising awareness on the importance of non-judgmental, non-coercive provision of services to people who use drugs and the communities in which they live. Presented by chapter leaders Lambert Nduwayezu ‘20 and Egide Nduwayo ‘20, the workshop is part of larger
Introducing Case Western Reserve University SSDP
Written by Rachel Susany ‘21 and Micaela Swim ‘21, Case Western Reserve University SSDP Chapter Leaders How did you hear about SSDP?M: Rachel R: I heard about SSDP while I was scrolling through Linkedin. I messaged a woman I found working as in-house counsel for a company that does psychedelic research and asked her for advice and she told me
A Youth Response to the World Drug Report 2021
Students for Sensible Drug Policy International are proud to release a Youth Response to the World Drug Report 2021. Building on the “Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives” spirit promoted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Response encompasses youth insights into the recent drug market trends and COVID-19 developments.
Less Than 50 Days Until International Overdose Awareness Day
With less than 50 days to go until International Overdose Awareness Day, now is the time to start planning your event, if you haven’t started already. For those who aren’t used to organising events, don’t worry, we have a fantastic bank of event ideas, big and small, created by the Penington Institute. There’s one for everyone! Advocacy Influencing policy is
Introducing Our Global Operations and U.S. Policy Intern
Written by Liza Begum How did you hear about SSDP? I first heard about SSDP from Global Kids. I had applied to the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and was selected, so my journey of selecting where I wanted to spend the summer began. Sabrina, an SYEP coordinator for Global Kids, recommended SSDP to me, an organization that she was
Take Action for International Overdose Awareness Day 2021
This year is the 20th anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day. With over half a million people dying as a result of drug use annually, it has never been more important. On the 31st of August every year, we publicly mourn, educate people on drugs to prevent overdose, and advocate for better drug policies. We are calling on SSDPers everywhere to run events as part of the campaign.
It’s Time to Retire the War on Drugs
50 years ago today, former US President Richard Nixon declared drugs and people who use them “public enemy number one.” Since then, the global War on Drugs has taken the lives of thousands and ruined the lives of millions through criminalization, incarceration, and making drug use dangerous under prohibition. The War on Drugs was racially motivated from the very beginning. John Ehrlichman,
Connecticut House and Senate pass cannabis legalization with strong protections for students
For immediate release Primary contact: Jason Ortiz, SSDP Executive Directorjason@ssdo.org, (860) 639-8101 Secondary contact: Zach Green, President of UConn Hartford SSDPz.tyler.green@gmail.com, (860) 671-7414 Hartford – Connecticut became the 19th state to pass cannabis legalization through the legislature when the House of Representatives and Senate both passed SB1201. The bill is expected to be signed by the Governor today. “While stronger
Join The Team – Call for Global Fellow & Administration Officer
Students for Sensible Drug Policy International are looking for a Administration & Compliance Officer and a Global Fellow to join our team. Both positions are contractor positions, with a preferred start date of July 1st 2021. Please send your CV or resumé and cover letter to Róisín Downes at roisin@ssdp.org.
SSDP International is launching applications for the International Impact Grant on 15 June 2021!
SSDP International is launching applications for the International Impact Grant on 1 July 2021!
Introducing Penn State SSDP
Written by Kunal Gupta ’21, Penn State SSDP Chapter Leader How did you hear about SSDP? I heard about SSDP through my own research as a potential way for students to get more involved in the landscape of law reform regarding substance use! Why did you want to get involved/what made you decide to start a chapter? I wanted to
Introducing Heller School for Social Policy and Management SSDP
Written by Ali Carney ‘21, Heller School for Social Policy and Management SSDP Chapter Leader How did you hear about SSDP? I heard about SSDP through volunteering with the organization Baystaters for Natural Medicine. Once I expressed the idea of starting some sort of drug policy working group at Heller, a colleague of mine brought SSDP to my attention once
The MORE Act Returns to Congress Tomorrow. Act Now.
The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act is expected to be re-introduced in the House of Representatives tomorrow (May 28th).In 2020, the House made history by passing the MORE Act, which would end the criminalization of marijuana at the federal level and provide grants to communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. With a split Senate and ever-increasing
Introducing SSDP Kentucky
Written by Tristan Harris ‘21, SSDP Kentucky Chapter Leader *Editor’s Note: Tristan is based out of the University of Pikeville, but all Kentuckians are welcome! To get connected, please email outreach@ssdp.org How did you hear about SSDP? I heard about SSDP through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies site, I clicked on the link and explored the page. Why
Nominations are open for SSDP International’s European Regional Committee
Nominations are open for the inaugural elections of the European Regional Committee! Each country within the Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East regions can nominate two members for the Committee until the 21st of May, 17.00 CET. This is a great opportunity for members who are keen to become leaders in a dynamic international grassroots network and build valuable
Introducing Rutgers University SSDP
Written by Lily Ramos ‘21, Rutgers University Chapter Leader How did you hear about SSDP? I heard about SSDP through searching for organizations dedicated to legalizing medicinal psilocybin and the decriminalization of drugs. I was fascinated as I have always been passionate about drug policy and the broken ones we have in the United States. Why did you want to
Introducing SSDP’s Dubuque Ambassador
Written by Evan Hudson ‘21, Dubuque, Iowa SSDP Ambassador How did you hear about SSDP? I’ve been aware of SSDP’s work since high school, but only recently looked into getting involved as an extension of my work in harm reduction. Why did you want to get involved/what made you decide to start an SSDP Ambassadorship? I was inspired to become
#Sensible2021 is in three days!
In three days, hundreds of drug policy reformers across the globe will unite (virtually) to envision a more sensible future for all. Will you be one of them? #Sensible2021: The Virtual Drug Policy Conference makes activism as easy as clicking a link and Students for Sensible Drug Policy invites you to be a part of the movement by getting online
Announcing the 2021 SSDP Award Nominees
Every year at our annual conference, Students for Sensible Drug Policy recognizes the exceptional achievements of our members, chapters, alumni, and allies. This year, our awards ceremony will be broadcast live on Crowdcast on Sunday, May 2nd, 12:00pm EDT/ 4:00pm GMT. Register for the conference here. Congratulations to all nominees! Change Beyond Campus Minneapolis SSDPSSDP NigeriaSSDP Sierra LeoneSSDP IsraelUniversity of
SSDP Action Alert – We Need Your Support To Fund Drug Research!
Original action alert language written by Lindsey Galbo ’19, Wake Forest University School of Medicine SSDP Chapter Leader and Scientific Research Issue Group Member As drug policy reformers, it is important for us to recognize the necessity of funding drug research to better understand factors that contribute to different types of substance use, new potential pharmacological and behavioral treatments, harm
Announcing the #Sensible2021 Program
Next week, Students for Sensible Drug Policy will be gathering virtually for 11 sessions, two keynotes, three networking sessions, and an awards ceremony and virtual dance party. Sensible2021: The Virtual Drug Policy Conference will provide cutting-edge educational content that will sharpen our skills as activists fighting the failed drug war. You won’t want to miss our biggest event of the year
