Blog
SSDP Statement on the Derek Chauvin Trial
In his trial for the murder of George Floyd, Derek Chauvin’s defense is arguing that George Floyd’s death was not a homicide, but a result of prior substance use. The defense is trying to put forth a narrative that “maximal restraint” was necessary because George Floyd had drugs in his system. This is abhorrent. A person having drugs in their
Vote TODAY in SSDP’s Board of Directors Election
Today is SSDP Election Day! This year, six candidates are running for three open student spots on SSDP’s Board of Directors. In addition to the three newly elected Board members, three alternates will be selected in the case that a Board member resigns or a seat otherwise becomes vacant. This year’s candidates come from chapters all across the United States
Announcing the keynote speakers for #Sensible2021: The Virtual Drug Policy Conference
In just two weeks, #Sensible2021: The Virtual Drug Policy Conference will bring together Students for Sensible Drug Policy members, alumni, allies, community members, movement leaders, and many more for four days of cutting edge educational content, as well as an Awards Ceremony and dance party. This conference is available to anyone with an internet connection, with tickets starting at $40
SSDP Supporting Student Speech Rights at the Supreme Court
Written with support from Kat Murti ‘09 and Jason Ortiz ‘08 In 2017, a Pennsylvania public school student identified as ‘B.L.’ expressed her frustration about not making the varsity cheerleading squad on Snapchat. Despite the app’s reputation and purpose, the image she sent on a Saturday and out of class (including many profanities) was saved and ended up in the
SSDP at the United Nations – Register for our Side Event!
Join us for the only youth-led side event at the 64th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs where Students for Sensible Drug Policy and YouthRISE are hosting an interactive panel discussion, entitled “The Impacts of COVID-19 on Young People’s Drug Use”. During this incredible session on the 14th of April 2021 at 13:10 CET / 7:10 EDT,
Introducing Beloit College SSDP
Written by Isabella Callery ‘21, Beloit College SSDP Chapter Leader How did you hear about SSDP? I found SSDP through the MAPS website, which urged students interested in pursuing careers in psychedelic studies to start a branch of SSDP at their school. After a bit more research, I could not agree more! Why did you want to get involved/what made
Statement on Biden Harris First Year Drug Policy Priorities
While we support expanding access to treatment and reducing barriers to young people who are seeking treatment, there are no steps being taken to support YPWUD that do not want to and will not stop using drugs. The administration’s approach to youth drug use does not align with their explicit commitment to “promot[e] harm reduction efforts.”
SSDP’s Federal Policy Agenda for the 117th Congress Has Been Released
Last month, SSDP’s U.S. Policy Council completed our Federal Policy Agenda for the 117th Congress. Written by SSDP members, alumni, and supporters, this document shows federal representatives and administrators our roadmap for fighting the War on Drugs and promoting sensible drug policy over the next 2 years. The agenda consists of six main sections, covering various community interests as they
SSDP International’s First Annual Report (2019-2020) Has Been Released
Throughout 2019-2020, the whole world faced some serious challenges. In the face of these challenges, young drug policy activists showed tireless commitment to fighting for the rights or people who use drugs and advocating for policies grounded in human rights. This year, the resilience of our movement was put to the test and once again, we have proven the strength
Statement about the events that occurred in the FSDP Community Chat Facebook group
Introducing Oregon State University SSDP
Written by Hunter Cram ’20, OSU SSDP Chapter Leader How did you hear about SSDP? I initially heard of SSDP when it was brought up during an interview in an episode of Professor David Nutt’s Drug Science podcast! Why did you want to get involved/what made you decide to start a chapter? I met a previous SSDP member through a
Introducing Webster University SSDP
Written by Dennis Caus ’21, Webster University SSDP Chapter LeaderHow did you hear about SSDP? I was going through MAPS’ website looking at information for students that are interested in getting into psychedelic/drug research in the future. I found an article that mentioned setting up a chapter of SSDP while in undergrad, so I found the website and began researching
Register now for #Sensible2021 before rates go up
This week is the last week for Early Bird registration for #Sensible2021: The Virtual Drug Policy Conference. Starting Friday, March 19th, registration rates will go up. We don’t want you to miss out, so register today for the biggest SSDP event of the year! These are our lowest prices yet, with tickets starting at $25 for students, chapter members, and
Interview with Jake Hadamik ’20, SSDP Ambassador
SSDP is revamping our Ambassadorship program to better integrate SSDPers outside of the traditional chapter structure into our network! If you would like to get involved as an SSDP Ambassador for your community, email outreach@ssdp.org. How did you hear about SSDP? I heard about SSDP in high school around 2006-2010 when I was beginning to look into mental health and
Voting for #Sensible2021 sessions is open!
Here at Students for Sensible Drug Policy, we take our role as a grassroots organization seriously. That means involving you in our programmatic decisions. Right now, we’re in the process of developing sessions, speakers, and other content for #Sensible2021: The Virtual Drug Policy Conference, our annual global conference taking place online April 29-May 2. We invited our network to submit their ideas,
Introducing SSDP Huddersfield
This blog is written by Dominic Gill ‘21 & the SSDP Huddersfield Committee. Chapter Leader: Tell me a bit about yourself, what you study, your interests and why you decided to start a chapter. Hi, I’m Dominic and I am a final-year Politics student at the University of Huddersfield. I’ve only recently become interested in drug policy, and have been
Introducing University of Surrey
SSDP Welcomes Jason Ortiz as Executive Director
Students for Sensible Drug Policy today announces Jason Ortiz, a long-standing alumnus who first became involved with SSDP in 2008, has been selected to serve as Executive Director. “To have the opportunity to lead the organization that has been such a huge part of who I am today is both an honor and a dream come true”, said Ortiz, who
Apply to become a candidate for SSDP’s Board of Directors
This year, the SSDP Congress will convene from April 8th – 9th, and provide each chapter in the network with the opportunity to elect new student members to the Board of Directors, and to vote on resolutions for the organizations. ELECTING STUDENT MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS As a nonprofit organization, SSDP is governed by the Board of Directors.
Submit a Session Proposal for #Sensible2021
We’re serious about Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s member-run nature. We want #Sensible2021: The Virtual Drug Policy Conference speakers and sessions to reflect the amazing things SSDPers are working on and meet your needs as an organizer and activist. For the sixth year in a row, we’re calling on you to propose session ideas and vote on your favorites. Whether
SSDP’s STEM in Congress List Has Launched
Edited by SSDP’s Scientific Research Issue Group Scientific and research-oriented approaches to drug policy in the United States have been historically lacking. The narratives around drugs and drug policy, especially in the 20th century, were heavily and almost exclusively dominated by police, border control, and politicians looking for punitive approaches to issues of public health, freedom, and human rights. Fortunately,
Announcing #Sensible2021: The Virtual Drug Policy Conference
We are thrilled to announce the international Students for Sensible Drug Policy conference, #Sensible2021: The Virtual Drug Policy Conference will be taking place online Thursday, April 29th through Sunday, May 2nd, 2021. We’re excited to share that this year, the conference will feature four days of programming with a live awards ceremony and virtual dance party. Conference programming will include
January 2021 Report Card
The Report Card is back! After taking a brief hiatus in January, we’re back to inform you on the exciting work SSDPers across the globe are doing. This month SSDP International, our sister organization, held their Inaugural General Assembly. This historic moment for SSDP saw the election of the SSDP International founding Board of Directors, the adoption of a new
Introducing the SSDP International Board & everything else you missed at the General Assembly
Introducing New Ambassador at University of York
Written by Caspar Montgomery ’21, Ambassador at University of York Tell me a bit about yourself, what you study, your interests and why you decided to join SSDP. I’m a 21 year old, third year student of Philosophy at York, where I’m also the founding president of our Psychedelic Society. Otherwise, I live in the depths of Devon, where you’ll
