Stop the DEA from Scheduling DOI & DOC!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Media Contact: Gina Giorgio  Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org BREAKING: Scientists and Policy Experts Barred From “Good Drug Policy Summit” in Washington, D.C. Every SSDP member who purchased a ticket to attend the 2026 SAM Good Drug Policy Summit — including scientists, mental health professionals, and […]

Today Filter Magazine published an article discussing the DEA’s announcement to place 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK)—a structural analog of the anesthetic and antidepressant ketamine—into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, effectively banning it. Kat Murti, SSDP’s Executive Director, was quoted in the article. Kat Murti, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), the nation’s largest youth-led drug […]

Attorney General Pam Bondi has missed a congressionally mandated deadline scheduled for January 16th to issue guidelines for easing barriers to research on Schedule I substances such as marijuana and psychedelics. Marijuana Moment covered the news featuring SSDP’s Executive Director’s take on the issue. Read the full article here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Media Contact: Gina Giorgio  Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org BREAKING: U.S. Attorney General Misses Legal Deadline to Issue HALT Fentanyl Research Guidelines Failure to act delays research, exacerbates “research harm,” and undermines Congressional intent, says Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), a leading nonprofit representing impacted […]

SSDP is traveling to sunny St. Petersburg, FL January 26 – 29th as a cosponsor of the 4th annual Florida Harm Reduction Collective Conference, and we hope to see members of our SSDP community in attendance. Kat Murti, SSDP’s Executive Director, will be giving giving on talk entitled, “Storytelling With Care: Communications & Media Training […]

Apply to Become a Candidate for SSDP’s Board of Directors Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is governed by a Board of Directors, which is composed of both current student and youth Elected Directors, who are active chapter members elected by our membership, and Appointed Directors, who are appointed by the existing Board. Together, they […]

SSDP was one of the first youth-led drug policy organizations to seek Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2011, giving us the opportunity to make sure the youth voice is heard when the UN is making crucial international drug policy decisions. Please submit this application if you are […]

We urgently need your help! A newly introduced bill in California, SB 758, is being fast-tracked and could move within days. If passed, it would classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I substance, cutting off research, criminalizing people overnight, and repeating the very harms California has worked to undo. Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) strongly urges opposition to SB 758. This […]

In California, Bill SB 758 proposes to classify 6-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in kratom, as a Schedule I substance. A Schedule I classification would prevent vital research into the safety, dosage, and therapeutic potential of 7-OH. Students for Sensible Drug Policy opposes this bill because it repeats the harmful pattern […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact: Kat Murti Executive Director Students for Sensible Drug Policy kat@ssdp.org SSDP Condemns Trump Administration Capture of Venezuelan President On January 3rd, President Trump and the U.S. government conducted strikes on Venezuela and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy, among other charges, […]

In 2025, SSDP turned momentum into meaningful impact across every level of drug policy reform. From hosting and participating in powerful events that convened students, advocates, and policymakers, to mobilizing young leaders for lobby days that brought student voices directly to statehouses and decision-makers, our movement showed up where it mattered most. SSDP members also […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact: Gina Giorgio  Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org Cannabis Unity Coalition Responds to President Trump’s Decision to Reschedule Cannabis, Calls on Congress to Deliver Real Reform Convened by Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), the Cannabis Unity Coalition is the nation’s largest bipartisan alliance of over […]

Greenway Magazine featured Kat Murti in their article today after President Trump announced that he has signed an Executive Order directing the federal government to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Criminal justice and public health advocates acknowledged progress while underscoring unresolved issues. Kat Murti, Executive Director of […]

President Trump signed an Executive Order today federally rescheduling cannabis. This directive will begin the transferring of the plant from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).  Cannabis rescheduling is a step forward, but not justice. At SSDP, we’re fighting for full federal legalization and real repair of the harms caused […]

Overdose Prevention Sites (OPSs) are life-saving programs where drug users can administer their drugs safely to ensure the risk of overdose diminishes. OPSs remove those struggling with substance use from the streets and into a safe environment that helps connect them to treatment and essential resources related to housing, mental health support, and more. Illinois […]

At Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), we believe that science, compassion, and autonomy—not fear and misinformation—should guide public health decisions. The recent push to criminalize 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a natural compound found in kratom, is yet another example of the failed War on Drugs approach that harms people rather than protecting them. Here’s what you […]

A broad coalition of consumer advocates and drug-policy reform groups recently sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Jim Jordan, encouraging Congress not to ban 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a compound related to kratom. The entire letter is included at the bottom of this blog post. The letter argues that the FDA’s push to schedule […]

SSDP is gathering together in Detroit, MI next week for Drug Policy Alliance’s Reform Conference. Our staff, board members, chapter leaders, and ambassadors from coast to coast will be attending the conference, hosting an overdose prevention workshop, and leading panel discussions. We’re hosting a welcome party on Wednesday, November 12 and all are invited to […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact: Gina Giorgio  Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org Statement from Students for Sensible Drug Policy On the Extrajudicial Killing of Unarmed Fishermen in the Name of the “War on Drugs” Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) condemns in the strongest possible terms the reported extrajudicial killing […]

SSDP’s PA Cannabis Day of Unity brought together a bipartisan coalition in support of legalizing cannabis for adult use in Pennsylvania. On Monday, October 27, SSDP hosted a booth in the Main Rotunda of the State Capitol, and dropped off literature to the PA House & Senate in support of cannabis legalization. The following morning […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact: Gina Giorgio  Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org PA Cannabis Day of Unity: Bipartisan Advocate Coalition and Lawmakers Call on Pennsylvania to Legalize Cannabis Advocates call on lawmakers to pass SB 120 and finally bring fair, regulated cannabis legalization to Pennsylvania — one of the last […]

We call on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis products for adults 21 and older to advance freedom, health and safety, and justice, while generating much-needed revenue for the Commonwealth and its residents. Each year, Pennsylvania authorities make over 10,000 arrests for cannabis possession. This mass criminalization derails lives and diverts […]

Join us on Thursday, October 30th at 7pm ET to discuss the spookiest side of policy, the ones in desperate need of reform! Come hang out with other SSDP folks, give and get advice for a successful semester, and meet our national board members.  This event is open to the entire SSDP family: affiliates, alumni, members, chapter leaders, and […]

On 10/20/25, SSDP Executive Director, Kat Murti, testified before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure in support of An Act to Clarify the Minimum Age for the Sale and Purchase of Adult-Use Products (H.330/S.221). H.330/S.221 directly addresses Massachusetts law with a confirmation that the statewide age for purchasing legal substances (including […]

We are excited to share that California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 602, the Campus Overdose Prevention Act, into law. The bill protects students from receiving disciplinary action when they call for assistance or are victims of an overdose-related incident. Current campus policies leave students vulnerable to suspension for saving lives and discourage help-seeking […]

SSDP is proud to be a co-sponsor for the 4th Annual Florida Harm Reduction Conference taking place at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront from January 26-29, 2026. The call for abstracts and posters are now open. We invite submissions that advance harm reduction practice, research, policy, and community empowerment, especially those centering marginalized, under-resourced, or […]

Last week in Raleigh, we had the privilege of co-hosting a powerful evening with VETS: Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition, Democratic Representative Eric Ager, and Republican Senator Bob Brinson at the Alamo Drafthouse. Together, we brought community members, Veterans, researchers, and bipartisan policymakers into the same room for a screening […]

Last week, I had the honor of joining The Pearl Institute for their 4th Annual Gathering of the Pearl at the Highland Events Center in Asheville, NC, a night of connection, celebration, and renewal. The evening kicked off with a special gratitude party for sponsors on the rooftop and we enjoyed Asheville’s finest musicians and […]

Two dangerous ballot initiatives, 25-09 and 25-10, threaten to undermine cannabis legalization in Massachusetts. Since Massachusetts voters legalized adult-use cannabis in 2016, the state has reduced arrests, lowered youth use rates, and created a thriving, regulated industry–but all this is at risk if these measures pass. Don’t let prohibitionists take away the great progress Massachusetts has made in […]

SSDP is submitting a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office urging him to sign AB 602, the Campus Overdose Prevention Act. The bill will protect students from receiving disciplinary action when they call for assistance or are victims of an overdose-related incident. Shifting campus responses from punishment to health-centered approaches through counseling, education, and […]

SSDP Ambassador and former chair of SSDP’s Science Policy Committee, Elijah Ullman, PhD, co-authored the Cover Story of the August edition of The Pharmacologist focused on Cannabis Rescheduling as part of the ASPET (American Society forPharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics) Drug Research Policy Subcommittee. The policy statement discusses how drug scheduling can also create a regulatory […]

Join the SSDP’s Chapter Networking Collective for our next virtual hangout on Thursday, September 25th at 7:00 PM ET on zoom. Come hang out with your SSDP family, give and get advice for a successful semester, and let SSDP national leaders know how they can support you. Visit this Zoom Link to join. All are […]

SSDP’s Law & Justice Committee will be hosting a meeting on Wednesday, October 1st at 12:00 PM PT, 3:00 PM ET. We invite all attorneys, law students, pre-law track undergraduates, and other subject matter experts to join. Anyone in the SSDP community that feels called to join may apply. The committee will meet every six weeks. […]

Our educational partners at Oaksterdam University will host three amazing live training programs starting mid-September that may interest you in getting future-ready. Oaksterdam University is the global leader in cannabis education, providing the highest quality training to entrepreneurs, regulators, educators, and people interested in a career in the cannabis industry. These programs combine real-time Zoom classes […]

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) applauds the reintroduction of the MORE Act as a critical step toward dismantling the failed war on cannabis. For far too long, cannabis has remained classified as a Schedule I substance; defined as having a “high potential for abuse with no recognized medical use.” Despite 24 states fully legalizing […]

Today, August 29th 2025, Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), along with Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Dina Titus (NV-01) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05), and House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) reintroduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, one of the most comprehensive marijuana reform bills ever introduced in the U.S. Congress.  In a […]

Chicago Health reports that the Compassionate Use and Research of Entheogens (CURE) Act is the first major effort to legalize clinical use of psilocybin in the state of Illinois. The legislation would establish a licensing system and advisory board to allow qualified practitioners to administer psilocybin for mental health treatment. While the bill has steadily gained support […]

Written by Jackson Rund, Lake Superior State University SSDP In July, I joined two fellow SSDP representatives, Zach Johnson from Fordham University and the New York Community Chapter, and Jorge Valderrabano from the New York Community Chapter at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City for the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Together, […]

We are excited to announce a bipartisan cannabis legalization bill that SSDP is supporting in Pennsylvania! This is the best chance for a unified approach to get adult use passed in PA, and we need your help. Please read more to learn how you can join us in the fight for legalization. WHAT IS THE BILL? […]

We are delighted to see former SSDP Executive Director, Jason Ortiz, was featured in Stupid Dope discussing his story. He was arrested at age 16 for cannabis possession during his junior year of high school, and became involved with SSDP at college, and which has led him to become an lifelong activist. At the University […]

PsyNews.com, a website dedicated to covering the psychedelic industry, shared Kat Murti, SSDP’s Executive Director’s recent podcast appearance on Psychedelics Today with Joe Moore. Learn more here.

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is dedicated to growing a strong and diverse nationwide network of advocates united to end the War on Drugs. We are eager to meet with local ambassadors in Anchorage, Alaska this week as we travel beyond the new frontier to build community, share knowledge, and expand our membership.  Join us […]

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is excited to invite you to join our new Law & Justice Committee! This committee is a space for people interested in legal advocacy—lawyers, law students, and anyone interested in leveraging the law to end the War on Drugs and mitigate the harms of it.  The committee will track […]

Students for Sensible Drug Policy tabled at the Pittsburgh Cannabis Festival on August 10, and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette interviewed gina vensel, SSDP’s Director of Communications and events. In their article entitled, “Cannabis Fest hits Pittsburgh aiming to educate and promote,” the Pittsburgh PG highlighted the advocacy work that SSDP is doing to get cannabis […]

Join Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) for Anchored In Altered States, a thought-provoking networking event and documentary screening at The Nave in Anchorage on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM AKDT. The day before SSDP participates in the Arctic Visions Psychedelics Conference, we’re excited to host an evening gathering to […]

Heady NJ reports that Students for Sensible Drug Policy leads the way through online efforts to fight the ongoing censorship and banning of cannabis, psychedelics, and harm reduction organizations. “It is vital that evidence-based, life-saving information is not censored. Harm reduction and drug education save lives. Cannabis and psychedelic therapies are supported by rigorous scientific […]

North Carolina is home to the 8th largest Veteran population in the US, with around 619,000 Veterans living in the state. 29.5% of NC Veterans have a disability, according to US Census data. This makes the NC task force an important step forward in supporting the state’s Veterans. North Carolina Institute of Medicine Task Force […]

By Gina Giorgio, Director of Strategy and Development at Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and Founder of the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition (NCPPC) On June 10th, North Carolina took a meaningful step in the movement toward mental health innovation. Over 30 advocates, veterans, doctors, clinicians, researchers, and policy leaders gathered at the North […]

Impact of U.S. Drug Policy on the Human Rights of Women Within the United States Submitted to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women under the Communications Procedure by Students for Sensible Drug Policy, August 1, 2025  Introduction The global “War on Drugs” has served as a mechanism for systemic oppression, disproportionately harming marginalized […]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recommending that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classify 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The Department of Health & Human Services sent a press release this past Tuesday, July 25, that the FDA is taking steps to restrict […]

SSDP is excited to return to the Pittsburgh Cannabis Festival at Allegheny Commons Park on Sunday, August 10th from Noon-5PM. The festival is free and open to the public. No medical card is needed to attend. The event will promote health, wellness, education, and advocacy that explores the PA medical marijuana industry and celebrates the […]

Cannabis Science & Technology reports on Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)‘s announcement of their new Executive Director, Adam J. Smith, who has 30 years of experience in drug policy reform and advocacy, including starting Students for Sensible Drug Policy! “I’m honored and excited to join the dedicated team at MPP and to build upon the organization’s […]

At PsychedelX 2025, SSDP’s Director of Strategy and Development Gina Giorgio, MA, delivered a powerful keynote on “Psychedelic Law Starts Here: How You Can Impact Every Level of Government.” In her talk, Gina outlined actionable ways for students, advocates, and professionals to engage in psychedelic policy reform—from campus organizing and city-level initiatives to shaping state, […]

This month, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) joined leading thinkers in psychedelic law, policy, science, and ethics for Psychedelics Bootcamp 2025 at Harvard Law School. Organized by the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, in partnership with the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation (POPLAR), this two-day intensive brought together a […]

Students for Sensible Drug Policy Executive Director Kat Murti was featured on a National Cannabis Policy Summit panel discussion of “Bipartisan Solutions to Federal Cannabis Policy Challenges,” alongside the Drug Policy Alliance’s Maritza Perez-Medina and Lake Research Partner’s McCauley Pugh, moderated by veteran journalist Matt Laslo. In this important conversation, panelists discuss the past, present, and future […]

On July 14, 2025, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) Executive Director Kat Murti was invited to testify virtually before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health in opposition to H.2562 and S.1568—bills that would ban the sale of all nicotine products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2006, and have been jointly titled “An Act to create […]

Marijuana Moment reports, “While the U.S. government still officially considers marijuana a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use, federal agencies are increasingly breaking with that position. In one notable example, an entry in a Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant database describes the use of Cannabis sativa as having “medicinal” uses.” Kat Murti, executive director of […]

At Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), we believe that real change begins with education, community, and collaboration. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to the very first meeting of our Harm Reduction Committee! Please complete the Interest Form to get involved.  📅 Date: Thursday, July 31st🕒 Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm EDT📍 Meeting […]

The Marijuana Policy Project (“MPP”), announced that Adam J. Smith will join the organization as Executive Director. Smith, a 30-year veteran of the drug policy reform movement, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of advocacy successes that will further MPP’s mission of ending cannabis prohibition and advancing sensible regulations nationwide. Smith’s […]

SSDP’s friend and colleague, Cat Packer, graced the cover of mg Magazine, the leading national trade outlet for cannabis industry professionals. As the first person of color to head a cannabis regulatory agency, Cat helped build the system. Now she’s working to make it more equitable, and she mentions her collaboration with SSDP in the […]

With nearly 100 company and organization co-signers (and growing!) to our Open Letter to Meta, the fight to end disproportionate censorship of content related to cannabis, psychedelics, and harm reduction has just begun. The recent social media suspensions and bans that have swept through our communities, inspired us at SSDP to bring together a broad […]

In a collaborative webinar between Students For Sensible Drug Policy & The Shulgin Foundation, we dive into the attempted scheduling of two serotonergic research chemicals. Hamilton Morris, PhD, Alaina Jaster, PhD, and Robert Rush, ESQ, discuss their experience fighting the DEA in their own courtroom in November of 2024.

While the summer sun is beating away, we are brewing some amazing ways to connect with SSDP fam and the larger cannabis community. Join us July 18-19th at the National Cannabis Festival in D.C.!  Music, weed, munchies, and talks allll day! We will be hosting a Cool Down Space, a harm reduction sanctuary where folks […]

SSDP’s call to end Meta censorship continues to get international attention. This time from El Planteo, an online publication based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The publication informed readers that Meta is located in the US where 24 states have legal cannabis for adult use and 40 for medicine use. The publication turned to Kat Murit, […]

Should all drugs be legal? At SSDP, we certainly think so! The War on Drugs is a War on Us and while all substances do carry risks and can have negative impacts on an individual, prohibition magnifies any negative impacts exponentially while creating new problems of its own. On June 24th, SSDP Program Assistant Chandler […]

On June 24, 2025, SSDP Executive Director Kat Murti, Program Assistant Chandler Huffman, and Archivist Christopher Gagnon attended a Congressional briefing on the latest clinical research into psychedelic-assisted therapies for mental health and addiction, hosted by the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus. Featured speakers Dr. Frederick Barrett and Dr. Brandon Weiss from Johns Hopkins […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gina Giorgio  Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org ON WORLD PSYCHEDELICS DAY, DEA ATTEMPTS TO SILENCE SCIENCE BY RECOMMENDING TO SCHEDULE DOI AND DOC  By recommending that 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodo-amphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloro-amphetamine (DOC) be added to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the Administrative Law Judge […]

Law360 reports that A U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration judge has determined that two unrestrictive research chemicals DOI & DOC belong in Schedule I, the most strigent tier of prohibited substances under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. Read more here. This recommendation directly undermines the future of psychedelic science and sets a dangerous precedent for research […]

SSDP alum, Matthew Aragón, is a harm reduction activist who began organizing at age 15 with Students for Sensible Drug Policy. His work expanding access to drug checking tools and drug education. He has partnered with Emanuel Sferios, DanceSafe founder, who has pioneered harm reduction testing methods for nearly 30 years to form HRDS LCC, a […]

Marijuana Moment reports that SSDP has obtained nearly 100 organizations in the U.S. and abroad to co-sign an open letter to Meta—the social media behemoth behind Facebook, Instagram and Threads—condemning the company for its censorship of marijuana- and drug-related content, which can limit users’ access to health, policy reform and educational materials. “So many groups […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gina Giorgio  Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE WORLD CALL ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM PARENT COMPANY META TO STOP CENSORSHIP OF CANNABIS, PSYCHEDELIC, AND HARM REDUCTION-RELATED CONTENT  The Open Letter to Meta published by Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)—the largest youth-led network […]

OPEN LETTER TO META: END THE CENSORSHIP OF CANNABIS, PSYCHEDELIC, AND HARM REDUCTION COMMUNITIES To the Leadership and Content Moderation Teams at Meta Platforms, Inc., We write to you today on behalf of a broad coalition of students, educators, researchers, advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders working at the forefront of drug policy reform, harm reduction, […]

SSDP is getting international attention for standing up against Meta censorship. The German website, metaller.de, quoted SSDP’s Executive Director in their recent article. The voice of reason: Kat Murti gets to the point Kat Murti of Students for Sensible Drug Policy sums it up in an interview: “Meta is one of the largest sources of […]

Meta appears to have rolled back a restriction on searches for words like “marijuana” and “cannabis,” says Marijuana Moment. The company has received criticism that their censorship was overbroad and limited access to education, public health information and political advocacy. Kat Murti, executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, called the updated search function […]

The Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is hosting Psychedelic Science—the largest gathering of the psychedelic movement—at the Colorado Convention Center next week, and SSDP is showing up big!  PS2025 begins on Monday,  June 16 with two days of classes and workshops hosted by the movement’s top instructors. Then the main conference—featuring 500+ speakers, 10 […]

Since 2007, FreedomFest has been the leader in the liberty movement to bring together thousands of people committed to freedom – concerned citizens, educators, professionals, business leaders, filmmakers, politicians, celebrities, and policy makers. FreedomFest will offer a mix of 2,000 open-minded and inquisitive people, from business experts, politicians, and entrepreneurs… to influencers, artists, and filmmakers. FreedomFest […]

Despite widespread support for cannabis policy reform, prohibitionists continue to perpetuate misinformation to stigmatize cannabis consumers and prevent further reform progress. That’s why the Marijuana Policy Project and Students for Sensible Drug Policy have teamed up to tackle these myths head-on, offering evidence-based insights to set the record straight! CLAIM: Marijuana is a gateway drug. […]

Gina Giorgio, SSDP’s Director of Strategy and Development and Founder of the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition, was interviewed by NC television news station Spectrum News 1 about the formation of the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition in her home state, and the impact that psychedelic could have on supporting mental health patients. New psychedelic […]

were right in the heart of the action, bringing the crucial perspective of young people demanding justice, equity, and sensible cannabis reform. From high-level policy discussions to grassroots lobbying, here’s a look back at our impactful week on the ground…

Join SSDP for a collaborative educational webinar series with the Shulgin Foundation highlighting the intersection of chemical innovation, research value, cognitive liberty, and drug policy reform. The series kicks off with a webinar entitled, “You’ve Gotta Fight for Your Right to Research (Chemicals): The Battle to Stop the DEA Scheduling of DOI and DOC. A […]

Cannabis Science and Technology reports that Congresswoman Dina Titus and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar recently introduced the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025 to Congress, which hopes to change restrictions on cannabis research. The article mentions SSDP as an organization in support of this new legislation. “Our nation’s drug policies have been shaped by stigma. The […]

In celebration of International Harm Reduction Day, SSDP has launched HOPE (Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention Education), our app-based educational initiative.  This new mobile application is designed to put life-saving opioid overdose recognition and response training—along with access to essential harm reduction supplies like naloxone—directly into the hands of students, young people, and concerned community […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gina Giorgio  Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org  The new program—created by Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), the largest network of young people working to end the War on Drugs—provides free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other supplies to those who complete an hour-long self-paced […]

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 […]

SSDP is a proud partner of the Cannabis Unity Coalition the nation’s largest bipartisan alliance of 30+ cannabis advocacy organizations united for the purpose of passing federal legislation to fully legalize cannabis and release all cannabis prisoners. SSDPers from across the country have gathered in DC this week and deliver materials today to every single […]

Last month, SSDP Science Policy Committee Co-founder Dr. Elijah Ullman traveled to Vienna, Austria to represent SSDP at the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and to deliver an official statement strongly urging international lawmakers to prevent poorly planned drug scheduling regulations from halting vital scientific research. For reference, Dr. Ullman’s testimony […]

SSDP is a founding member of the Cannabis Unity Coalition, which is the largest ever bipartisan coalition of cannabis justice advocates all of whom will be represented in Washington, D.C. for Cannabis Unity Week from April 28th to May 1st. We will be meeting with our Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill to urge them […]

SSDP is proud to include our organization on this letter to the Congressional Tobacco Harm Reduction Caucus for the 119th Congress. Read the official letter here:

The Washington Informer reports on the kick off to the National Cannabis Festival this week with an event today called “Roll up for Reform” at Culta Columbia where representatives from Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Maryland NORML, and the Balanced Veterans Network will discuss their initiatives to advance the rights of cannabis patients and enthusiasts throughout the DMV.  The National […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gina Giorgio  Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org  [AUSTIN, TX – April 22, 2025] – As part of an ongoing campaign to prevent the recriminalization of cannabis products in Texas, representatives from Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), the largest youth-led network dedicated to ending the […]

Harvard Independent’s Weed Issue this month featured considerations for the case of cannabis legalization. This student-led paper discussed the potential public health risks noting that risks could be managed within a regulatory framework.  In the article, Dr. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, a criminologist, sociologist, and associate professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto, […]

Greetings SSDP Fam! Our next SSDP Hangout event is SUNDAY, MAY 4th at 7:00 pm ET. Reflect on another great academic year with SSDP! Hang out with other SSDP folks from across the country, share success stories, and plant seeds for success for the summer and year ahead. If you have any questions please email […]

Hello SSDP Family, We’re excited to invite you to join the SSDP Psychedelics Committee. WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS? This committee will be a space for all to come together, explore the potential of psychedelics, and push for meaningful policy change. We want to hear from you! Please fill out this interest form to share your […]

Former University of North Texas Chapter Leader and current Elected Director on SSDP’s youth-led Board of Directors Jeannette McKenzie and Halle Tarvin, an SSDP alumni who was one of the original founders of UNT’s SSDP chapter, testified last week against two Texas bills that threaten to recriminalize cannabinoids and create harsh new penalties under law. […]

Join SSDP at Psychedelic Science 2025: The Integration, happening June 16–20 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. This is more than a conference—it’s a collective moment to come together, connect across disciplines, and shape the future of psychedelic science and healing. Use our promo code SSDP15 for 15% off your registration, and be part […]

Happy Thursday! Wherever you are in the world, we hope that your week is off to a productive start so far.As many readers may already be well-aware, the entire SSDP team has been incredibly busy so far this year with back-to-back multi-conference weekends to end the month of March, along with a lengthy list of […]

Picture credit to harm reductionist and friend of SSDP Azrael Mae Ní Mháille

Join SSDP’s Rowan University Chapter’s Second Annual Cannabis Industry Networking Night! If you passionate about the cannabis industry, looking to connect with like-minded professionals, and expand your network, then mark your calendar for Rowan University’s Chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s Second Annual Cannabis Industry Networking Night! Taking place on April 22nd at 3:00 PM at Bonesaw Brewery located at 570 Mullica Hill Road […]

Filter Mag reports that on March 28, President Donald Trump announced Sara Carter as his pick for “drug czar.” Carter, who will need to be confirmed by the Senate, has a background as a journalist and Fox News contributor, with no direct drug policy or public health experience. SSDP former board member weighed in with […]

The first quarter of 2024 has been a whirlwind for Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), marked by relentless advocacy, impactful harm reduction initiatives, and strategic coalition building. From legal challenges against the DEA to groundbreaking discussions on psychedelic safety and cannabis policy, SSDP staffers, student ambassadors, and organizational partners have been at the forefront […]

SSDP is delighted to be a community partner and speakers for Chacruna’s Psychedelic Culture 2025. Chacruna has been hosting groundbreaking psychedelic conferences since 2015, and this year, Psychedelic Culture continues that legacy. This two-day in-person event taking place March 29-30 will feature three simultaneous tracks covering Indigenous reciprocity, psychedelic justice, law & policy, women & […]

SSDP is excited to sponsor the PA Cannabis Convention in Pittsburgh this Sunday from 10AM – 5PM at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This event is free to all PA MMJ Patients, and a small entry fee for the general public. We’ll be hosting a booth, so please stop by and visit us and […]

SSDP is grateful for our partnership with Green Thumbs Industries (GTI). Their support of our Round Up program has empowered SSDPers across the country to drive meaningful cannabis policy reform and help right the wrongs of decades of cannabis prohibition. GTI strives to create lasting, positive change in the communities they serve. Their Social Impact […]

It’s cannabis enthusiasts’ favorite time of year, with 420 rapidly approaching, companies and organizations across New Jersey are planning events to celebrate the holiday. SSDP Rowan University Chapter was mentioned in HeadyNJ, an independent media company focused on New Jersey cannabis news. Our Rowan chapter are planning a happy hour on 4/22. Learn more about […]

SSDP chapters are doing important harm reduction work from coast to coast. Montana Free Press recently mentioned The University of Montana SSDP chapter for being a leader on campus focused on education and keeping students safe. The free vending machines are located at the Mountain Line transfer center, Johnson Street shelter, Missoula Food Bank and […]

New York, NY – March 24, 2025 – Students for Sensible Drug Policy is excited to announce that the Fordham University chapter will host a speaker event this Friday featuring Corinne Carey, a leading New York advocate for drug policy reform, harm reduction, and end-of-life care legislation. Event Details: Date: March 28, 2025 Time: 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM ET Location: South Lounge, Lowenstein Center, […]

What an honor to have a seat at the table for the Psychedelics 101 briefing hosted by the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus and organized with the help of former Rep. Mimi Walters (R-CA). SSDP Executive Director Kat Murti ’09 and Program Assistant Chandler Huffman ’25 attended the meeting in the Rayburn House Office […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 12, 2025SSDP Applauds Defeat of SB25-076 in Colorado – Calls for Sensible Cannabis andNatural Medicine Policy Denver, CO – Yesterday, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and otheradvocates stood ready to testify in opposition to Senate Bill 25-076, a proposal thatsought to impose severe THC potency restrictions and purchase limits for people […]

Join us on Monday, April 7th at 8:00 pm ET for a collegial, fun, friendly, and (slightly) competitive round of Myth or Fact! Hang out with SSDP folks from across the nation, discuss drug policy, and learn more about ongoing events. Please direct any questions to amanda.ivatorov@board.ssdp.org. We hope to see you all there! Visit […]

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women throughout history. While often overlooked, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the cannabis landscape. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on the women who are leading the charge in cannabis advocacy, fighting for policy reform, social justice, and access […]

Marijuana Moment’s article on March 4 discusses the potential revenue impact that legalizing cannabis could have on the UK, with a mention of SSDP’s work. Transform’s psychedelic guidance came on the heels of a coalition of international advocates calling for an end to prohibition and instead for the legalization and regulatation all drugs. That report, […]

Join us on March 2nd at 7pm ET for a network-wide hangout! Meet other SSDP folks, and enjoy a Q&A session with candidates for our national board of directors before casting your vote! We hope to see you there! Zoom link to join here!

As the largest national youth-led network dedicated to ending the War on Drugs, SSDP thrives on the power of youth leadership. Each year, our members elect new student leaders to the Board of Directors, a vital role in shaping SSDP’s strategy, governance, and impact. Serving on the Board is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on […]

Better Drug Control Policies Through Expediting Scientific Research  On February 25, 2025, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2011, submitted a written statement to the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Prepared by Dr. Elijah Zorro Ullman, […]

Citizen Lobby Day Presented by: Texas Cannabis Collective In partnership with: SSDP, Texas Cannabis Policy Center, Last Prisoner Project Media Partners: Grow House Media, & TX Cannabis TV Sponsors: Thrive Apothecary, GRAV, The Haze Connect, Cardiel Cannabis Co Register: Lobby Day Join us for a day of advocacy at the Texas Capitol! Bringing together advocates […]

Hello SSDP Family, We’re excited to invite you to join the SSDP Drug Education Committee as we get ready to revamp Just Say Know! What is Just Say Know? Just Say Know is SSDP’s peer-led drug education program designed to provide young people with accurate information and resources about drugs, drug policy, and drug safety. […]

Psychedelic Buddhism 2025 is a unique conference for open discussion on the intersection of Buddhist wisdom and psychedelic practice, offering tools and insights to empower and support our communities. Through presentations, interactive discussions & hands-on sessions, the event will share practical insights and build a supportive, evolving community of practice. The conference takes place on Friday, […]

The HALT Fentanyl Act  would permanently place all fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I, create mandatory minimum sentences for offenses involving fentanyl-related substances, and impede important research into fentanyl-related substances. The HALT Fentanyl Act is more of the same failed and draconian drug war policies that neither prevent overdose nor stop the distribution of fentanyl in […]

Lauren Daly has been named Marijuana Policy Project’s interim executive director. With a background in drug policy and civil rights advocacy—and years of experience in a fundraising capacity—the plan is to help elevate MPP’s work at a critical inflection point at the state and federal levels. In the years since, she’s also served in top […]

Shaleen Title, founder and director of the drug policy think tank Parabola Center, was interviewed by Mary Jane Gibson from Cannabis & Tech Today about how after two decades as a leading voice in the legal cannabis movement, Title is stepping back from drug policy work. We are grateful for the mention of Students for […]

While I’m sure we are all aware of the rapid news cycle and due to the recent change in the White House Administration, SSDP’s Science Policy Committee wanted to take a moment to share some information as it relates to the mission of the Committee. Part of the work we’ve done previously is advocate for […]

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is the largest national youth-led network dedicated to ending the War on Drugs. With a Board of Directors primarily elected by and from our student and youth members, SSDP empowers young leaders to engage in the political process, advocate for evidence-based policies, and foster honest, open conversations about drugs […]

Online publication, CelebStoner, interviewed Marijuana Policy Project‘s new interim Executive Director, Lauren Daly with their Six Questions segment. It’s wonderful to see former SSDPers continue to hold impactful positions in drug policy reform across the country! We particularly enjoyed Lauren’s response to the publication’s question about how she feels being only the second female to […]

The HALT Fentanyl Act permanently places all “fentanyl-related substances” (FRS) on schedule I of theControlled Substances Act. By placing the entire class of FRS on schedule I, HALT Fentanyl makes it afederal crime—subject to harsh mandatory minimum penalties—to manufacture, import, or possesswith intent to distribute any of the potentially thousands of substances that fall within […]

LibertyCon International 2025 is taking place on February 7-8 at the Washington DC Downtown Westin. With students active in 111 countries, previous LibertyCon events have been hosted in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and South America. The theme of this year’s convention is From Impossible To Inevitable, focusing on the positive achievements in civil rights and economic freedoms […]

We are grateful to Charley Wininger for mentioning SSDP in his timely piece, Integrating the News, that published today in Lucid News. With a post-prohibition future always a possibility in a new administration, we may wish to promote legislation on the state and/or federal level to ensure these medicines become readily available and accessible to […]

Chapter leaders from Students for Sensible Drug Policy at Virginia Tech University stand in support of HB2775, a bill relating to the definition of hemp product. Also known as the Revitize Hemp Act.

You are invited to join us for SSDP’s Cannabis Week of Unity 2025 taking place in Washington D.C. This year’s event does not overlap with 4/20. Due to the holiday that week, Congress is closed, so we will be lobbying the week afterwards. Main event activities are April 28 – May 1. Tentative Schedule April […]

Join us on February 9th at 7:00pm ET for our next Students for Sensible Drug Policy network-wide hangout! Meet other SSDP folks, and enjoy a Q&A session with candidates for our national board of directors before casting your vote! Visit this Zoom link to join. Password is: Hangouts!

Florida State University News reports that driving under the influence (DUI) incidents at the end of the fall semester have sparked debates about campus safety and the effectiveness of FSU’s prevention efforts. Colin Scherzer, RSO leader for Students for Sensible Drug Policy at FSU (SSDP), pointed to binge drinking as a major concern.  Read the […]

SSDP is excited to collaborate with the Global Psychedelic Society (GPS) on a special Inauguration Integration event. The GPS is streaming this panel exclusively to in-person watch party events hosted by local Psychedelic Societies around the world. Find yours here! The event will feature a panel will feature: SSDP Local Policy Discussions led by SSDP’s Gina […]

Marijuana Moment published an op-ed co-authored by SSDP’s Executive Director, Kat Murti, and Chelsea Higgs Wise, MSW, the co-founder and executive director of Marijuana Justice. SSDP and Marijuana Justice are steering committee members of the United for Marijuana Decriminalization Coalition. Their article dives into the canceled marijuana rescheduling hearing that would have kicked off today. While […]

On MLK Day 2015, we are thankful to the Canna Law Blog for encouraging readers that want to get active in cannabis policy reform to join SSDP! We are heading to Washington D.C. for our Cannabis Week of Unity to fight for cannabis decriminalization, and invite you to join us. More details coming soon. Read […]

Breaking news today, January 17 2025 – President Biden commutes 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders convicted of crack cocaine offenses. This is nearly the same number of marijuana prisoners that still sit behind bars waiting to see whether he will live up to his campaign promises to free them. The Associated Press reported today that the […]

With just days left of his Presidency, Biden commutes 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders yet leaves cannabis prisoners behind bars. The New York Post spoke to SSDP’s Executive Director, Kat Murti, on the subject. Read the article here.

We are grateful to the psychedelics newsletter, Tricycle Day, for mentioning our DOI & DOC post-trial brief in their newsletter today. Right to research: Students for Sensible Drug Policy has filed its post-trial briefing, challenging the DEA’s proposal to schedule DOI and DOC. Read the entire briefing here.

The University of Texas college newspaper, The University Star, featured an article today highlighting the potential THC ban in Texas and it’s impact on the community. SSDP Ambassador, Blake Coe, was quoted in the article. Ambassador of Students for Sensible Drug Policy Blake Coe said the ban is not a solution, but a reinstatement of […]

Thanks to Marijuana Moment for linking to our post-trial DOI & DOC brief in this week’s newsletter. Students for Sensible Drug Policy filed a post-trial brief in a Drug Enforcement Administration administrative court case concerning the agency’s proposed ban on two psychedelics. Learn more here.

Gina Giorgio, Director of Strategy and Development at Students for Sensible Drug Policy, wrote an op-ed in Boulder Weekly discussing our historic court case with the DEA defending the scheduling status of niche research chemicals DOI & DOC to protect psychedelic research. “None of us were experts on administrative hearings, we were just a couple […]

The Pitt News reports that after a decade-long push, the University of Pittsburgh has installed overdose reversal drug dispensers. Thanks to the help of Julia Hilbert, MWS, founder of SSDP’s Pittsburgh Community Chapter. “This represents probably the longest game win that I’ve been a part of in drug policies,” Hilbert said. The Allegheny County Health […]

ANNOUNCING SSDP CONGRESSIONAL SESSION In 2025, the SSDP Congress will convene from March 7th – 8th, 2025, and provide each chapter in the network the opportunity to elect new student members to the Board of Directors. We strongly encourage all who believe they can commit to apply. Serving on the Board of Directors of SSDP […]

The Science Policy Committee (SPC) was founded in 2020 by now Drs. Elijah Z. Ullman and Lindsey K. Galbo-Thomma. As scientists studying the pharmacology of psychoactive drugs, they created the SPC to advocate and advance sensible drug policies that align with scientific data. This committee is co-led by scientists at the graduate and post-doctoral levels […]

Getting involved with SSDP is a fantastic New Year resolution! Below are our top 5 New Year’s Resolutions to end the War on Drugs. To get involved with SSDP in 2025, please use this form, and learn more about our chapters here.  SSDP is updating and modernizing our Just Say Know (JSK) drug education program, […]

This new year, start an effective campaign with your chapter or community by engaging with our new Just Say Know drug education program! We’re looking for feedback and we need your help spreading our mission and building the future of drug education. Here are some ways you can help kick off JSK while building valuable […]

Contact: Gina Giorgio Director of Strategy and Development Students for Sensible Drug Policy gina@ssdp.org  BREAKING: NONPROFIT REPRESENTING PSYCHEDELIC RESEARCHERS FILES POST-TRIAL BRIEF FOLLOWING HISTORIC HEARING TO KEEP SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH LEGAL  Setting a Powerful Precedent: Research Harm Takes Center Stage for the First Time in DEA Scheduling Case  [Arlington, VA, January 6th, 2025] – Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) […]

Curious what psychedelic research and advocacy is happening in the state of North Carolina? Want to learn about what’s coming up this Spring in the new legislative session, and how you can help support it?
 Join North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition, a project of SSDP, for a Community Mixer with Representative John Autry and other […]

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is the largest national youth-led network dedicated to ending the War on Drugs. Whether you’re a student, alumnus, or concerned community member, there are multiple pathways to join our mission and make a tangible impact. 1. Start or Join a Campus Chapter If you’re a high school, college, or […]

This article was written by  Written by:Alaina M. Jaster, PhD Postdoctoral Scholar, Wayne State University Co-founder, Psychedelic Brain Science Podcast Member, SSDP Science Policy Committee Elijah Z. Ullman, PhD Post-doctoral Research Fellow | Emory University Chair, SSDP Science Policy Committee The second floor of a generally unassuming building was full of activity on average Tuesday, […]

Far too often, young people in the U.S. lack access to drug education that empowers them to make safe, informed, and healthy choices. Factors like abstinence-only school policies, misinformation, and stigma have hindered open and honest conversations about these important topics. SSDP is committed to changing that. Our Drug Education Committee is hard at work […]

We are grateful to Psychedelics Today for showcasing SSDP’s work in this fantastic podcast episode where host Joe Moore interviews Kat Murti, Executive Director of SSDP, the largest nationwide network of students fighting to replace the War on Drugs with policies rooted in evidence, compassion, and human rights. Tune in here or wherever you get your […]

The time for cannabis policy reform is now, and Marijuana Moment covered details on the bipartisan bill to provide for the expungement of records for people who’ve received presidential pardons, including non-violent marijuana offenses. The article states that the Weldon Angelos Presidential Pardon Expungements Act would require the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, […]

Southside Pride, is a free monthly newspaper publishing community news, religious events and a community calendar for Southside Communities of Minneapolis, Minnesota. We are grateful to get included in their article concerning their narcan vending machine at the Fire Station. Yet putting Narcan in schools in Minnesota has taken off in 2023, and more and […]

It was incredible to see a photo of our SSDP team from our cannabis legalization rally back in October 2022 in front of the White House featured in Rolling Stone! A coalition of Democratic senators and representatives is calling on the Biden administration to finalize its plans to limit marijuana prosecutions at the federal level before he […]

Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to use your individual power of generosity to support the nonprofit organizations that you believe in most. SSDP is the largest nationwide network of young people working to replace the War on Drugs with policies rooted in evidence, compassion, and human rights. SSDP mobilizes and empowers young people to participate […]

We are grateful to Psychedelic Alpha for this comprehensive overview of the people behind our effort to challenge the DEA on two psychedelic research chemicals – DOI & DOC. The team can only remain optimistic that the evidence presented was enough to tilt the scale in favor of SSDP/Ramos, and if nothing else that those […]

Thank you to The Microdose, an independent journalism newsletter brought to you by the U.C. Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics for covering SSDP’s historic ten-day court hearing with the DEA fighting to keep psychedelic research chemicals DOI & DOC legal. Read the article here.

We are grateful for Reason for shining light on our court case with the DEA, fighting to keep DOI & DOC, two psychedelic research chemicals from becoming Schedule I drugs. SSDP describes the two compounds as “essential research chemicals in pre-clinical psychiatry and neurobiology,” noting that their unscheduled status has made them accessible as tools for studying […]

Thank you for Stupiddope for sharing our advocacy alert to call the White House today for National Day of Action for Cannabis Clemency. Read the article here.

Join SSDP and other cannabis justice advocates in urging President Biden to use his clemency power to release every last federal cannabis prisoner before the end of this term. Today, November 18, 2024, is the National Day of Action for Cannabis Clemency. Time is running out to turn words into action. We encourage you to […]

Thanks to Nug Magazine for including SSDP as a leader in cannabis policy reform. Today, the landscape of cannabis activism is diverse, encompassing various organizations and advocacy groups focused on reforming cannabis laws. Organizations like the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), and Students for Sensible Drug […]

We are grateful to investigative journalist Jack Gorsline on behalf of Psychedelic Alpha for joining SSDP in court with the DEA to dig into the SSDP’s trail with the DEA. Reflecting on events thus far, SSDP/Ramos co-counsel Phelps seemed confident. “I think it went as well as we could have hoped”, he said, adding that […]

Tricycle Day ,a leading psychedelic newsletter, featured SSDP’s Executive Director Kat Murti in their November 17, 2024 edition. We spoke to Kat about why students are the ideal people to fight the War on Drugs, how SSDP is challenging the DEA right now, and what anyone can do to support sensible psychedelic policy. Read the Q&A with Kat here.

SSDP Board Member, Axel Bilbao, returns to the Church & Other Drugs podcast for Part 2 of his story. Tune into the podcast here.

Thanks to Shroomer for placing SSDP’s work to stand against the scheduling of DOI & DOC. “DOI and DOC are two crucial medical tools that have been used safely in laboratories for decades. Together, they have featured in more than 900 research articles and show promise for pain management, combatting anxiety and depression, preventing overdose, […]

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is governed by a Board of Directors, which is comprised of both current student and youth Elected Directors, who are active chapter members elected by our membership, and Appointed Directors, who are appointed by the existing Board. Together, they are responsible for crafting strategy for the organization, overseeing compliance […]

This morning in front of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, SSDP’s Science Policy Committee, a group of PhD students and other researchers who are fighting back against the War on Drugs, along with SSDP’s legal team spoke about our unprecedented court hearing kicking off today and running through November 25. You […]

The DEA wants to add two important research chemicals—2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC)—to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, despite decades of safe usage in labs and no history of abuse. DOI and DOC’s current status as unscheduled compounds has made them de facto tools for researchers studying serotonin receptors. They have featured in […]

Thanks to Boulder Weekly for sharing news about our upcoming ten day hearing with the DEA to keep psychedelic research chemicals DOI & DOC legal. DOI and DOC have been used to help study anxiety, depression, substance use disorder and more. The drugs have been cited in more than 900 published studies, according to Murti. In […]

Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) at Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB), led by Maria Fernanda Corral Cervantes was featured in The Lutrinae. For Cervantes, fostering a culture of harm reduction on campus means more than just providing resources–it’s about creating a space where students can discuss their experiences openly. “It’s important for students to […]

SSDP’s partnership with Overdrive Defense gets mention in The New York Times. Read the article here.

Vibe Science hosts Ryan Alford and Chris Hansen bring listeners on a journey through the evolving world of drug policy. Thank you for inviting SSDP’s Kat Murti and Gina Giorgio onto the podcast to discuss psychedelics, drug policy, and the science of healing. Watch the episode here.

Thank you for the Boston University News Service for their article discussing Question 4 on the Massachusetts ballot. Read the article here. “Typically, the way we approach mental healthcare is through a long path of seeing a therapist for potentially years,” said Gina Giorgio, Director of Strategy for Students for Sensible Drug Policy. “Psychedelic therapists […]

We are thankful to Cannabis Law Report for sharing updating on our historic court case with the DEA beginning November 12th in Arlington, Virginia at the DEA Administrative Court. Scheduling DOI and DOC would create serious impediments to potentially life-saving research, and yet SSDP is the only drug policy organization currently fighting to keep DOI […]

Thanks to The Lutrinae, the student-run newspaper covering California State University, Monterey Bay, for posting their article, “Six tips from the Students for Sensible Drug Policy to stay safe during Halloween.“ “While college students may be past their candy-collecting days, unfamiliar substances, chaotic environments and inexperience mean #Halloween can still be as risky as any […]

We are thankful to NASA’s Land-Cover and Land-Use Change (LCLUC) Program for mentioning SSDP on their podcast. Listen to the podcast here.

Community matters at SSDP, and that is why we are hosting monthly “SSDP Hangouts” for the SSDP family to get together to share upcoming projects, seek advice, and meet like-minded leaders. What to expect at a SSDP virtual hangout: Join us on zoom on November 3 at 6:00 PM ET for our next SSDP Hangout.  […]

Thank you to Lucid News for sharing information about the importance of Question 4 on the ballot in Massachusetts. SSDP’s Campaign Educators have been all over the state urging the community to register to vote, and sharing important info on what this measure means for psychedelic policy in the state. Law Enforcement Action Partnership, veterans […]

Local advocacy groups including SSDP will host an informal reception at the Garden Cinemas on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 4:30 p.m., to discuss Yes on 4 followed by a screening of the feature-length documentary “Music for Mushrooms.” Thanks to the Recorder for mentioning SSDP in the Weekly Recorder. Read more here.

We are impressed by our Board Member, Axel Bilbao, for his honest and authentic sharing of his personal journey on the Church & Other Drugs podcast. Tune into Episode 1 of Axel’s featured podcast appearances here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SSDP Science Policy Committee successfully pushes back on DEA effort to criminalize psychedelic research On Friday August 26, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) withdrew proposed Schedule I status for 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC). The notice states that “The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is withdrawing a proposed rule that was published […]

Two years ago today, SSDP and Last Prisoner Project joined forces to mobilize a rally in Washington D.C. for cannabis justice. Our goal then (and now) is to keep reminding the President of his campaign promise to release cannabis prisoners and provide them with retroactive relief. While this administration has made progress, President Biden has yet […]

We are grateful to Psychedelics Today for educating the community about the importance of DOI & DOC. “I have many colleagues who work with these compounds who will testify in the upcoming hearing, and that is only a subset of the research community,” said Elijah Ullman, Chair of SSDP’s Science Policy Council who has been […]

In a significant development for psychedelics research, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) administrative law judge has rejected the agency’s request to block key witnesses and evidence in an upcoming hearing. The case, set for November, challenges the DEA’s proposed ban on two psychedelic compounds, DOI and DOC, which are used in research. Thank you to Benzinga for sharing this important the […]

SSDP is proud to serve as a community partner for MAPS Psychedelic Science, taking place June 16-20, 2025 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.  In 2023, Psychedelic Science hosted over 12,000 guests and was the largest psychedelic gathering in the world with classes and workshops, 10 educational stages, expo hall, and Deep Space, an […]

“Science prevails!” SSDP Executive Director Kat Murti told Marijuana Moment on Monday. “The DEA is trying to force medical research into the dark ages by criminalizing DOI and DOC—essential research chemicals in pre-clinical psychiatry and neurobiology whose status as unscheduled compounds has made them de facto tools for researchers studying serotonin receptors.” “SSDP is proud […]

SSDP University of Alabama Chapter was featured in the Crimson White for holding a “Spooktacular Substance Smarts” event to raise awareness about potentially harmful Halloween-related substance myths. Marlie Thomson, a senior majoring in interdisciplinary studies with an in-depth study in sociology and social justice, founded UA SSDP in 2022 aiming to promote safe drug practices […]

We all know that words matter, but can the way we speak about a plant have legal implications? SSDP appointed board member and Prop 19 alum Evan Nison believes so, and broaches this important topic in a recent article he wrote that was published in Legal Reader. The article reflects on the importance of language […]

Yes on 4, The Natural Psychedelic Substances Act, is a citizen-led ballot question that will enable therapeutic access to natural psychedelic medicines that show promise in treating mental health conditions in Massachusetts. The measure creates a regulated framework for supervised use with trained facilitators at licensed psychedelic therapy centers and removes criminal penalties for limited […]

SSDP is leading the fight to keep psychedelic research legal! The DEA wants to add two important research chemicals—2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC)—to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, despite decades of safe usage in labs and no history of abuse. DOI and DOC’s current status as unscheduled compounds has made them de facto […]

Published on October 7, 2024 in Investors Hangout by Owen Jenkins. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has caused quite a stir by denying testimony from important witnesses just before scheduled hearings on the potential classification of two psychedelic compounds, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC). This decision has led to significant backlash from advocates, most notably the […]

Coverage on October 7, 2024 in Benzinga by Juan Spínelli. “What is the DEA so scared of that these leading scientists must be muzzled?” asked Robert Rush, a Denver-based attorney representing SSDP. He criticized the agency for attempting to block testimony from some of the world’s foremost experts in neuroscience and pharmacology. Read more in Benzinga […]

We are grateful to Debra Borchardt from Green Market Report for her coverage on the DOI/DOC hearings published on October 4, 2024. “What is the DEA so scared of that these leading scientists must be muzzled?” said Robert Rush, a Denver-based attorney who is working hand-in-hand with SSDP to keep research using DOI and DOC […]

Special thanks to Jack Gorsline from Filter Magazine for a deeper look into the DEA’s response to our expert witnesses for the DOI and DOC hearing. Published on October 4, 2024. “We have assembled a world-class international group of behavioral and molecular pharmacologists, chemists, neuroscientists, and a former Government Advisor on psychoactive drugs,” added SSDP’s Elijah […]

DOI and DOC’s current status as unscheduled compounds has made them de facto tools for researchers studying serotonin receptors. They have featured in more than 900 research articles and show promise for pain management, combatting anxiety and depression, and preventing overdose. Scheduling DOI and DOC would create serious impediments to potentially life-saving research, and yet […]

Contact:Gina Giorgio Director of Strategy and DevelopmentStudents for Sensible Drug Policygina@ssdp.org DEA SILENCES SCIENTISTS; STUDENT GROUP PUSHES BACK AGAIN Since 2022, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) Has Led the Fight to Prevent the DEA From Scheduling DOI and DOC, Which Would Create Serious Impediments to Potentially Life-Saving Research [Washington D.C., October 3, 2024] —  Students […]

Over 100,000 people died from overdose in the United States last year. Many of these overdoses were caused by Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine that has exacerbated the overdose epidemic caused by the War on Drugs. These deaths were preventable—the criminalization […]

SSDP is pleased to welcome Deandré Smith as our new Director of Chapter Relations and Strategic Expansion. Deandré has experienced SSDP through many different lenses—as an SSDP Ambassador at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), where he is a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate, as an alum of SSDP’s HBCU Ambassador program and Psychedelic Pipeline, and […]