On Tuesday, October 7th, the Maryland Alliance for Sensible Drug Policy participated in Drug Legalization: A Panel Discussion, presented by the National Coalition for Drug Legalization, the Pride Center of Maryland, and the Alliance. The event brought together advocates, researchers, and community leaders to explore what a future of legal, regulated drug markets could look like and how such a shift could advance public health, equity, and human rights.

(Photo by Logan Hullinger, all rights reserved)

The panel featured a diverse range of perspectives. Speakers included Thomas Higdon from the Maryland Alliance for Sensible Drug Policy; Dr. Appy Winker, Director of the Bloomberg Overdose Prevention Initiative at Johns Hopkins University; Joshua Harris, a long-time advocate for criminal justice reform; and Deborah Ramsey, a retired Baltimore City Detective and the current Executive Director of UniFIED Efforts, an organization addressing youth violence.

The discussion was guided by a thoughtful set of questions from the moderator, ranging from the historical roots of prohibition to practical models for regulation. Panelists examined how criminalization has shaped drug policy and contributed to racial and social inequities, and they offered concrete ideas for building a more just system.

The event was covered by Mobtown Redux, an online news outlet dedicated to independent journalism on addiction, drug policy, and harm reduction in Baltimore. Their article, Baltimore is Watching the Consequences of Prohibition Unfold, captured highlights from the evening, including several quotes from the Alliance’s Executive Director underscoring the urgent need for policies rooted in compassion rather than punishment.

This panel was part of the Alliance’s ongoing effort to engage Marylanders in honest conversations about the failures of the War on Drugs and the possibilities of a new approach. If your organization, congregation, or community group would like to host a presentation or discussion on drug policy reform, we would love to connect. Please contact us to learn more.

You can also Join the Alliance or make a donation to help us build a Maryland where drug policy heals instead of harms.

Together, we can move beyond punishment and create a future rooted in health, dignity, and human rights.