Dilara Balkan
In 2021, advocates in New York and New Mexico two states where DPA has a long history of fighting to reform drug policy are campaigning to legalize marijuana. These legalization efforts are different than efforts in most other states because they not only disrupt arrests for use and possession of marijuana, but also prioritize reinvesting in communities and providing retroactive justice to those most harmed by racist drug policies.
Passing comprehensive legalization like the efforts in New York and New Mexico is extremely important, especially now. Equitable marijuana legalization means that a significant portion of marijuana tax revenue would be reinvested in the communities that bore the worst of marijuana law enforcement and that are now doubly pummeled by COVID-19 deaths, job losses, and business closures. New York and New Mexico are putting themselves into position to receive support and resources from marijuana legalization in order to help recover from these
Kassandra Frederique
It has been quite the year.
2020 was defined by its novel challenges and escalating uncertainty, but our movement stayed the course, exceeded our own expectations, and broke new ground. I cannot help but look back on DPA’s work this year with appreciation and affirmation that we were as ready as possible to meet this moment.
Here are a few of the monumental accomplishments we fought for, along with our members and allies:
JANUARY
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation mandating comprehensive disclosure and transparency requirements for the system of civil asset forfeiture. DPA has long-played a leading role in forfeiture reform – calling for abolishing civil forfeiture entirely and supporting efforts to reform the practice.