🟩Compassionate Drug Policy Reform
A ranked guide to organizations advancing humane, evidence-based drug laws
These advocacy groups fight criminal injustice and prioritize public health over punishment. They promote harm reduction, youth and community leadership, decriminalization, and policies that treat substance use with care and dignity.
About These Advocacy Group Guides: I’ve created more than 60 issue advocacy guides to help people connect with effective organizations and take meaningful action. If you’re interested in other issues, you can explore them all here: Advocacy Groups by Issue.
Access to Treatment & Mental Health Care
Millions of Americans struggle with substance use disorders — yet few receive care. These groups focus on expanding access to treatment, reducing stigma, and helping people recover with dignity.
Works on justice reform for parole and probation systems, promoting treatment-based alternatives.
Legal and public health experts advancing health-first policies for substance use.
Offers education and prevention resources for families around responsible substance use.
Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention
These organizations work to prevent overdose deaths and disease transmission through proven strategies like naloxone access, clean supplies, and safe consumption spaces.
National Harm Reduction Coalition
Supports practical, health-centered strategies that save lives and build community trust.
A national leader advocating for harm reduction, decriminalization, and racial justice.
Ending Mass Incarceration for Drug Offenses
Punitive drug laws have disproportionately impacted communities of color and driven the U.S. prison crisis. These groups advocate for public safety through justice reform.
Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP)
Former police and judges advocating for drug law alternatives rooted in health, not punishment.
Pew Charitable Trusts – Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Initiative
Works with states to expand access to treatment and reduce reliance on incarceration.
Cannabis Decriminalization & Legalization
Even in states where marijuana is now legal, many people are still serving time or living with convictions. These organizations work to clear records and ensure fair treatment for all.
Advocates for releasing those incarcerated for cannabis offenses and repairing the harm of past criminalization.
NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws)
Supports community-level advocacy to ensure fair enforcement of cannabis laws and promote equitable reforms nationwide.
Youth & Community Advocacy
Young people and grassroots advocates are vital voices in pushing for more just, evidence-based drug policies at the local and state levels.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)
Youth-led network advocating for public health approaches to drug education and reform.
🧠A Final Thought
This guide isn’t meant to give all the answers but to highlight some of the people and organizations working toward smarter, more compassionate drug policies.
Reform isn’t about encouraging drug use. It’s about building systems that treat people with care, not punishment.