BUILDING A PUBLIC HEALTH

APPROACH TO DRUGS IN VERMONT

Criminalizing Drug Use Causes Harm. Let’s Prioritize Health Instead.

Criminalizing people who use drugs is causing harm rather than benefiting to Vermonters, to our communities and future generations, all while wasting valuable resources. At a time when our overdose rates are among the highest in the United States, it’s time to rethink the “drug war” approach that’s been prioritized for decades but failed to keep people safe. Join us in building a more inclusive, healthier future.

  • Our Coalition

    Decriminalize Vermont is a coalition of organizations and individual Vermonters committed to ending the harms of Vermont’s drug laws and promoting policies focused on health, equity and human rights. Join us in working for a more compassionate and healthier future.

    View Our Parners

  • The Harms of Drug Arrests

    Criminalizing people for drugs has been shown to harm people psychologically, physically, and economically, while creating barriers that make it harder to link people who need help with available services. Even the fear of arrest pushes many people away from services that may help them remain safe and healthier.

    Get the Facts

  • Proposed Legislation

    Policy leaders throughout the world are realizing that removing criminal penalties for simple drug possession is effective, respectful of human rights, and better focuses resources toward saving lives. Our proposed legislation makes clear that we don’t need to put people in handcuffs to get them help. View the legislation to reform Vermont’s drug laws.

    The Legislation

Vermonters Support a New Direction

More than four out of five (84%) Vermont voters across all major demographic groups and party affiliations support removing criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of drugs.