News & Commentary

As we approach 4/20, we’re reminded of the strides we’ve made to address the harms of the failed drug war in New Jersey over the past few years. But we know there is still more to do to further policies and programs that promote public health and racial justice.

A state’s budget is a list of its most pressing priorities. In the face of federal attacks, our state must do all it can to push equity and justice forward. Here is what the ACLU of New Jersey is urging state leaders to include in New Jersey’s FY26 budget.

To hear more about the human toll that drug criminalization takes, we spoke with Ayesha Rogers, Outreach Worker for the Newark Community Street Team, who has felt the impact of this unjust system firsthand.

To hear more about the human toll that drug criminalization takes, we spoke with Tonia Ahern, Community Coordinator for the National Center for Advocacy and Recovery who has felt the impact of this unjust system firsthand.

To hear more about the human toll that drug criminalization takes, we spoke with Caitlin O’Neill, Drug User Health & Liberation Strategist for the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition (NJHRC) and a survivor who has felt the impact of this unjust system firsthand.

A state’s budget is a list of its most pressing priorities – here’s what the ACLU of New Jersey is urging government leaders to include for FY25.

It’s long past time for New Jersey to shift its approach to drug use from criminalization to public health.

In preparing to cast a ballot this fall, it’s imperative to know how Legislative leaders have taken action, where they’ve fallen short, and what can still be done before the polls open.

This 4/20, we can implement an affirmative vision for a future founded in public health and racial justice.