DPFMA :: Drug Policy Forum Of Massachusetts

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DPFMA is the Bay State's leading expert on drugs, drug policy and related criminal justice, public health and social justice issues.

If you are on deadline and need questions answered, background information or to find an expert on drugs and all related issues contact DPFMA at (617) 426-7979. You can also contact us at info@dpfma.org.

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In 2002, the Bush administration spent more than $18.822 billion on the "War on Drugs."

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The United States has locked up nearly a half a million people for non-violent drug offenses. We now have the largest prison population in the world.

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In 2000, Massachusetts had the highest reported rate of illegal drug use in the nation. In 2001, there were over 14,000 adult drug arrests in Massachusetts, of which nearly 75% were for possession.

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In 1999, minorities, who use & sell drugs at similar or lower rates than whites and who represent less than 20% of the state population, made up 54% of all state drug convictions, 80% of all mandatory drug convictions, and in Suffolk County, 89% of all school-zone convictions (imposing a mandatory minimum sentence of two years).

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Research shows that decriminalizing marijuana in Massachusetts would save the state at least $24.3 million in law enforcement resources and would not lead to an increase in marijuana use.

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