Albuquerque to Host International Drug Policy Reform Conference

Albuquerque will host the International Drug Policy Reform Conference on November 12-14.   Albuquerque hosted the conference once before in 2001.  The Conference is returning to New Mexico this as a “beacon of reform” for its Good Samaritan laws passed to prevent fatal overdose, and its medical marijuana initiatives.

Drug law reform advocates from activists, and lawyers to doctors, educators and law enforcement.  Much of the conference will be devoted to the recent tide of support for the legalization and regulation of marijuana.

The War on Drugs has failed.  It has costs trillions of taxpayer dollars while having little or no affect on drug use.  Instead, it has destroyed the lives of countless otherwise productive, law-abiding citizens.  It has also led to the enrichment and empowerment of drug cartels throughout what has become a drug riddled and lawless Latin America.

The real story is that the War on Drugs has in the past, and continues, to place a massive tax burden on federal, state and local governments.  Enforcement, prosecution and punishment of drug use costs the country billions of dollars each year.  Thin wallets have led to increased enlightenment on this important debate.

Those that continued to be arrested, prosecuted and punished for possession of marijuana would be surprised to hear of Albuquerque’s designation as the “beacon of reform.”  The Albuquerque Police Department and the District Attorney in Albuquerque continue aggressive enforcement and prosecution.

The possible criminal penalties for possession of marijuana in New Mexico remains severe.  Misdemeanor possession carries up to one year in jail.  Felony possession is punishable by up to 18 months in prison.  Hopefully, someone from City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico will attend the International Drug Policy Reform Conference.  Perhaps, they simply are unaware of the honors bestowed upon them.