Drug Policy

...promoting more effective and humane drug policies

The U.S.-led war on drugs has failed to suppress illicit drug production or trafficking, while harsh drug laws have led to human rights abuses, overcrowded prisons and threats to democratic institutions. WOLA advocates reducing the harms caused by both the drug trade and by the misguided war on drugs. Across the hemisphere, we work for drug reforms that protect human rights and public health.

Featured Content

Marijuana Policy and Presidential Leadership

How to Avoid a Federal-State Train Wreck

11 Apr 2013

Analysis & Commentary

This latest publication in the WOLA-Brookings series on marijuana policy examines how state and federal officials can respect existing laws while also enforcing them wisely to avoid federal-state clashes surrounding the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana.

New Study Compares Drug Sentencing across Latin America

Non-Violent Drug Offenders Often Face Greater Penalties than Violent Criminals

9 Mar 2013

Analysis & Commentary

Drug crimes are punished disproportionately higher than much more violent crimes, a new study from our colleagues at DeJusticia shows.

The Human Cost of the Drug War

Drugs and Prisons in Latin America

16 Jul 2012

Publication

The people in the videos are featured because they represent the rarely revealed human side of the war on drugs.

From Conflict to Collaboration

An Innovative Approach to Reducing Coca Cultivation in Bolivia

26 Mar 2013

Publication

In this article in Stability: International Journal of Security & Development, WOLA Senior Fellow Coletta A. Youngers and Andean Information Network Director Kathryn Ledebur explore Bolivia's unique--and successful--approach to drug policy.

Drug Policy News & Analysis

The Drug Policy Reform Agenda in the Americas

An IDPC Briefing Paper

14 May 2013

Analysis & Commentary

In this paper, Youngers identifies where drug policy reform is advancing in Latin America--and where obstacles remain.

Marijuana Legalization: Are There Alternatives to State-Federal Conflict?

15 Apr 2013

Video

Last November, two states, Colorado and Washington, voted to legalize and regulate marijuana—a direct challenge to federal policy under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Other states may follow suit. Can confrontation be avoided, or at least minimized? If not, what are the implications?

WOLA-Brookings Series on Marijuana Policy: Washington Versus Washington (and Colorado)

Why the States Should Lead on Marijuana Policy

28 Mar 2013

Publication

In this paper, Brookings Institution Guest Scholar Jonathan Rauch explores the implications of marijuana legalization in Washington and Oregon. The paper forms part of a joint WOLA/Brookings series.

Bolivia Officially Returns as a Party to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs

12 Feb 2013

Analysis & Commentary

On February 10, Bolivia officially rejoined the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs with a reservation allowing for the traditional use of the coca leaf. This long overdue move is a significant step toward correcting a historic wrong.