Thread by @imaracingmom

So many of my views about drugs, drug use, and drug regulations have changed the past few months. This is what can happen when there's respectful dialog, sharing of ideas, and factual information.

https://twitter.com/julianbuchanan/status/1425724729416032269

I know several people in recovery. I've seen them struggle. I've seen them have to wait to get into treatment. I've seen them have to go to a short term program instead of a long term one because of finances / insurance approval.

I've watched some relapse, I've known some to die, and I know some who live amazing lives working their recovery programs.

I've seen too many go to jail when they needed to go to treatment....

Many of the people I know also battle #mentalillness and #neurodiversity issues and treatment doesn't help them with that.

I've seen some forced to stop the use of nicotine in order to go into treatment and have heard of people getting kicked out of treatment because of nic.

I've also seen many people without an addiction issue go to jail for using drugs. I've seen some of them forced to go to treatment. I don't understand this. If we have a shortage of room in treatment facilities, why are we taking up room by forcing attendance by those w/o need.

I've watched people struggle to get a job or go to college and numerous other things because they have a record because they used drugs. When I was young, I knew a guy that got a longer sentence for pot possession than a rapist did. WTH?

And then, there's watching the increase in deaths.... so many broken hearts. As I learn more about all of this, I think it really is time to legalize drugs and stop throwing people in jail, stop subjecting people to taking things with God knows what in it....

I've been fighting for tobacco harm reduction since 2014. Hard to believe it's taken me this long to connect the dots and comprehend that people who used drugs have many of the same needs as people who smoke. Everyone deserves compassion, respect, and to do what they do SAFER.