Governor hopeful Allen calls for decriminalization of drug possession

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen wants to decriminalize non-violent drug offenses in Massachusetts while greatly increasing state-provided drug addiction services, saying it's time to reduce the stigma of drug addiction by no longer classifying personal-use drug possession as a crime.

"It is time for us to change completely how we approach this. Make sure that people have help, not handcuffs. That when you're struggling, it's not jail time that you get, but an actual road to recovery," Allen said outside the State House Wednesday.

The Harvard political philosopher's proposal follows in the footsteps of Oregon, where civil fines replaced drug possession charges last year.

"We have been trying to deal with the challenge of substance use disorder by criminalizing addiction. This does not work," Allen said. "The evidence is very clear. Criminalization produces stigma. It means young people don't put up their hands and ask for help."

Allen says decriminalizing possession of drugs, including opiates, would mean ramping up the state's addiction and recovery services. Her healthcare plan calls for an expansion of telemedicine to ensure ready access to addiction treatment, more inpatient substance disorder treatment beds and community-based treatment centers.

Allen admits that the state will need to spend more on addiction treatment and access to care before abandoning the criminal aspect of drug possession. She said the nation of Portugal, for instance, saw an unexpected increase in the need for treatment when it decriminalized drug possession.

"In all likelihood, the need for beds will actually increase beyond what we're currently able to estimate. Stigma keeps people from declaring their need for help. So in that regard, we're still some distance from knowing what the full scope of the need is," Allen said.

Her plan would also follow legislation filed by Reps. Liz Miranda (D-Boston) and Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge), which would reclassify the possession of controlled substances from a felony to a civil infraction. Miranda and Connolly's bill would let those charged with a civil possession violation choose between a fine of $50 or less or a state screening to identify health, employment, housing and legal needs.

"The screening should prioritize the individual's self-identified needs for referral to appropriate services. The screening shall be conducted by individuals trained in the use of evidence-based, culturally and gender competent trauma-informed practices," the bill reads.