If you are attending the 2013 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Denver, Colorado today thru Sunday, I’m very jealous of you! Unfortunately I couldn’t attend the event, but I really wish I was able to make it. Hopefully my financial situation will turn around when they have it again two years from now, or maybe I make a friend that will let me crash on their couch at least (I can re-pay in Oregon nugs?). I have been following the event on Twitter (#reformconf), and it seems like almost everyone in the drug policy reform movement is there.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Marijuana Majority, and countless others are in attendance. I can’t wait to see some videos get uploaded to YouTube as the conference goes on. I’ll make sure to post some as soon as I see them pop up. Every event I have ever attended in Denver has been fantastic, and I’d bet this event will top them all. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the event below is a description from the event website:
“The International Drug Policy Reform Conference is a biennial event that brings together people from around the world who believe that the war on drugs is doing more harm than good. It brings together over 1,000 attendees representing 30 different countries.’ This event is part of the four-day International Drug Policy Reform Conference, during which over one thousand of the world’s leading drug policy experts will convene in Denver. The Reform Conference will involve speeches and debates with visionaries from the drug policy reform movement, with the intention of advancing the implementation of drug policies based on science, compassion, health and human rights. The Conference will be an opportunity for networking and strategizing, as well as for learning about alternatives to the drug war from both US and international perspectives.”
One of the things I’m going to feel the saddest about missing out on is the victory walk and rally. I love the 16th St Mall area, and I can only imagine how fun it would have been to be there when reformers congregated there. The victory walk and rally took place today from 1-3 p.m., starting at the 16th Street Mall from the Downtown Sheraton to Skyline Park (between 15th and 16th).
“We have a lot to celebrate both nationally and locally,” said Art Way, Senior Drug Policy Manager for Drug Policy Alliance in Colorado. “This is an opportunity for all drug policy reformers to come together, enjoy each other’s company, cheer our victories and refuel for the work ahead.” I think that quote says it all.
At the 2013 International Drug Policy Reform Conference there will be “over 50 sessions over the course of three days, including several plenary sessions. All sessions are 90 minutes long: usually 60 minutes of presentations or discussion (depending on the format) and 30 minutes of question & answer. The conference program is divided into several “tracks,” or topic areas, of drug policy information. Rather than through an abstract process, the program is built by the Reform Conference program committee, and speaking roles are by invitation only.”
If you are at the 2013 International Drug Policy Reform Conference, what do you think of it? What was your favorite part? Is there someone that you saw there that blew your mind? Can someone please get me some autographs!?
