Tucson’s New Drug Law: A Questionable Step Backward for Public Health and Safety

In a move that raises serious concerns about priorities and outcomes, Tucson City Council is poised to adopt a new ordinance criminalizing public drug use by enabling misdemeanor arrests. While framed as a tool to funnel addicts into treatment, this approach threatens to revive the outdated, ineffective tactics of the drug war—failing both those struggling with addiction and the law-abiding citizens who deserve safer streets. Why Are We Repeating the Mistakes of the Past? The proposal allows police to arrest individuals merely suspected of preparing to use drugs in public spaces—whether at bus stops, parks, or other common areas. Mayor...