Alexander Lekhtman

New York

Drug Policy Reporter and Editor at Filter

I’m a writer covering the policy, science, and culture of drugs. Get educated, get lifted!

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Articles

Phase 3 Trial of Psilocybin for Depression Reportedly Shows Great Promise

3 days ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

An ongoing advanced clinical trial of psilocybin as a depression treatment reportedly shows great promise. Caution is required when the data have not yet been published. But if confirmed, this could be a landmark in the psychedelic drug’s journey toward federal approval as a medical treatment in the United States.
Montana Governor Vetoes Proposal for Tribes to Enter Cannabis Compacts

5 days ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

A Montana proposal that would have allowed tribal nations to negotiate cannabis regulation individually will not be enacted this session. Governor Greg Gianforte (R) vetoed the bill on June 19, calling it “unnecessary and duplicative.” sought to address cannabis industry barriers that tribes in Montana have faced since 2021, when the state enacted HB 701.
WI Advocates Trying to Open State's First Public Drug-Checking Service

1 week ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

Harm reduction advocates in Madison, Wisconsin, are organizing what could be the state’s first authorized public drug-checking program—but with funding and support from local officials still in limbo, they don’t know when they’ll be able to launch. Alan Robinson, founder of cannabis brand Herbal Aspect and former executive director of WI NORML, would be the director of the proposed Narcotics Outreach Chemical Analysis Program (NOCAP).
VA Creates New Fentanyl Homicide Charge, With Limited Exemptions

1 week ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

Virginia will begin punishing fentanyl distribution convictions as involuntary manslaughter, in cases that can be linked to overdose death. In some cases, if it can be determined that no financial gain was involved, the distribution will not be considered manslaughter and carry lighter penalties. The law will take effect July 1. Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) signed SB 746 on June 13.
SF Mayor Wants to Use Permanent-Housing Funds for Shelter Beds

2 weeks ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie (D) wants to take millions of dollars from a dedicated fund meant to supply permanent homes to people who have been unhoused, and use that money to build shelter beds instead. The plan is dividing lawmakers, while some advocates say it will trap people in the cycle of homelessness. At issue is money generated by Proposition C, a ballot initiative that San Francisco voters approved back in November 2018.
Maine Psilocybin Decrim Uncertain as Legislature Passes Bill, Then Tables It

3 weeks ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

On June 3, state senators in Maine narrowly approved a psilocybin decriminalization bill, which House representatives had also narrowly approved the day before. On June 4, LD 1034 was scheduled for final enactment before heading to Governor Janet Mills (D)—but instead, the House unexpectedly tabled the bill and did not suggest a timeline for moving forward. Sponsored by Rep.
Judge Dismisses Federal Consent Decree for Minneapolis Police

1 month ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

A judge has thrown out the federal consent decree for the Minneapolis Police Department, which followed the 2020 murder of George Floyd by city police. The decision ends federal oversight, despite the Department of Justice having found the police department to engage in persistent illegal and racist practices. Any reforms to Minneapolis policing will now depend on the city or Minnesota governments.
Ohio Republicans Plan to "Gut" Voter-Approved Marijuana Legalization

1 month ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

Republican lawmakers in Ohio are seeking to undo major aspects of a voter-approved marijuana-legalization measure—by introducing restrictions that could increase criminalization, and gutting social equity provisions. In November 2023, Ohio voters decisively approved a ballot measure, Issue 2, by a 14-point margin. It took effect weeks later, legalizing personal possession of marijuana by adults over 21, as well as home cultivation of cannabis plants.
Connecticut Psilocybin Decrim Bill Advances to Senate

1 month ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

The Connecticut House of Representatives has advanced a bill that would decriminalize possession of small quantities of psychedelic mushrooms. On May 19, representatives voted 74-65 to send House Bill 7065 on to the Senate, where similar proposals have died in previous legislative sessions. If enacted, it would take effect October 1.
Amid Encampment Sweeps, Oregon City May Ban Public Syringe Exchange

1 month ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

The Roseburg, Oregon, City Council is weighing an ordinance that would prohibit harm reduction programs from distributing syringes in public spaces, namely parks. Support for the ordinance is driven in large part by claims of needlestick injuries during encampment sweeps. Roseburg is the county seat and most populous city of Douglas County in southern Oregon, about 70 miles from Eugene.