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

Judge Dismisses Federal Consent Decree for Minneapolis Police

1 week 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 week 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.
What's Driving This, and Will It Last?

2 weeks ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

The latest national overdose figures from the CDC, released May 14, show that deaths fell by almost 27 percent in 2024—the third straight year of decline from a horrific peak. Yet there were 80,391 preventable overdose deaths in the United States in 2024—a scale of tragedy that seemed unthinkable a decade ago. And the national decline is not spread evenly, with some demographic groups and areas continuing to suffer increases.
Outside "Remediation Manager" Will Run Rikers Island, Judge Rules

3 weeks ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

A federal judge has made a historic decision to take control of the Rikers Island jail complex away from the New York City government. An independent official will be appointed to run the jails instead. This comes after years of advocacy and court battles, during which the city has repeatedly failed to show improvement in safety or living conditions behind bars. On May 13, Judge Laura Taylor Swain ruled that she will appoint an outside administrator to resolve ongoing constitutional violations.
California Gov. Newsom Plans New Crackdown on Encampments

3 weeks ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

A new plan is underway for California to crack down harder on encampments of unhoused people. On May 12, Governor Gavin Newsom (D) released a model ordinance, intended as a blueprint for cities andcounties to follow. Jurisdictions can adopt the ordinance as local law. “Encampments pose a serious public safety risk, and expose the people in encampments to increased risk of sexual violence, criminal activity, property damage and break-ins, and unsanitary conditions,” the governor’s office stated.
First Cannabis Legalization Bill to Pass PA House Rejected in Senate

3 weeks ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

A cannabis legalization bill passed the Pennsylvania House—a historic first after years of statewide efforts. But after moving to the Senate—where there’s entrenched opposition to marijuana reform in general, and this version of it in particular—it’s been rejected in committee. On May 13, as Marijuana Moment reported, the Senate Law and Justice Committee voted 7-3 against the measure, suggesting no amendments.
St. Louis Agrees Compensation for People Jailed at Notorious "Workhouse"

1 month ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

For many years, the “Workhouse” jail in St. Louis, Missouri, subjected people to horrific conditions. After a long campaign, the city finally closed the facility in 2022. Now, some of the people who were held there are set to receive reparations for their ordeals. A pending legal settlement would award financial compensation to people who were incarcerated after November 13, 2012.
Trump's Attack on AmeriCorps Threatens OD Prevention, Among Much Else

1 month ago | filtermag.org | Alexander Lekhtman

The Trump administration has decided to destroy the AmeriCorps program, which puts millions of people, mostly volunteers, to work in community service. The latest in a long list of brutal cuts since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, this potentially illegal move threatens countless services—from repairing homes after hurricanes, to tutoring students or coaching disabled veterans—including efforts to prevent overdose and address substance use disorder.