Harm Reduction Laws in the United States

Drug overdose is a continuing epidemic that claimed the lives of over 67,000 Americans in 2018. Opioids, either alone or in combination with other substances, were responsible for approximately 70 percent of these deaths. Unfortunately, state laws and local rules can make it difficult for people who inject drugs to access lifesaving treatments and supplies, and variations in laws among states can create confusion between both people who inject drugs and people and organizations working to ensure that they have the supplies they need to protect themselves and others. This survey of state laws outlines how the legal landscape in each state may affect access to harm reduction services and supplies.