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Social Equity 2.0: Expanding Horizons

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DEPC gathered experts who are expanding the horizons of social equity, imagining a different framework for healing the harms of prohibition and lifting communities affected by the War on Drugs.  Access the recordings

Social Equity 2.0: Lessons From Recent State Developments

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DEPC gathered experts from states whose recent cannabis legalizations include social equity provisions to discuss their state’s experience, lessons learned, and focus areas for federal legislators and regulators.  Access the recordings

Where Do We Go From Here?: Criminal Justice Reform in Ohio

Our panel of experts discussed Ohio’s recent reform history, what we might expect in the near future, and how research and experience in other states can inform reform efforts in the Buckeye State.  Access the recordings

Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project leads to nine pardons in first year

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One year in, and despite challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project has helped nine deserving clients receive a pardon. Read the story

DEPC supports record number of Moritz students during summer 2020

Graphic showing a person at a computer, a stack of books, and icons of a dove, justice scales, handcuffs, money, a clipboard and the coronavirus

When COVID-19 forced DEPC to adapt, the center refocused its efforts and increased student support, funding a record 17 Moritz College of Law students through research assistantships, internships, and fellowships. Read the story

Drug Policy Implications of the 2020 Elections

This November, our panel of experts discussed the 2020 election results and what they are likely to mean for drug enforcement and policy at both the state and federal level.  Access the recordings

DEPC Executive Director Douglas Berman releases Marijuana Law and Policy casebook

Co-authored by Alex Kreit, Marijuana Law and Policy provides comprehensive coverage of the contemporary issues of law and policy related to marijuana criminalization, regulation, and reform.  Read the story

2020 Summer Sentencing Workshops

image showing four of the participants in the 2020 Summer Sentencing Workshops

This summer, the DEPC co-hosted a series of workshops in collaboration with the National Association of Sentencing Commissions and the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission.  Access the recordings

DEPC 2019–20 Annual Report

Thumbnail image of the cover of the DEPC 2019-20 Annual Report

The 2019–20 academic year was transformational for the center. It brought new team members, innovative programs, and significant research. Take a look back with us. Read the story

A message from DEPC

A message from the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center

As an academic center, we will continue to conduct research that examines issues of racism, racial inequality and injustice at the intersection of criminal justice and drug policy. Read the story

Moritz leads the way in Teaching Drugs

Photograph of participants of the one-day Teaching Drugs workshop held in April 2019

DEPC report shows most U.S. law schools have been slow to respond to new cannabis laws and drug policy issues. Moritz is the exception. Read the story

DEPC cohosts conference to examine past and future of the Controlled Substances Act

Douglas A. Berman moderates the “Marijuana in 2020: Legalization and Regulation” town hall with panelists Ethan Nadelmann, Cat Packer and Beau Kilmer.

With the Academy for Justice, we gathered over 50 speakers across law, health, and policy to examine the CSA a half-century after its enactment in 1970. Read the story

DEPC Cannabiz Roundtable examines evolving hemp regulation

Photograph of Doug Berman moderating the Spring 2020 Cannabiz Roundtable with panelists Benton Bodamer, David E. Miran, Jr. Esq., Patricia Zettler, and Anthony Seegers

Experts gather to address the unknowns surrounding hemp and CBD regulations in Ohio and nationwide. There are more questions than answers. Read the story

DEPC facilitates a faster path to pardon in Ohio

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine at the press conference announcing the Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project

A new project facilitated by the DEPC, and launched by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, aims to help law-abiding citizens hindered by a long-past mistake.  Read the story

Cannabiz Sprint drives student innovation at Ohio State

Learn how participation in this year’s Sprint led three students to develop a winning proposal to assist Ohioans struggling with opioid addiction.  Read the story

DEPC event highlights the need for data-led criminal justice reform in Ohio

The story of criminal justice reform in Ohio didn’t end with the failure of Issue 1. Can lawmakers enact better reforms without better data?  Read the story

DEPC fellowship uncovers new paths in Washington and Beyond

2018 and 2019 D.C. Fellows Headshots

For Moritz students interested in drug policy and enforcement, a DEPC fellowship can uncover new paths in Washington and beyond.  Read the story

Inaugural DEPC event highlights Buckeyes in the cannabis industry

Panelists at the inaugural Buckeyes in Cannabis event

For the first time ever, Buckeyes working in and around the cannabis industry met to discuss emerging issues and the future of reform.  Read the story