Maritza Perez Medina, Director of Federal Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance. Maritza shares her journey from growing up in rural Nevada to attending Berkeley School of Law, and her long-standing desire to advocate for marginalized and vulnerable communities. She discusses her focus on public interest law, specifically criminal justice reform and drug policy, informed by her experiences with immigration advocacy and personal encounters with systemic racism. The conversation explores complex issues such as drug scheduling, the opioid crisis, harm reduction strategies, and the role of policy in addressing public health concerns. Maritza emphasizes the importance of cultural change, community support, and de-stigmatization of drug users, advocating for more informed and compassionate drug policies.

Breakdown

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:57 Navigating Cultural Identity

01:42 Maritza's Career Journey

02:40 Early Advocacy and Inspiration

04:19 Pursuing Public Interest Law

08:13 Challenges and Family Support

09:42 Drug Policy and Criminal Justice

13:18 Understanding Drug Scheduling

20:00 The Reality of Drug Use and Safety

21:50 The War on Drugs: A Modern Perspective

23:08 Challenges in Drug Policy and Public Perception

27:42 Historical Context of Drug Legislation

34:57 The Role of Pharmaceuticals and Public Health

37:17 Advocacy and Public Involvement

Bio

Maritza Perez Medina, Director of the Office of National Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance in Washington, DC, leads federal legislative strategies to end the drug war. With a career spanning roles at the Center for American Progress, MALDEF, and Teach For America, she has championed criminal justice reform, immigration policy, and educational equity. A UC Berkeley School of Law graduate, Maritza’s advocacy has been recognized nationally, earning her accolades like the Hispanic National Bar Association’s “Top Lawyers Under 40.”

Links

Bio: https://www.hbadc.org/page/BoardBiosMaritzaP

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maritza-perez-medina-esq-364b4869/

Drug Alliance: https://drugpolicy.org

Related interview: https://www.mycannabis.com/maritza-perez-medina-director-of-federal-affairs-for-the-drug-policy-alliance-interview-series/