🎧 The Advocate Next Door: Episode 27: An Advocate for Humanity (Drug Policy with Maritza Perez)
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/
Related interview: https://www.mycannabis.com/maritza-perez-medina-director-of-federal-affairs-for-the-drug-policy-alliance-interview-series/