Senator Joe Morrissey on Reforming Drug Laws and Supporting Recovery
There's two things that are sacrosanct in my opinion. The judge has got to give both sides that opportunity. And you know, I just feel very strongly about that, and I saw the situation where it wasn't level okay, and that was a focus of my legislation.
Ever thought about how drug laws impact addiction recovery? In this episode of 'Get in the Herd', hosts John Shinholser and Nathan Mitchell welcome Senator Joe Morrissey, who represents Virginia's 16th district. Senator Morrissey dives into his mission to reclassify and de-felonize simple possession and create better safe reporting laws.
He shares personal stories from his legal career that fueled his passion for change, stressing the flaws in using jail time as a deterrent and highlighting the need for incentives in prison to encourage positive behavior. The conversation also touches on the Good Samaritan Law and its role in reducing drug overdoses. Senator Morrissey sheds light on peer-to-peer recovery groups in jails and the crucial role of community outreach in supporting those battling addiction.
This episode is packed with insights that challenge the status quo and invite listeners to think about how legal reforms can aid recovery efforts. Senator Morrissey’s candid discussion offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of law and recovery, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding and supporting addiction recovery efforts.