Bill de Blasio on Drugs NYC Mayor; Democratic Presidential Challenger (withdrawn)

Ban all alcohol advertising on city property

"There's no doubt that far too many New Yorkers struggle with serious substance misuse issues, among them excessive drinking," said Mayor de Blasio. "This order banning alcohol ads from City property reaffirms our commitment to health equity and our stand to protect the well-being of all New Yorkers."

High exposure to alcohol advertisements can lead to increased likelihood and quantity of alcohol consumption, particularly among youth. In 2016, there were over 110,000 alcohol-related emergency department visits in NYC.

Sue Big Pharma for opioid addiction; open overdose centers

We're going to fight to get the resources we deserve back from those companies, so we can help New Yorkers. But nonetheless, with the tools at hand today, we're stemming the tide of overdose deaths. We are opening overdose prevention centers anyway. Because there is no wrong way to save lives.

50,000 arrests for marijuana possession unjust and wrong

This policy is unjust and wrong. First-time offenses for possession of small amounts of marijuana are supposed to be punishable by fine only, unless publicly displayed. However, too many young African-Americans and Hispanics--without prior convictions--are still arrested for marijuana possession after being stopped and frisked by police, who then treat it as public display. Bill de Blasio will direct the NYPD to stop these misguided prosecutions.