In his letter to the California legislature, Brown explained that the “disadvantages” of AB 186 “far outweigh the possible benefits.”
He also wrote, “Fundamentally, I do not believe that enabling illegal drug use in government sponsored injection centers—with no corresponding requirement that the user undergo treatment—will reduce drug addiction.”
Furthermore, Brown noted that AB 186 “cannot create immunity under the federal law. The U.S. Attorney General already threatened prosecution.” The governor added that it would be irresponsible to expose local officials and health care professionals to potential federal criminal charges.”
Moreover, he wrote, “Our paramount goal must be to reduce the use of illegal drugs and opioids that daily enslaves human beings and wreaks havoc in our communities. California has never had enough drug treatment programs and does not have enough now. Residential, outpatient and case management—all are needed, voluntarily undertaken or coercively imposed by our courts. Both incentives and sanctions are needed. One without the other is futile.
