Criminalized for Healing. Mobilized for Justice.
DecriminalizeAZ was born from firsthand injustice and fueled by a mission to reform Arizona’s punitive drug laws—laws that punish personal choices instead of supporting recovery, mental health, and harm reduction.
Vision for Reform – It’s time to fight back
“We believe no one should be punished for seeking healing“
After facing Arizona’s punitive drug laws firsthand, Christopher Cooney turned personal injustice into a movement for change. His 2010 arrest, stemming from a domestic disturbance call that led police to a small-scale psilocybin cultivation, exposed deep flaws in drug enforcement—criminalizing individuals rather than addressing rehabilitation and harm reduction.
In response, Cooney founded DecriminalizeAZ, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to decriminalizing psilocybin and spearheading broader drug policy reform. Now, more than a decade later, his fight continues—not just for policy change, but for legislative action and justice.
We’re not waiting on lawmakers.
We’re drafting the bills. Filing the lawsuits.
Building a movement centered on science, dignity, and human rights.
Looking Forward: A Vision for Restoration
DecriminalizeAZ is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement fueled by personal loss, a relentless quest for accountability, and an unyielding belief in healing over punishment.
Our vision is clear:
- Rebuild Lives: Provide a pathway for recovery and the pursuit of a hopeful future.
- Reform the Legal Landscape: Transform drug policy to reflect modern science, compassion, and fairness.
- Repair: the lives destroyed by the drug war and help restore hope to those who believed there was none.
Chris’s journey—from the crushing injustice of 2010 to his relentless fight today—reminds us that while the drug war may break lives, it can also be undone. We are here to rewrite the narrative, reclaim our rights, and create a future where personal freedom and evidence-based policy guide our communities.
DecriminalizeAZ is committed to advancing evidence-based drug policy reform in Arizona, advocating for legislative change that decriminalizes psilocybin and promotes harm reduction. We recognize the profound harm inflicted by decades of prohibition, unjust sentencing, and asset forfeiture, and we strive to undo these injustices through strategic legal action, public education, and coalition-building.
Our work seeks to replace punitive policies with frameworks that prioritize individual rights, scientific integrity, and community well-being, ensuring a future where drug laws heal rather than harm.
Recognizing the deep injustices caused by prohibition, our organization emerged as a grassroots initiative dedicated to dismantling punitive laws and advocating for harm reduction. Since its inception, we have worked tirelessly to challenge unconstitutional asset forfeiture practices, push for psilocybin decriminalization, and engage communities in evidence-based discussions.
Over time, our efforts have evolved from legal advocacy to comprehensive policy reform, building a movement that seeks to repair the damage of the drug war and create a future where justice, science, and personal freedom shape Arizona’s drug laws.
Join The Fight
Join us in this transformative journey. Explore our initiatives, support our legal battles, and become part of a community dedicated to real, restorative change.
Learn More About Our Mission Get Involved Today
Join us as we form local advocacy groups
Help foster community engagement, hold institutions accountable, and work towards creating a more just and equitable society
Volunteer for legal aid and research assistance
Help us draft safe, science-backed policies for psychedelic reform and access.
Support Our Cause
Donate money or goods to our cause through tax-deductible contributions
Championing Reform Through Community Voices
Reach out to connect with our advocacy team quickly and directly.