Alexander Lekhtman

Alexander is Filter’s staff writer. He writes about the movement to end the War on Drugs. He grew up in New Jersey and swears it’s actually alright. He’s also a musician hoping to change the world through the power of ledger lines and legislation. Alexander was previously Filter‘s editorial fellow.

CA Syringe Program Resumes Services After Fight for Reauthorization

A syringe service program (SSP) in Santa Cruz, California, is back on its feet after losing its license amid backlash…

July 7, 2025

New Jersey Opens Cannabis Lounge Applications to All Dispensaries

As of July 2, any cannabis dispensary interested in opening a consumption area can apply for licensing from the New…

July 4, 2025

Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Primary, Campaigning on Affordable Housing

In a stunning upset to the New York City Democratic mayoral primary on June 24, 33-year-old Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani defeated…

June 26, 2025

Phase 3 Trial of Psilocybin for Depression Reportedly Shows Great Promise

An ongoing advanced clinical trial of psilocybin as a depression treatment reportedly shows great promise. Caution is required when the…

June 25, 2025

Montana Governor Vetoes Proposal for Tribes to Enter Cannabis Compacts

A Montana proposal that would have allowed tribal nations to negotiate cannabis regulation individually will not be enacted this session.…

June 24, 2025

WI Advocates Trying to Open State’s First Public Drug-Checking Service

Harm reduction advocates in Madison, Wisconsin, are organizing what could be the state’s first authorized public drug-checking program—but with funding…

June 18, 2025

VA Creates New Fentanyl Homicide Charge, With Limited Exemptions

Virginia will begin punishing fentanyl distribution convictions as involuntary manslaughter, in cases that can be linked to overdose death. In…

June 17, 2025

SF Mayor Wants to Use Permanent-Housing Funds for Shelter Beds

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie (D) wants to take millions of dollars from a dedicated fund meant to supply permanent…

June 10, 2025

Maine Psilocybin Decrim Uncertain as Legislature Passes Bill, Then Tables It

On June 3, state senators in Maine narrowly approved a psilocybin decriminalization bill, which House representatives had also narrowly approved…

June 5, 2025

Judge Dismisses Federal Consent Decree for Minneapolis Police

A judge has thrown out the federal consent decree for the Minneapolis Police Department, which followed the 2020 murder of…

May 29, 2025