San Francisco is currently deliberating a proposed new drug policy that emphasizes abstinence from illicit drugs. Supervisor Matt Dorsey has put forward the “recovery first” approach, sparking a contentious debate among city officials and residents. While some express concerns that the policy may ostracize individuals who are not prepared to quit drug use, others argue that the current permissive atmosphere in the city needs to change. Mayor Daniel Lurie is focusing on addressing the fentanyl crisis as a key component of this proposed policy shift. The potential implementation of this new drug policy in San Francisco has brought to light the complex and multifaceted nature of substance abuse issues in the city, prompting a robust dialogue on the best path forward for tackling drug-related challenges.