Philip Owen was the conservative mayor of Vancouver from 1993 to 2002. He originally opposed Bud Osborn and VANDU’s proposals to lighten punishments and provide public services for drug addicts. However, after meeting with addicts in Downtown Eastside and learning about their lives, Owen changed his mind. He gave VANDU members a public voice in his administration, became a vocal proponent of drug reform, and eventually even came out in favor of legalizing drugs. Owen’s transformation shows how politicians and the public can help create better drug policies if they choose to learn more about drugs and the people who use them.