Nov. 13--Advocates for the legalization of all drugs gathered for a candlelight vigil Thursday night in honor of those who have been incarcerated or affected by the war on drugs.

About 250 people from Albuquerque and around the world attended the event at Civic Plaza and listened to speakers, who either told personal stories or offered words of encouragement to keep up the fight for drug legalization.

There were 108 luminarias that lit up the stage, each representing 10,000 people who have been incarcerated in the United States on drug charges, according to event organizers.

State Rep. Antonio Maestas, D-Albuquerque, addressed the crowd and said he believes in treatment instead of incarceration in drug-related matters.

"Stop the immorality of the prosecution of our citizens for drug use," Maestas said.

"It is horrible, unreasonable. ... Drugs and drug use should be eliminated from the criminal justice system forever."

Dorsey Nunn, founder of All of Us or None, told the audience that the war on drugs is a war on the people.

"Not only am I a recovering addict, I'm a recovering slave," said Nunn, who is black. "I own myself. I demand the right to control my own body."

Thursday's vigil followed the first day of the International Drug Policy Reform Conference, which runs through Saturday in Albuquerque.

Con ference topics wi l l include taxing and regulating marijuana, discussion on prescription heroin for those suffering from addiction, and prevention measures to reduce the risk of disease and overdose.

Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson teamed up Tuesday with former U.S. Marshal Matthew Fogg to speak about how incarceration is not the solution to the drug problem. That event was held at the University of New Mexico's Student Union.

Johnson will speak at the drug policy reform conference on Saturday.

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