Drug War Chronicle #725 - March 15, 2012

We read a classic text in marijuana policy reform, and see just why it is a classic.

Mexico's drug cartels are exciting analytical and journalistic interest. Here, we review three new titles.

We continue our newest offer for donating members, the drug policy classic reprint: "The Marijuana Conviction: A History of Marijuana Prohibition in the United States." This is one is available for donations of just $22 or more.

Federal threats continue to hover over medical marijuana distribution across the country, and local battles continue as well.

Florida becomes the first state in the nation to pass a law requiring the random, suspicionless drug testing of state employees. It will most likely be challenged in the courts.

The drug testing frenzy in state legislatures continues, with the Oklahoma House passing a bill requiring testing for welfare recipients, and candidates for political office, too.

The coalition behind this year's California medical marijuana initiative is shifting gears. It has dropped the initiative effort, and will instead concentrate its efforts -- and its cash -- on passing a measure in the legislature.

A marijuana decriminalization has squeaked to victory in the New Hampshire House, but faces a veto threat from Gov. John Lynch (D).

If Colombian President Santos has his way, you will soon be able to possess five grams of marijuana or a gram of cocaine in Colombia without fear of arrest or prosecution.

Bolivian President Evo Morales told the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs Monday that Bolivians have the right to chew coca leaves. Bolivia wants the leaf removed from the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, and has rejoined the treaty only with a reservation that it recognizes traditional coca use.

Canadian researchers report that giving addicts maintenance doses of heroin is more cost-effective than giving them maintenance doses of methadone.

Two men have been killed by police in drug raids in Miami Lakes, Florida, and New Orleans. The one in Miami Lakes was armed; the one in New Orleans apparently was not.

A pretty quiet week this week, but there is a juicy scandal brewing in Florida.

Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.