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News Brief

Marijuana Policy Project lobbyists and patient advocates watch SB 17 signed into law. (Image courtesy MPP)
Marijuana Policy Project lobbyists and patient advocates watch SB 17 signed into law. (Image courtesy MPP)

Vermont Becomes Eighth Medical Marijuana Dispensary State

Vermont's Democratic governor has stood up to threats from the US attorney, signing into law the state's medical marijuana dispensary bill.
Lake Parc Place residents let CHA CEO Lewis Jordan know what they thought of his bright idea. (Image courtesy CHA)
Lake Parc Place residents let CHA CEO Lewis Jordan know what they thought of his bright idea. (Image courtesy CHA)

CHA Gets Angry Earful Over Drug Testing Proposal

New Chicago Housing Authority CEO Lewis Jordan has floated a plan to require drug testing of all adult residents. Thursday night, he got a taste of what residents think of his bright idea.
The California Senate chamber. There's not a lot of good news coming out of Sacramento this year. (Image via Wikimedia.org)
The California Senate chamber. There's not a lot of good news coming out of Sacramento this year. (Image via Wikimedia.org)

Not a Good Year for Marijuana So Far in Sacramento

A bill-killing deadline came and went Friday in Sacramento, and it ain't looking especially pretty for marijuana reform so far.
Bust after bust... and still no impact besides more violence. (Image via Wikimedia.org)
Bust after bust... and still no impact besides more violence. (Image via Wikimedia.org)

Mexico Drug War Update

As prohibition-related violence continues unabated, peace marchers are heading for Ciudad Juarez.
Attorney General Holder says yes to retroactivity only for some federal crack prisoners. (Image courtesy DOJ)
Attorney General Holder says yes to retroactivity only for some federal crack prisoners. (Image courtesy DOJ)

AG Holder Backs Early Release for Crack Cocaine Prisoners

The Fair Sentencing Act, which reduced disparities between crack and powder cocaine sentences, could be about to get even fairer. The US Sentencing Commission is pondering making it retroactive, and Attorney General Holder agrees.
An Amsterdam cannabis coffee shop. If you want to check it out yourself, you better hurry. (Image via Wikimedia.org)
An Amsterdam cannabis coffee shop. If you want to check it out yourself, you better hurry. (Image via Wikimedia.org)

Dutch to Ban Foreigners from Cannabis Cafes

If you want to experience the cannabis coffee shops of Amsterdam, book your ticket now. Next year will be too late, as Holland gives the finger to pot-loving visitors.
The hangman has been -- and will be -- getting a real work out in Iran. (Image via Wikimedia.org)
The hangman has been -- and will be -- getting a real work out in Iran. (Image via Wikimedia.org)

Iran to Hang 300 for Drug Trafficking

Iran has already executed more than 125 people for drug trafficking so far this year, and more than 300 await the hangman. It claims that's the only way to stop the flow of drugs destined for Europe.