Drug War Chronicle #582 - April 24, 2009

Did an Arizona school administrator go too far in subjecting a 13-year-old girl to a strip search in a quest to track down alleged contraband Ibuprofen? The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that asks just that Tuesday.

From sea to shining sea, America's cannabis nation celebrated its rhizomatic annual 4/20 holiday again this week. Much weed was smoked and a good time was had by all. But should we really be celebrating?

With an economic crisis requiring sensible budget cuts, a Constitution-friendly administration and more people joining the drug policy reform movement than ever before, StoptheDrugWar.org has a unique opportunity to make our case.

More crooked prison guards, more crooked cops, and -- in a first for this newsletter -- a crooked Fish and Wildlife officer.

The cops can't search your car after they arrest you unless they have a warrant or probable cause, the Supreme Court has ruled.

Prosecutors in one California county have called a halt to small time drug prosecutions. They just can't afford them, they said.

A medical marijuana bill in New Hampshire is one Senate floor vote away from passage after it was approved by a Senate committee Thursday. The state House has already passed it.

Voters in Maine will have a chance to approve a medical marijuana bill that provides for dispensaries, among other things, this November. The legislature had its chance, but punted.

The nation's first salvia possession case has ended not with a bang, but a whimper. At least no one is going to jail.

Mexican and Colombian drug traffickers are hiring middle men to process coca paste into refined cocaine in Bolivia.

By refusing to hear a government appeal of two lower court decisions, Canada's Supreme Court has ended the government monopoly on the medical marijuana supply and opened the way for multi-patient grows.

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

"Sentencing Postponed in the Charlie Lynch Trial," "Opposing Medical Marijuana is Politically Risky," "Poking Around in a Teenager's Panties is a Sick Crime (Unless It's a Drug Search)," "Wow, These 4/20 Celebrations Are Surprisingly Safe," "If You Think the Drug War Protects Young People, Read This," "Obama's Fraudulent Pledge to Respect Medical Marijuana Laws," "Supreme Court Restricts Warrantless Vehicle Searches," "The Mainstream Media Wishes You a Happy 4/20," "Baptist Pastor Assaulted After Refusing Police Search."

Common Sense for Drug Policy is seeking an editorially-skilled individual to maintain and grow its network of web sites, including the in-depth online presentation on drug policy issues, DrugWarFacts.org.

The Drug Policy Alliance is seeking a Publications Manager to work from its New York City office.

The movement's longest-running grant program is continuing this year and is seeking proposals.

Apply for an internship at DRCNet and you could spend a semester fighting the good fight!