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Drug War Chronicle

Comprehensive coverage of the War on Drugs since 1997

  • Attorney General Holder keeps pushing on sentencing reform (justice.gov)
    Attorney General Holder keeps pushing on sentencing reform (justice.gov)

    AG Holder Supports Making Federal Drug Sentence Reductions Retroactive

    The Justice Department is supporting a US Sentencing Commission proposal to extend recently enacted sentencing reductions to people who are currently serving federal time. The commission will vote on retroactivity next month.
  • poster_esparragoza_wanted.jpg
    poster_esparragoza_wanted.jpg

    Key Sinaloa Cartel Figure Reported Dead

    First, "El Chapo" Guzman was captured. Now, Juan Jose "El Azul" Esparragoza has reportedly died. Of the trio at the top of the Sinaloa cartel, only one is left. And that could mean trouble.
  • feed the birds.jpg
    feed the birds.jpg

    Chronicle AM -- June 9, 2014

    In California, all eyes now turn toward 2016 for marijuana legalization, Washington state's first retail marijuana store will open soon, Mexico's president is willing to debate marijuana legalization, British activists are planting the seeds of change, and more.
  • Do_Not_Cross,_Crime_Scene_82.jpg
    Do_Not_Cross,_Crime_Scene_82.jpg

    Utah SWAT Team Kills Drug Fugitive in Standoff

    A Utah SWAT team shot and killed a drug fugitive who allegedly pulled a gun on them during a standoff, but one commenter in a local media story has a much different take on what went down.
  • Another image from the Drug Policy Alliance's series of photos normalizing marijuana use. (Sonya Yruel/DPA)
    Another image from the Drug Policy Alliance's series of photos normalizing marijuana use. (Sonya Yruel/DPA)

    Chronicle AM -- June 6, 2014

    Another marijuana-heavy news day today -- at least it's coming from all corners of the country. The DEA is giving ultimatums to doctors in Massachusetts, the California GOP attorney general candidate wants to legalize it, and, Down Under, the Melbourne city council has a report calling for a debate on drug legalization.
  • DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz gets scolded by the medical marijuana movement.
    DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz gets scolded by the medical marijuana movement.

    Chronicle AM -- June 5, 2014

    An Arkansas marijuana legalization initiative can start signature-gathering, DC's medical marijuana program now includes more eligible conditions, Tennessee's governor unveils his prescription drug plan, Canada's mandatory minimum sentencing law is being challenged, and more.
  • MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_134.jpg
    MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_134.jpg

    Medical Marijuana Update

    In an historic vote, the House tells the DEA and Justice Department to butt out of medical marijuana states, limited CBD medical marijuana bills are signed into law in Iowa and South Carolina, Minnesota becomes the 22nd medical marijuana state, one bill to regulate medical marijuana in California is still alive, and more.
  • pile-of-cash_165.jpg
    pile-of-cash_165.jpg

    This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

    More cops with prescription pill problems, more jail guards tempting fate. Just another week in drug war police corruption.
  • Britain's National Black Police Association wants the government to study marijuana reform in the US. (nbpa.co.uk)
    Britain's National Black Police Association wants the government to study marijuana reform in the US. (nbpa.co.uk)

    Chronicle AM -- June 4, 2014

    Legendary chemist Alexander Shulgin has died, the fight for medical marijuana in New York continues, Chicago sues Big Pharma over prescription opiates, Britain's black police association wants a look at legalization in the US, pot politics continues to get big play in Bermuda, and more