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Drug War Chronicle

Comprehensive coverage of the War on Drugs since 1997

  • (front porch image, from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration)
    (front porch image, from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration)

    In Reversal, Denver Council Rejects Front-Porch Pot Ban

    Good, and, frankly, somewhat surprising news for Denver tokers. The city council last night reversed itself and undid the ban on pot smoking in public view even if on one's own property. There will be one more vote on the ordinance next week.
  • demonstration at 2009 UN drug session, Vienna
    demonstration at 2009 UN drug session, Vienna

    United Nations Drug Policy Divisions Aired

    British publications have gotten their hands on a leaked UN document that reveals fundamental splits among nations as the international organization prepares for the UN General Assembly Special Session on drugs in 2016. Much, but not all, criticism of the status quo is coming from Latin America.
  • narcoland.jpg
    narcoland.jpg

    Chronicle Book Review: "Narcoland"

    Anabel Hernandez makes bold--and well-documented -- claims about Mexican government complicity with the Sinaloa Cartel in Narcoland. It would be a real shocker if it weren't all too believable.
  • MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_109.jpg
    MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_109.jpg

    Medical Marijuana Update

    Arkansas Baptists reject medical marijuana, and so do some California communities. New Jersey's governor mouths off, and Illinois and Massachusetts communities move to regulate soon-to-arrive medical marijuana businesses.
  • Ecstasy seems to be making a comeback.
    Ecstasy seems to be making a comeback.

    Chronicle AM -- December 4, 2013

    Some Denver city council members don't know when to give it a rest, some California US reps want stiffer penalties for pot grows on public lands, the Big Dog speaks on drug policy, Ecstasy may be on the rise, Morocco holds a historic hearing on cannabis, and more.
  • pile-of-cash_140.jpg
    pile-of-cash_140.jpg

    This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

    There's something fishy going on in Florida, a former Arkansas police chief had a pain pill issue, and a veteran Philly cop lets family ties get the best of him.
  • Naloxone can reverse opioid drug overdoses. Now, a pilot program is getting underway in Vermont.
    Naloxone can reverse opioid drug overdoses. Now, a pilot program is getting underway in Vermont.

    Chronicle AM -- December 3, 2013

    Denver's city council calls off ban on "front porch" marijuana smoking, New Jersey's governor claims medical marijuana is a ploy, Vermont rolls out a naloxone pilot project, Colombia's FARC want decriminalization, and more.
  • Denver.jpg
    Denver.jpg

    Chronicle AM -- December 2, 2013

    The Denver city council votes today on where you can smoke pot, a Tennessee bill equates meth-making with child abuse, there's dissent on drug policy at the UN, India fights a drug menace, and more.
  • Is this the face of marijuana legalization? Uruguayan President Jose Mujica (wikimedia.org)
    Is this the face of marijuana legalization? Uruguayan President Jose Mujica (wikimedia.org)

    Chronicle AM -- November 29, 2013

    Uruguay's marijuana legalization bill passes another hurdle, a Berlin borough wants cannabis cafes, Chicago proposes tough medical marijuana regulations, Kentucky officials hound the DEA about hemp, and more.