Drug War Chronicle

New York City and the NYPD are under fire this week for both their stop-and-frisk policing program and their massive number of marijuana possession busts in a state where it is supposed to be decriminalized.

Medical marijuana action was concentrated in state legislatures this week, although there was also news from the Massachusetts attorney general's office.

A Customs agent, a Texas deputy, and a small-town California cop all go down this week.

Nevada is the latest state to see a marijuana legalization bill in the wake of last November's victories in Colorado and Washington.

A marijuana decriminalization bill is moving in Maryland.

The District of Columbia has now joined ten states in implementing 911 Good Samaritan laws designed to reduce overdose deaths by removing the fear of arrest and prosecution from victims and witnesses who seek medical help.

Former New Zealand prime minister and current head of the UN Development Program Helen Clark has toughly criticized the reliance on criminal justice approaches in the global drug war.

Recalcitrant law enforcement and opposition from the governor's mansion is scuttling medical marijuana in Minnesota this year, even though it has broad popular support. But there's always next year.

Vermont is now the latest state to see a marijuana legalization bill introduced.

A New Hampshire marijuana legalization bill has been voted down by the House. Another one remains alive, but is bottled up in committee.