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Drug War Chronicle

Comprehensive coverage of the War on Drugs since 1997

  • The profits of prohibition tempt law enforcement. (Image via Wikimedia.org)
    The profits of prohibition tempt law enforcement. (Image via Wikimedia.org)

    This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

    A typical corrupt cop week: Missing evidence, corruption on the border, greedy jail guards, and thuggish dope squad cops.
  • The Jamaican government just might give this Rastaman something else to smile about. (Image via Wikimedia)
    The Jamaican government just might give this Rastaman something else to smile about. (Image via Wikimedia)

    Jamaica to Look Again at Decriminalizing Marijuana

    A decade ago, the Jamaican government quietly shelved a National Ganja Commission report calling for decriminalization. This week, it decided to take it up again.
  • medical marijuana (courtesy Coaster420 and wikimedia.org)
    medical marijuana (courtesy Coaster420 and wikimedia.org)

    Washington House Passes Medical Marijuana Dispensary Bill

    A bill that would authorize medical marijuana dispensaries and increase patient protections in Washington state has passed both houses, but faces a reconciliation vote in the Senate and a less-than-committed governor.
  • Californians appear ready to reduce drug possession to misdemeanor. (Image courtesy Aaron Logan via Wikimedia.org)
    Californians appear ready to reduce drug possession to misdemeanor. (Image courtesy Aaron Logan via Wikimedia.org)

    Californians Favor Lessening Drug Possession Penalties [FEATURE]

    A new poll in California shows strong support for reducing drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor and lesser, but still substantial, support for decriminalization.
  • Patients could still be arrested, but not convicted under the proposed law. (Image via Wikimedia.org)
    Patients could still be arrested, but not convicted under the proposed law. (Image via Wikimedia.org)

    Maryland Legislature Approves Medical Marijuana Defense Bill

    Maryland looks set to approve a medical marijuana affirmative defense bill, with only one more pro forma Senate vote left before it goes to the governor for his signature.
  • Warsaw skyline (image via wikimedia.org)
    Warsaw skyline (image via wikimedia.org)

    Poland Edges Toward Drug Decriminalization

    Poland is taking steps to reform its harsh drug laws with something that looks a little bit like the decriminalization of drug possession. It's a start.
  • packaged synthetics (image via wikimedia.org)
    packaged synthetics (image via wikimedia.org)

    Czechs Ban New Synthetic Drugs, Salvia, Ketamine

    Acting with great rapidity for a legislative body, the Czech Parliament has moved to ban dozens of synthetic drugs, and the stuff that gets you high in salvia divinorum, too.
  • hostagenation.jpg
    hostagenation.jpg

    Chronicle Book Review: Hostage Nation

    We review a book on Colombia and US drug policy seen through a lens focused on American contractors and Colombian politicians kidnapped by the FARC.