Drug War Chronicle

Comprehensive coverage of the War on Drugs since 1997

David Borden

Important Message About Marijuana Rescheduling

Dear Drug Policy Reformer, You likely have seen the news about President Trump's 12/18/25 Executive Order addressing cannabis (marijuana) rescheduling as well as hemp and CBD concerns. Our
What We Need Your Support for These Last Days of 2025

Happy holidays! As 2026 approaches, this is what we are working on and need your help for.
Fixing the Hemp Ban: Industry and Legislative Proposals [FEATURE]

As of now, there is less than a year until a ban on most hemp cannabinioid products goes into effect, but the industry and Congress are looking at fixes.
Reformers React to Trump's Marijuana Rescheduling Executive Order [FEATURE]

Rescheduling is only a start, not the end when it comes to marijuana policy reform.
Beverages with hemp-derived cannabinoids. The Trump administration appears open to regulating--not banning--them.

Trump Orders Movement on Cannabis Rescheduling, Leaving Opening for Hemp Industry [FEATURE]

An executive order by President Trump has directed the US Attorney General to expedite the rescheduling process. He has also signaled his administration is open to regulating -- not banning -- hemp-derived cannabinoids.
US military strike on alleged "drug boat" in the Caribbean

Important Message and Alert About the Boat Strikes

Dear Reformer, Last February I warned President Trump might attempt Duterte-style extrajudicial drug war killings in the United States. In a different way, Trump is now doing extrajudicial drug war
In Afghan fields, not enough poppies now grow for Iran to seize and turn into pharmaceuticals. (UNODC)

Ohio House Okays Hemp and Marijuana Bill, Mexico President Says No US Military Action Inside Mexico, More... (11/24/25)

Iran is suffering an unforeseen consequence of Afghanistan's opium ban, Ohio lawmakers move to regulate -- not ban -- intoxicating hemp products, and more.
Congress Bans Most Hemp Products, Leaving Industry Unsettled and Uncertain [FEATURE]

The industry has a year to get Congress to change its mind.
Products such as these will be prohibited if Congress does not replace its hemp ban with a regulatory approach instead. (Creative Commons)

No Need to Ban Hemp Products When You Can Regulate Them, Advocates Say [FEATURE]

Industry experts propose regulation over outright bans, urging Congress to craft a viable framework for the $30 billion hemp market instead of pushing it toward collapse.
Mitch McConnell has reversed course on hemp derivatives. (Gage Skidmore)

Mitch McConnell Helped Usher in the Hemp Industry, Now He Is Working to Effectively Kill It [FEATURE]

Will Congress move to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids or to ban them?

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