Drug War Chronicle

New York Times on drug convictions and financial aid, conservatives against harsh crack sentencing law, Smith and Guard on Drug Truth Network, Tony Papa on the "preppy killer" facing more time for drugs than murder.

When the Democratic presidential contenders had a chance to support marijuana decriminalization during Tuesday night's televised debate, only two out of seven did so.

Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.

The Massachusetts Bar Association has decided to form a drug policy task force with an eye toward sentencing reform in the Bay State.

Executions for drug offenses will continue in Indonesia. The country's constitutional court upheld such punishments this week.

The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) currently has two part-time, unpaid positions open. Apply today for either the nationwide Research Fellowship or DC-based Membership Intern position.

Congressional drug warriors have managed to pass an amendment that would bar federal funds for cities that establish safe injection sites. The measure is in conference committee and needs to be killed now.

Ronnie Naulls thought he knew what to expect if the DEA came after his dispensary, but he never thought they'd try to take his kids. He's not the only California medical marijuana patient or provider with problems with child protective services or family courts, either.

New, less harsh federal sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine offenses went into effect this week, potentially affecting 4,000 federal cases a year. But will the US Sentencing Commission make those changes retroactive, bringing hope to nearly 20,000 currently imprisoned federal crack offenders? Stay tuned.

The 19th International Conference for the Reduction of Drug-Related Harm will convene in Barcelona this May. There's still time to apply to get on the program.