The Students for Sensible Drug Policy conference is taking this Friday through Monday just outside DC, and the Harm Reduction Conference next month in Baltimore.
Chronicle
Dr. Molly Fry's supporters have started a petition drive seeking a pardon for the medical marijuana practitioner. (change.org)
A pair of marijuana polls have good news for DC, but not so good for New Mexico, there's a move on to get Dr. Molly Fry out of federal prison, Ohio employers are pushing drug testing for students, the EU sides with Bolivia -- not the US -- on that country's coca policy, and more.
Chronicle
Bolivian President Evo Morales shrugs off US criticism of his country's drug policies. (wikimedia.org)
MPP fights to get a third local Maine initiative on the ballot, Florida CBD cannabis oil growers fight for better rules, the NFL relaxes its marijuana policy, Bolivia's president rejects US claims on drugs, Australia's prime minister supports medical marijuana, and more.
Our first-ever medical marijuana update with no news from California. But there are things going in places that are not the usual suspects -- a sign of changing times, indeed.
More cops with pill problems, more jail and prison guards in trouble for drug smuggling and selling. Just another week on the drug war corruption front.
Organized opposition has arrived in DC, MPP launches a "Consume Responsibly" campaign, polls suggest a tough fight for the Florida medical marijuana initiative, New Jersey solons roll out a package of bills aimed at opiate use, and more.
Chronicle
Soldiers or police? It's the latter. (hankjohnson.house.gov)
With concern over police militarization running rampant in the wake of the Ferguson, Missouri, protests, a pair of congressmen have filed a bill that would begin to rein in the use of military equipment by police.
Chronicle
The rate of increase in opiate OD deaths is slowing. (CDC/NCHS)
Congress is back and bills are picking up cosponsors, Guam will vote on medical marijuana, Wyoming moves toward ending civil asset forfeiture reform, the president names drug producing and transit countries (again), and more.
Chronicle
Imprisoned Vietnamese drug users working at a "rehabilitation center" in 2011 (hrw.org)
The Washington Post just says no to the DC marijuana initiative, the Oregon initiative sees a lively debate, the Madison, WI, police chief says legalize it, another drug war death, West Virginia pain patients are getting screened by narcs--and paying for the privilege! -- and more.
A 19-year-old Oklahoma City woman was shot and killed by police as she fled in her car from a drug bust, and her boyfriend, who was apparently doing the drug deal, now faces murder charges in her death.
Chronicle
California marijuana reform activists (cannabispolicyreform.org)
With Congress back in session, bills are getting some attention, Roger Christie walks out of prison, the PA Senate will take up medical marijuana next week, smoke-in in Bogota, and more.
Chronicle
Coca plant. Mexico has found its first plantation. (unodc.org)
A federal CBD medical marijuana bill picks up more sponsors, so does a federal asset forfeiture reform bill, Georgia advocates whole whole plant medical marijuana, Mexico's first coca patch is busted, Saudi Arabia beheads another drug offender, and more.
The Florida initiative is in a close fight, hearings are coming in Hawaii, draft regulations are coming in Maryland, Illinois begins taking medical marijuana business applications, and more.
A storied Chicago narc finally goes to prison, a Michigan reserve cop admits trying to trade speed pills for sex, and a whole raft of jail and prison guards get themselves in trouble.
Chronicle
19-month-old Bounkham "Baby Bou Bou" Phonesavanh after a Georgia SWAT team threw a flash-bang grenade into his crib. (family)
The House backs off on DC decrim, Maryland awaits medical marijuana draft rules, asset forfeiture is in the news, so is SWAT, Russia says "nyet" to drug legalization, and more.
Chronicle
Opium poppies in Afghanistan. The Global Commission on Drugs would like to see this regulated. (unodc.org)
Philly will decriminalize, the Global Commission on Drugs issues a ground-breaking new report, LEAP's Norm Stamper testifies on police militarization, Jodie Emery runs for parliament, there's medical marijuana news from Europe and South America, and more.
An impressive panel of global political leaders is breaking new ground with a report calling for drug decriminalization and the legal regulation of drug markets. The Global Commission on Drugs strikes again!
It's now less than two months to election day. There are three state-level marijuana legalization initiatives on the ballot. Let's take a look at them and their prospects.
Two majors newspapers have special reports on law enforcement related to the drug war, a staunch Kansas Republican says marijuana should be decided by the states -- not the feds -- Illinois is now taking medical marijuana business applications, Britain's Lib Dems are ready to consider drug decrim and marijuana legalization, and more.
Chronicle
George HW Bush and his infamous bag of crack, September 5, 1989 (whitehouse.gov)
Are federal funds helping to oppose the Oregon initiative? Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) wants to know. Plus, Hawaii dispensary hearings loom, Charles Bowden dies, and today marks an infamous anniversary.