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The International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) is a global network of NGOs and professional networks that specialise in issues related to illegal drug production and use. The Consortium aims to promote objective and open debate on the effectiveness, direction and content of drug policies at national and international level, and supports evidence-based policies that are effective in reducing drug-related harm. It disseminates the reports of its member organisations about particular drug-related matters, and offers expert consultancy services to policymakers and officials around the world. COMMUNICATIONS UPDATED IDPC WEBSITE The website of IDPC plays a major role in the implementation of our mission. This gives our members, and anyone else interested in drug policy, easy access to a wide range of reports on issues related to national and international policies in this field. Through this platform are able to reach out to over 10,000 individuals and organisations around the world, and this number is continually increasing. We have recently redesigned the website, which you can visit at the same address as before: www.idpc.info. The aim has been to make the site more user-friendly, and to make our messages and publications more accessible. The Spanish and Italian language versions of the website are now live. Some documents are also available in French and Russian, and we will create versions of the website in these languages later in the year. TNI UNGASS WEBSITE The Transnational Institute has created a website that deals specifically with the UN 10 year review of drug policy. The website (www.ungassondrugs.org) contains key documents, analysis and announcements that are relevant to the review of the 1998 UNGASS. Please try to add a link from your website to this valuable source of information. DRUGLINK INTERNATIONAL Drugscope have received funding from OSI to produce two pilot editions of a magazine - Druglink International. The magazine will be produced in association with IDPC, and Harry Shapiro at Drugscope is hoping that IDPC members will all have ideas for content, and will be able to provide him with media contacts in their own regions to help promote the magazine. The first issue will be largely based on existing international content from Druglink magazine because it needs to be produced in time for the International Harm Reduction Conference in Barcelona in May. It will also be circulated at the International Aids Conference in Mexico. However, the second issue will have more flexibility, and we may be tying that in with events in early 2009. This is a very exciting project with much potential for the future for raising the issues which concern us all with a wider audience, and also for future networking around the world. PUBLICATIONS IDPC BRIEFING NUMBER 8 - REPORT ON PROCEEDINGS AT THE 2008 COMMISSION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS (CND) The 51st meeting of the CND took place in Vienna from 10th to 14th March 2008. It was an eventful meeting, and this summary of proceedings covers the key aspects of the week, including NGO involvement, the Thematic Debate, progress of resolutions, human rights, coca leaf, harm reduction and the INCB. http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/IDPC_BP_08_RptProcedings2008CND_EN.pdf NGO STATEMENTS TO THE CND THEMATIC DEBATE Unlike in previous years, NGOs were successful in being granted access to the plenary session to deliver statements to the assembled government representatives. The topic for the thematic debate was the review of progress in international drug control in the 10 years since the 1998 UNGASS, and the NGO contributions enlivened what was an otherwise bland debate. In total, 8 NGO statements were submitted, and the ones that are available in electronic form are posted on the IDPC website. You can download them through the links below: IDPC STATEMENT http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/IDPC_CND_Statement_08_EN.pdf INPUD STATEMENT http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/INPUD_CND_Statement_08_EN.pdf IHRA STATEMENT http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/IHRA_CND_Statement_08_EN.pdf EHRN STATEMENT http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/EHRN_CND_Statement_08_EN.pdf

[Courtesy of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition] You might find this helpful: I met with an aide I had not seen in two years whose boss is very conservative except for the prohibition question. Being a Libertarian, she completely supports LEAP’s mission statement. I gave her all the usual updates & was prepared to leave after about 10 minutes. She pro-offered an approach I might employ with other legislative aides. I tried her idea at the next three offices. It worked. Most of what she suggested I have now permanently adopted. As I make my second visit to the 540 offices, I am struck and gratified by the increasing numbers of aides who wish me well & offer information and suggestions. Cowboy Hat = cop who wants to legalize drugs: Two separate times this week a staffer with whom I was sharing an elevator said, ‘I remember the hat. How is the legalize campaign going?’ One I somewhat remembered and the other was a complete blank. I replied that Don Quixote now has 5 votes to legalize/regulate drugs. Just 213 votes to go. Know anyone?…they smiled and wished me well. Another aide who met me two years ago remarked that she has seen me many times in the cafeteria. As she spots the cowboy hat and me under it, she always thinks of legalizing drugs. Monthly bill to produce copies to distribute: 40 dollars; monthly cost to ride train to work - $112; Cost to ride the Metro inside DC - $60; having Congressional aides remember my message by simply seeing a cowboy hat – PRICELESS.

[Courtesy of Drug Policy Alliance] For Immediate Release: April 7, 2008 Contact: Margaret Dooley-Sammuli (213) 291-4190 Hundreds to Celebrate Prop 36 at California Capitol Third Annual “Prop 36 Works!” Rally Counts Lives and Dollars Saved Wednesday, 11-1pm: Rally and March in Capitol Park Sacramento – Clients, graduates and supporters of Proposition 36, California’s treatment-instead-of-incarceration law, will gather at the Capitol on April 9 to celebrate seven years of the groundbreaking program’s success. Hundreds of rally participants will represent the over 84,000 people who have graduated from the program in the last seven years—and call attention to the over $1.5 billion saved by Prop 36 so far. Many participants at Wednesday’s rally are in recovery rather than jail thanks to Prop 36, and have come from around the state to show their support for the program and for treatment rather than incarceration. After the outdoor rally, the crowd will march and then enter the Capitol Building to leave that message with their legislators. WHAT: Prop 36 Works! rally WHEN: Wednesday, April 9, 11a.m. rally ; 1p.m. march. WHERE: North steps, California Capitol Building, Sacramento. WHO: Prop 36 graduates from across California, Parent advocates for Prop 36, Formerly incarcerated people & advocates, Legislators The Drug Policy Alliance, sponsor of the event, was instrumental in the campaign to pass Prop 36 in 2000 and continues to work to protect the program. Co-sponsors represent the wide support for the program: California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC), California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources (CAARR), California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives (CAADPE), California Society of Addiction Medicine, The Effort, & NCADD Sacramento. Other supporters include: A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing), All of Us or None, Alpha Project, Beacon House Association of San Pedro, California Church IMPACT, Coalition for Effective Public Safety (CEPS), County Alcohol and Drug Programs Administrators Association of California (CADPAAC) & Justice Now. For more information, visit: www.prop36.org.

[Courtesy of Drug Policy Alliance] For Immediate Release: April 7, 2008 For More Info: Gabriel Sayegh, tel: 646-335-2264 or Tony Newman, tel: 646-335-5384 New York Overdose Epidemic: More People Die from Accidental Overdose than Homicides Public Heath Advocates, Community Groups Travel to Albany on Tuesday to Demand Effective Overdose Legislation Nearly 1,000 Flowers—One Flower for Every Accidental Overdose Death in NYC —to be Delivered to Gov. Paterson’s Office at 1 p.m., April 8 On Tuesday, April 8, the Drug Policy Alliance, Harm Reduction Coalition, New York City AIDS Housing Network, Voices of Community Advocates and Leaders, and advocates from around the state will travel to Albany to demand effective overdose legislation and public health policies for drug user health in New York. There is an overdose epidemic across the country and in New York State. In New York City alone, nearly 1,000 people died of accidental drug overdose in 2006, making it the fourth leading cause of death among adults after heart disease, cancer and AIDS. More people die of overdose than homicides in New York City. At 11 a.m., advocates will gather at Emmanuel Baptist Church for a strategy meeting and inspirational talk by Senator Tom Duane and Humberto Cruz, Exec. Director of NYS AIDS Institute. At 1 p.m., the coalition will make a special delivery to Gov. David Paterson’s office—one flower for every accidental overdose death in New York City. Nearly 1,000 flowers will be delivered. Many accidental drug overdoses in New York are preventable. Most people hesitate to call 911 because they fear getting arrested for illicit drugs. Assembly Bill 8740, the 911 Good Samaritan Bill, will save lives in New York by allowing people to call 911 to save a life without fear of being arrested. Additionally, the Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP), passed by the NYS Legislature in 2000, amended the Public Health Law to make possession of clean syringes legal. However, New York State Penal Law still states that possession of a clean syringe is a Class A misdemeanor, and many clients are arrested around syringe exchange programs—for possession of syringes. Advocates will call on legislators to remove syringes from the penal code to encourage injection drug users to access clean syringes to reduce HIV/AIDS without fear of arrest. What: Statewide Meeting and Lobby Day to Reduce Accidental Drug Overdoses When: Tuesday, April 8th 11:00 A.M. Where: Meeting at Emmanuel Baptist Church 275 State Street, Albany, NY Who: Advocates, with special comments by Senator Tom Duane and Humberto Cruz, NYS AIDS Institute Director Action: Flower Delivery to Gov. Paterson to symbolize overdose deaths in New York: 1:00 p.m. at the Executive Chamber

NOTE: Updates will be back on track on April 10th. Drug Truth Network Update: 4:20 Drug War NEWS from 90.1 FM in Houston and dozens of radio affiliates in the US and Canada & on the web at www.kpft.org. We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US and Canada. 4:20 Drug War NEWS 04/07/08 to 04/13/08 now online (3:00 ea:) Select online at www.drugtruth.net Sun - Aaron Smith of Marijuana Policy Project at Cannabis Convention Sat - Dr. Michael Aldrich at Cannabis Therapeutics Convention 2/2 Fri - Dr. Michael Aldrich at Cannabis Therapeutics Convention Thu - Becky Decaraster - Berkeley Patients Group at Cannabis Conference Wed - Jeff Jones at International Cannabis Therapeutics Conference 2 of 2 Tue - Jeff Jones at International Cannabis Therapeutics Conference 1 of 2 Mon - Don Duncan of Americans for Safe Access Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed (Now With Transcripts): - Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD - Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, www.audioport.org and at www.radio4all.net. Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker: Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform. "Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer Dean Becker 713-849-6869 www.drugtruth.net

[Courtesy of LEAP] My better half said: Yet another conversation in the hallway starting with my hat, ended in the elevator, crowded with mostly female staffers. Blah, blah, blah (spoken quietly), then raising my voice so all would hear, …."When it comes to drugs, as my wife and better half said; the state, thru its police department, can not stop personal stupidity." There was a murmur, light chuckle, and all smiles as the door opened. Karen is indeed the author of the phrase, BTW (Ubrigens) Ask the Governor what she thinks: In meeting with a hard-core drug warrior office from Michigan this week, I employed my new line, ‘can your state afford the free federal money to arrest dealers, when, back home, the state might have to spend 60 million to build a new 500 bed prison to keep them @ 30,000 per year times xx years?’ It was a ‘Kodak’ moment to get the aide to admit that the office had not considered the ‘downstream,’ state costs of the ‘free’ fed money. As I suggested he have the Congressman call Governor Granholm (D-MI) and ask if she had money in her budget to house the extra dealers, he did not dismiss my idea. His facial expressions and other non-verbal language told me that I had punched the idea into his brain. A little Crown that night to celebrate and another small step on this long journey. PS: I was on the Hill a lot these past two weeks & thus the Stories are late. Congress was in recess and that is the best time to receive extra time with staffers. Apologies.

HIPPIES INVITE THE POLICE TO SMOKE THE PEACE PIPE and NIMBIN APRIL FOOLS DAY RAID, WAITING FOR THE TRUTH TO COME OUT “The last two evenings in Nimbin have seen mini convoys of up to six police cars cruising the deserted main street of Nimbin’s tiny village. The cost must be prohibitive but the propaganda to justify targeting Nimbin is the real joke”, said Michael Balderstone, Hemp Embassy President. “Instead of this waste of money we need Senior Police to join us at MardiGrass for sane discussion on alternative strategies for dealing with cannabis use. But will anyone take us, the users, seriously?” “It is not the Police’s fault, they are the meat in the sandwich, ’just doing their job’ so to speak, but we need their support in making legal changes, as has happened in the UK. Policing Nimbin with a National Party local MP has been costing a fortune for years, you’d think the Labor Party might be a fraction different.” “One option is a trial of a decriminalised supply of cannabis and at MardiGrass this year Dr. Alex Wodak from St. Vincents Hospital will be presenting a model for regulated and taxable cannabis supply. He will be supported by Paul Wilson, Professor of Criminology at Bond Uni. There are several working models overseas to consider and in the MardiGrass “Beyond Prohibition Forum’ we will have visitors from those countries to give us first hand accounts of how it works”. “We are especially inviting the law makers, the politicians, to come and hear these ideas borne of necessity out of desperation from worlds politicians rarely see. We also invite parents to the MardiGrass forums and it is worth remembering the Al Capone era in America ended when mothers marched against prohibition. Of course everyone is welcome, but we would especially love to see the gag taken off government employees like police and health professionals so they could join in the Forum”. At some point even the most hard headed must come round to seeing some merit in sitting down and talking a different approach to Nimbin’s unique situation. A few facts to consider please: A fast growing indigenous population in Nimbin would rather smoke yarndi, than get drunk. The local police would rather they did too! Dealing or stealing? Nimbin’s ‘refugee camp from the war on drugs’ sees all sorts of disadvantaged people finding their way here to ‘the last bus stop’ hoping to score a smoke, which is their favourite pain reliever. The catch is, they have little money and no land to grow their own so they join the growing throng of street “dealers” trying to catch the eye of someone visiting Nimbin to buy pot. They get a small cut, probably a smoke, for organising the deal. A huge risk just for a joint shows how desperate they are. It’s impossible for the police to bust all these people who rarely possess anything. Many backpackers come from countries where cannabis use is regulated. The current situation is teaching young people bad habits to say the least. No wonder disrespect is a boom industry. We notice young people in and out of jail lose their fear of it and even enjoy the gangster rap with police. Jail offers credibility in some cases, as well as study opportunities and a reliable bed and food. MardiGrass program details growing on www.nimbinmardigrass.com On April Fools Day the police ( with Lismore City Council inspectors} came with their media unit and supplied all the footage for channels Seven, Nine & Ten’s news stories that night, but the raid netted so little the story barely made it into the Sydney or Brisbane news. “The police media release announcing the raids came out at 11.41am. At 11.30 the search began in Nimbin. They arrived in riot gear, screaming and yelling like it was Nim Bin Ladin’s very own cave. They were in full battle dress and surrounded Nimbin’s two primary off the street (which is covered by cameras live to the copshop) tourist attractions, the Nimbin Museum and the HEMP Embassy, and cordoning them off for searches until well after the many school buses had unloaded. Hippies love their children and are angry about this insensitivity. Unable to answer back the battle dressed riot squad were fair pickings for some cheeky Nimbin kids who have grown up in a “criminalised cannabis culture”, other kids were shocked and scared at the show of force in their village. Many in the village think it is just anti-terrorist training on harmless hippies.” The pages and pages of Property Seizure Forms of what was confiscated in their raid is all tabled on www.hempembassy.net “Many of the items were not prohibited and will be returned when the police discover they are not illegal. Many of the food items were just that, with no cannabis in them.” “The cash collected, around five thousand dollars from so many sources was clearly no big deal. The Hemp Bar Activist’s Kiosk run by volunteers has no bank account but gets donations for drinks, etc. It apparently had ice cream containers full of ten and twenty cent coins. Perhaps this is the ‘large quantity of cash’ seized by police from our study of money listed on their Property Seizure forms.” “The eight arrests were in fact mostly Cannabis Cautions. We reckon five cautions for personal amounts, two small cannabis charges and one young Aboriginal male who was in breach of bail conditions by being in Nimbin. EIGHT ARRESTS! BIG DEAL!” “The five kilos of cannabis they claim to have seized was in fact mostly cookies making up the weight. FLOUR AND WATER! The “plants” they seized were in fact one tiny straggly male plant no one had noticed in the back yard of the HEMP Embassy! The cannabis ‘suppositories’, (ouch!), seized from the Hemp Bar we hear are tobacco plugs!” Further details of the raid with pictures and movies www.hempembassy.net Embassy… ph 02 6689 1842 ah 66897525