Drug War Chronicle #472 - February 9, 2007
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Feature: Arkansas Law Punishing Mothers Whose Newborns Test Positive for Drugs Accomplishes Little, Study Finds
As legislators in several states ponder legislation making drug use by pregnant women or the presence of drugs in the blood of their newborns a crime, an Arkansas report on that state's experience is sobering reading.
Feature: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly -- 2008 US Federal Drug Control Budget
The Bush administration released its 2008 federal budget Monday, and when it comes to drug policy, it looks a lot like more of the same.
Feature: The Conviction That Keeps On Hurting -- Drug Offenders and Federal Benefits (repeat)
For millions of drug offenders, punishment by the criminal justice is only the beginning. Drug offenders also lose access to a number of federal benefits thanks to laws a growing number of organizations are calling inhumane and counterproductive.
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
What a cornucopia of corruption the drug war generates. Week in and week out, law enforcement officers fall prey to the temptation to share in prohibition-generated illicit drug profits. This week is no different.
Law Enforcement: Atlanta Narcs to Be Indicted for Murder by State -- Federal Investigation Could Be Hurt
The Fulton County DA plans to indict three Atlanta undercover narcs for murder in the death of 92-year-old Katherine Johnstone during a botched drug raid. But will his move thwart an ongoing federal investigation?
Law Enforcement: Atlanta NAACP Calls for Tight Restrictions on "No-Knock" Searches
In the wake of the killing of 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston during a "no-knock" drug raid gone bad, the Atlanta NAACP is calling for tight restrictions on such raids, as well as other police reforms.
Bad Bills: Drug Tax Dies in Virginia Legislature
A bill that would have imposed a tax on illegal drugs and required possessors to obtain it within 48 hours has died a timely death in the Virginia legislature.
Hemp: North Dakota Issues First Licenses to Grow Industrial Hemp, but DEA Roadblock Remains
North Dakota's Agriculture Commissioner signed the first two licenses for farmers to grow hemp on Monday, but they must still win approval from the DEA. Don't hold your breath.
Press Release: Vote Hemp Exposes ONDCP and DEA Lies about Hemp Farming
The DEA's ban on industrial hemp cultivation really does make as little sense as it seems.
Drug Use: Baby Boomers Most Likely to Have Shot Up
Who shoots drugs? Teenage black junkies? Middle-aged white guys? You might be surprised.
Africa: Proposed Draconian Drug Law in Namibia Runs Into Intense Opposition
A proposed draconian new drug law in the southwestern African nation of Namibia is running into intense opposition at public hearings this week. Some people think 20 years in prison for possessing a joint is too much.
Web Scan
Counterpunch, Huffington Post, Transform, Cannabinoid Chronicles, Drug Truth Network
Weekly: This Week in History
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
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