Drug War Chronicle #487 - May 25, 2007
This issue of Drug War Chronicle is dedicated to Dr. Tod Mikuriya.
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Book Offer/Appeal: The Trebach Trilogy
Alert: Write Congress to End the Crack/Powder Cocaine Sentencing Disparity!
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Editorial: Presidents and Popes Alike Should Remember the Lessons of History on Prohibition
Things aren't going well in Mexico's drug war -- and they won't, until leaders learn to listen to history's lessons.
Feature: Border Blues -- Canada, US Both Bar People Who Used Drugs -- Ever
Planning to cross the US-Canadian border? No matter which direction you're going, they don't want you if you ever used drugs.
Feature: With UMass Researcher One Decision Away From Approval to Grow Marijuana, Supporters Turn Up the Heat on the DEA
With a DEA administrative law judge ruling in favor of a Massachusetts agronomist's request to grow marijuana for research purposes, supporters are turning up the heat on the DEA to heed that ruling.
In Memoriam: Medical Marijuana Researcher, Advocate Dr. Tod Mikuriya Dead at 73
The medical marijuana movement has lost a pioneering researcher and advocate. Dr. Tod Mikuriya is dead at age 73.
DRCNet Member Offer: Stand Up for Freedom with 4th Amendment T-shirts from Flex Your Rights
Educate and motivate your friends to respectfully assert their rights during police encounters, with these fourth amendment t-shirts from our friends at Flex Your Rights!
DRCNet Member Offer: The Trebach Trilogy
Two re-released classics and one new volume by drug reform pioneer Arnold Trebach make up DRCNet's latest premium offer for our members.
Weekly: Blogging @ the Speakeasy
In addition to the weekly reporting you see here in the Chronicle, DRCNet also features daily content in the way of blogging, news links, redistributed press releases and announcements from our allies and more.
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
The beat goes on: State troopers running Oxycontin rings, problem ex-cops running Oxycontin rings, and another conviction in the infamous Dallas "pool chalk" scandal.
Medical Marijuana: Rhode Island Bill Awaits Expected Veto, Override
After final procedural votes this week, the Rhode Island legislature has sent a bill making the state's medical marijuana law permanent to Gov. Donald Carcieri. He's threatening to veto it, but the legislature has the votes to override as it did last year.
Medical Marijuana: Connecticut Bill Passes House, Heads for Senate
Despite opposition by law enforcement and one opponent's virtual legislative crusade, medical marijuana passed the Connecticut House of Representatives by a wide margin.
Medical Marijuana: MPP, Michigan Activists Launch Initiative Campaign
Signature-gathering is set to begin in force for a medical marijuana initiative campaign getting underway in Michigan.
Medical Marijuana: Minnesota Bill Dies Without House Vote as Legislature Adjourns
A bill that would have added Minnesota to the list of medical marijuana states has died after the House adjourned without a final floor vote. But it has already passed the Senate, and under the state's two-year session, it won't have to again next year.
Presidential Politics: Democrat Mike Gravel is Latest to Say Legalize
Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel made a splash at the first Democratic presidential debate last month in South Carolina. That's drawing attention to his drug policy platform and recent statements supporting the regulation and control of drugs.
Latin America: UN Drug Office Blames Central American Crime and Violence on Drugs, Not Prohibition
A new report from the UN drug office warns that Central America is being submerged in drugs and crime. It recommends heightening prohibitionist efforts.
Middle East: Opium Poppies Flower Again in Iraq
Opium poppies flourished along the Euphrates River when the Sumerians ruled. Now, amidst civil war and chaos, they are returning to Iraq.
Europe: Finnish Left Party's Youth Organization Calls for Marijuana Legalization
The youth affiliate of Finland's Left Alliance Party is calling for the legalization of marijuana use and home cultivation.
Web Scan
DrugTruth radio tribute to Tod Mikuriya, Washington Post crack cocaine sentencing editorial, OC Weekly on MedMj, Science Mag on MedMJ, WOLA/AIN, JPI
Weekly: This Week in History
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
Job Opportunity: Program Manager, Criminal Justice Policy Foundation, Near Washington
The Criminal Justice Policy Foundation is seeking a Program Manager to work directly with the CJPF President.
Job Opportunity: Web Administrator, Marijuana Policy Project, Washington
The Marijuana Policy Project is hiring a webmaster, to work out of the organization's Capitol Hill office.
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