Drug War Chronicle #599 - August 28, 2009
Feature: Mexico and Argentina Enact Drug Decriminalization
The drug policy wheel is turning, and the US and its hard-line repressive drug policies are becoming increasingly isolated in the hemisphere as in the past week alone 150 million Latin Americans came under one form of decriminalization or another.
Feature: Prince of Pot Marc Emery on Farewell Tour As US Prison Term Looms
Canadian cannabis entrepreneur and legalization advocate Marc Emery is just weeks away from a US federal prison term. But if US and Canadian authorities think they can shut him and his supporters up, they are in for a surprise.
Latin America: Mexico Drug War Update
Here's the latest on the prohibition-related carnage wracking Mexico.
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
We have a Deep South trio of dirty cops this week.
Medical Marijuana: First California DEA Arrests Under Obama Took Place Last Week
The Obama administration said it wouldn't raid medical marijuana providers who act in accordance with state law, but a bust last week raises a few questions.
Medical Marijuana: Will Foster Extradited to Oklahoma
In the latest ugly twist in the Will Foster saga, the medical marijuana patient has been extradited back to Oklahoma so the Sooner State can extract a few more pounds of flesh -- and a few more years in prison for growing a plant.
Marijuana: Denver to Move to $1 Fine for Pot Possession?
Who has the lowest marijuana possession fine in the nation? Denver is poised to take that honor.
Canada: In Marijuana Grow Case, Alberta's Top Court Rules Police Use of Power Recording Device Violates Privacy Rights
The cops need to get a warrant before asking power companies to record electricity usage, an Alberta court says.
Europe: Dutch Government to Fund Membership Card Scheme for Maastricht Coffee Shops
Here's the latest twist on Dutch efforts to deal with "drug tourism." Maybe Belgium, France, and Germany should just change their laws instead.
Europe: Britain to Ban Spice, GBL, BZP
Some legal highs in Britain soon won't be so legal.
Weekly: This Week in History
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
Announcement: The 2009 International Drug Policy Reform Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 12-14
Every two years drug policy reformers from across the United States and around the world come to the International Drug Policy Reform Conference to listen, learn, network and strategize together for change. This year the conference is in Albuquerque, in November, and StoptheDrugWar.org is a partner.
Book Offer: This is Your Country on Drugs
As part of our summer fundraising drive, DRCNet is pleased to offer Ryan Grim's exciting new book, "This Is Your Country on Drugs: The Secret History of Getting High in America," as our latest membership premium. Things are happening, and the importance of your support at this time could not be greater.
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Students: Intern at StoptheDrugWar.org (DRCNet) and Help Stop the Drug War!
Apply for an internship at DRCNet and you could spend a semester fighting the good fight!
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