Drug War Chronicle #679 - April 14, 2011
Ontario Court Overturns Canada's Marijuana Law [FEATURE]
A court in Ontario has struck down Canada's marijuana law, saying it prevented patients from gaining access to their medicine. Now, the government has 90 days to respond before pot is legal in Ontario.
Californians appear ready to reduce drug possession to misdemeanor. (Image courtesy Aaron Logan via Wikimedia.org)
Californians Favor Lessening Drug Possession Penalties [FEATURE]
A new poll in California shows strong support for reducing drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor and lesser, but still substantial, support for decriminalization.
Montana Governor Vetoes Medical Marijuana Repeal
Montana's Republican legislature wanted to repeal the state's voter-approved medical marijuana law, but the Democratic governor struck it down with the veto pen.
Did You Know? "History of Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports," on ProCon.org
This is the final installment in a six-part series highlighting interesting and important pages from ProCon.org, an in-depth web site presenting information and views from a variety of perspectives on controversial issues, several of which relate to drug policy.
Mexico Drug War Update
Just when you thought it couldn't possibly get worse... 116 bodies turn up in a series of mass graves just south of the border.
The Jamaican government just might give this Rastaman something else to smile about. (Image via Wikimedia)
Jamaica to Look Again at Decriminalizing Marijuana
A decade ago, the Jamaican government quietly shelved a National Ganja Commission report calling for decriminalization. This week, it decided to take it up again.
Poland Edges Toward Drug Decriminalization
Poland is taking steps to reform its harsh drug laws with something that looks a little bit like the decriminalization of drug possession. It's a start.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
A typical corrupt cop week: Missing evidence, corruption on the border, greedy jail guards, and thuggish dope squad cops.
Washington House Passes Medical Marijuana Dispensary Bill
A bill that would authorize medical marijuana dispensaries and increase patient protections in Washington state has passed both houses, but faces a reconciliation vote in the Senate and a less-than-committed governor.
Patients could still be arrested, but not convicted under the proposed law. (Image via Wikimedia.org)
Maryland Legislature Approves Medical Marijuana Defense Bill
Maryland looks set to approve a medical marijuana affirmative defense bill, with only one more pro forma Senate vote left before it goes to the governor for his signature.
Delaware Senate Passes Drug Sentencing Reform Bill
Simple drug possession is about to become a misdemeanor in Delaware, as a major drug sentencing reform bill awaits one last procedural vote.
Czechs Ban New Synthetic Drugs, Salvia, Ketamine
Acting with great rapidity for a legislative body, the Czech Parliament has moved to ban dozens of synthetic drugs, and the stuff that gets you high in salvia divinorum, too.
This Week in History
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
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