Drug War Chronicle #711 - December 1, 2011
Two Governors Call on DEA to Reclassify Marijuana for Medical Use [FEATURE]
Two medical marijuana state governors, Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee and Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, on Wednesday called on the federal government to reschedule marijuana. In a joint 106-page petition to the DEA, they said states that have passed medical marijuana laws need to be able to regulate its distribution without fear of federal prosecution.
New Study Finds Traffic Fatalities Decline with Medical Marijuana Laws [FEATURE]
In what could be an important intervention in the debates over medical marijuana and pot legalization, the first study to examine the relationship between medical marijuana and traffic deaths found they declined in medical marijuana states.
The Future of Drug War Chronicle
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Supreme Court Takes Up Crack "Pipeline" Sentencing Cases
Should people convicted of federal crack offenses before the Fair Sentencing Act was in effect, but sentenced after it was in effect, be sentenced under the new law or not? The US Supreme Court says it will decide.
Barney Frank at press conference calling for repeal of a law that denies financial aid to students because of drug convictions
Drug Reform Ally Barney Frank Retiring from Congress
The drug reform movement is losing a key congressional ally. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) announced Monday he will retire at the end of this term.
Gingrich Would Execute Mexico Drug Cartel Leaders
Newt Gingrich laid out a hard-line approach to drug policy targeting US drug users as well as Mexican cartels in an interview Saturday.
Vancouver Mayors Say Legalize Marijuana
Four of Vancouver's last five former mayors are calling for marijuana legalization, and they have been joined by the city's current mayor.
Evanston, Illinois, Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession
The Chicago suburb of Evanston has decriminalized the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana in a bid to cut costs and save youth from criminal records.
Mexico Drug War Update
Mexican human rights activists have filed a complaint in the Hague against President Calderon for human rights violations committed by Mexican security forces, also mentioning crimes committed by drug cartels. That and the killings and arrests continue, with no apparent impact on the flow of drugs north.
Honduras Calls Out the Army to Fight Drug Cartels
Facing prohibition-generated violence, the Honduran government has given the military full domestic policing powers.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
It's prison guards gone wild this week, plus a really sleazy deputy gets a sweet deal and a 'roided cop takes a plea deal.
This Week in History
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
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