Drug War Chronicle #725 - March 15, 2012
Chronicle Book Review: "The Marijuana Conviction"
We read a classic text in marijuana policy reform, and see just why it is a classic.
Chronicle Review Essay: Mexico's Drug Cartels
Mexico's drug cartels are exciting analytical and journalistic interest. Here, we review three new titles.
Book Offer: "The Marijuana Conviction: A History of Marijuana Prohibition in the United States"
We continue our newest offer for donating members, the drug policy classic reprint: "The Marijuana Conviction: A History of Marijuana Prohibition in the United States." This is one is available for donations of just $22 or more.
Medical Marijuana Update
Federal threats continue to hover over medical marijuana distribution across the country, and local battles continue as well.
Florida Bill to Drug Test State Employees Passes
Florida becomes the first state in the nation to pass a law requiring the random, suspicionless drug testing of state employees. It will most likely be challenged in the courts.
Oklahoma House Passes Welfare Drug Test Bill, Includes Candidates
The drug testing frenzy in state legislatures continues, with the Oklahoma House passing a bill requiring testing for welfare recipients, and candidates for political office, too.
California Medical Marijuana Measure Dropped in Favor of Legislative Campaign
The coalition behind this year's California medical marijuana initiative is shifting gears. It has dropped the initiative effort, and will instead concentrate its efforts -- and its cash -- on passing a measure in the legislature.
New Hampshire House Passes Marijuana Decriminalization Bill
A marijuana decriminalization has squeaked to victory in the New Hampshire House, but faces a veto threat from Gov. John Lynch (D).
Colombia to Enact Drug Decriminalization
If Colombian President Santos has his way, you will soon be able to possess five grams of marijuana or a gram of cocaine in Colombia without fear of arrest or prosecution.
Morales Defends Coca-Chewing at UN Anti-Drug Meeting
Bolivian President Evo Morales told the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs Monday that Bolivians have the right to chew coca leaves. Bolivia wants the leaf removed from the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, and has rejoined the treaty only with a reservation that it recognizes traditional coca use.
Giving Addicts Heroin More Effective Than Methadone, Study Finds
Canadian researchers report that giving addicts maintenance doses of heroin is more cost-effective than giving them maintenance doses of methadone.
Two More Drug Raids, Two More Deaths
Two men have been killed by police in drug raids in Miami Lakes, Florida, and New Orleans. The one in Miami Lakes was armed; the one in New Orleans apparently was not.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
A pretty quiet week this week, but there is a juicy scandal brewing in Florida.
This Week in History
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
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