Drug War Chronicle #951 - December 3, 2016
Obama still has work to do on sentence commutations. (whitehouse.gov)
As Clock Ticks Down, Pressure Mounts on Obama to Free More Drug War Prisoners
Barack Obama has already commuted the sentences of more prisoners than the last 11 presidents combined. But there is still a backlog of thousands, and time is running out.
Booze did in older brother Freddy, Jr. (Creative Commons/Wikimedia)
Will Trump's Dead Alcoholic Brother Haunt His Drug Policy? [FEATURE]
Donald Trump's older brother, Freddy Jr., died young from booze. Will that make Trump more or less sympathetic to progressive drug policies?
MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_151_99.jpg
Medical Marijuana Update
The elections are over and the legislative season is yet to begin, so things are pretty quiet on the medical marijuana front. Still, here are a couple of tidbits.
Obama meets with prisoners at the El Reno, Oklahoma, federal detention facility. (whitehouse.gov)
Chronicle AM: More Obama Commutations, FL Face-Biting Killer Wasn't on Synthetics, More... (11/23/16)
The president continues to exercise his commutation power on behalf of drug war prisoners, the Florida face-biting killer was not on any new psychoactive substances, Montana activists want their medical marijuana program to restart now, not later, and more.
addiction recovery.jpg
Chronicle AM: Recovery Advocates Urge Funding Addiction Act, South Africa MMJ, More... (11/25/16)
Recovery advocates have organized a call-in to pressure Congress to fund the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, Minnesota may tighten up on opioid prescribing, South Africa advances on medical marijuana, and more.
Trump's attorney general pick, Jeff Sessions, is the target of protests over his anti-marijuana positions. (senate.gov)
Chronicle AM: CA Legalization Results Begin, Anti-Sessions Protests Underway, More... (11/28/16)
Some California pot shops open their doors to all adults, some California pot defendants are starting to walk free, DC-based activists turn their ire on Trump attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions, Oklahoma (!) defelonizes drug possession, and more.
There are new calls for Obama to ramp up the commutation process as the clock ticks down on his term. (nadcp.org)
Chronicle AM: Calls for Obama to Cut More Sentences, Iran Drug Death Penalty Moves, More... (11/29/16)
Scholars, advocates, and a US congressman are calling on Obama to ramp up the commutation process in the final weeks of his term, the CDC issues a report calling for expanded syringe exchange, Maryland moves to address racial diversity (or the lack thereof) in the medical marijuana business, and more.
Ecstasy -- from party drug to prescription drug? (Creative Commons/Wikimedia)
Chronicle AM: Obama Says Treat Weed Like Cigs or Booze, FDA Phase 3 MDMA Trials, More... (11/30/16)
On his way out of office, President Obama makes his most pro-legalization remarks yet, the FDA gives a green light for Phase 3 MDMA clinical trials, Bolivia ignores UN anti-drug treaties and signs an agreement to export coca to Ecuador, and more.
Psilocybin, the psychedelic ingredient in magic mushrooms, can help terminal patients cope, a pair of new studies suggests.
Chronicle AM: World AIDS Day, Psilocybin Could Help Terminal Patients, More... (12/1/16)
New studies suggest psilocybin could help terminal patients deal with their fears, the Ohio legislature prepares to pass asset forfeiture reform, and more.
San Francisco's top health official is down with safe injection sites, but the mayor isn't. (vch.ca)
Chronicle AM: CA Eyeing Billion in MJ Taxes, SF Safe Injection Site Support, More... (12/2/16)
A battle over safe injection sites looms in San Francisco, California could score a billion bucks a year in pot taxes, kratom gets massive support during the DEA's public comment period on its proposed ban, and more.
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