John Stossel: End the Drug War, Save Black America (Opinion)
John Stossel discusses issues related to the devastating impact the war on drugs has on the black community.
Three Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Chosen to Operate in Rhode Island
The long-awaited decision on medical marijuana dispensaries was announced with the Department of Health selecting three applicants, the maximum permitted under state law. They are: Summit Medical Compassion Center in Warwick, The Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center in Providence, and Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center in Portsmouth.
Obama Sends Drones to Fight Failed Mexican Drug Prohibition War
The Obama administration has been sending drones deep into Mexican territory to gather intelligence. The American assistance has been kept secret because of legal restrictions in Mexico and the heated political sensitivities there about sovereignty.
Washington State Should Improve Protections for Medical Marijuana Patients and Suppliers (Editorial)
The Seattle Times editorial board reiterates its support for Senate Bill 5073, to expand the protection for medical marijuana users and their suppliers.
New York Spends $75 Million a Year on Marijuana Arrests Though It's Not Technically a Crime
New York spends $75 million a year to lock up people caught with marijuana, a new study says, even though it's not technically a crime. The report by the Drug Policy Alliance says the NYPD spends that much on 50,000 annual marijuana arrests, in which 86% of those arrested are black or Latino. State law requires people carrying small amounts of marijuana to receive the equivalent of a traffic ticket, but critics say the NYPD arrests and jails them anyway - hurting their job and life prospects.
drug arrest scene, "10 Rules for Dealing with Police," flexyourrights.org
Mass Marijuana Arrest Policy Costs NYC Big Bucks
New York City has earned the dubious distinction of being the world's marijuana arrest capital. But such (dis)honors come at a price. A big price.
Marijuana Reform Hearings at Rhode Island State House Tomorrow (Press Release)
MEDIA ADVISORY: March 15, 2011
Marijuana Reform Hearings at State House Tomorrow
Bills Would Remove Criminal Penalties for Marijuana Possession and Save Money for Rhode Island
CONTACT: Robert Capecchi, MPP legislative analyst……………………202-905-2007 or [email protected]
PROVIDENCE – Hearings are taking place at the State House tomorrow on bills that would reform the state’s marijuana laws. H 5031 would remove criminal penalties for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and replace them with a civil penalty of $150. The bill is sponsored by Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Tiverton) and others, and would make marijuana possession similar to a traffic violation, allowing people who are convicted of simple, non-violent marijuana possession charges to avoid the life-long stigma of a criminal record. This measure would also save the state millions of dollars on police and court time.
What: Hearing on RI H 5031, Decriminalization of Marijuana Possession
When: “Rise of the House” (~4:30 p.m.), Wednesday, March 16
Where: Room 313, Rhode Island State House
Marijuana Policy Project legislative analyst Robert Capecchi will be present and available for comment. Mr. Capecchi will also be presenting testimony to the House Finance Committee at an earlier hearing to discuss the benefits of H5591, which would remove criminal penalties for adults who use marijuana and establish a taxed and regulated system for its distribution. This is the second year in a row that Rep. Edith Ajello (D-Providence) has introduced this bill. This hearing will take place in the Trainor Hearing Room (Room 35) at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16.
The bill would create a system for the regulation and distribution of marijuana to responsible adults in Rhode Island. It would remove the lucrative marijuana market from criminal organizations and allow the state to regulate the sale of marijuana. Taxing and regulating marijuana sales would take away profits from the criminal market, while creating jobs and producing tens of millions of dollars in savings and revenue, according to a report by Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron.
With more than 124,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. For more information, please visit www.mpp.org.
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Shocking: US Federal Agency Armed Mexican Drug Lords -- May Have Led to More Than a Thousand Deaths
A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms operation allowed guns to be trafficked south of the border with the hope that they would lead to high-level drug trafficking organization operatives. Special Agent John Dodson â the programâs whistle blower â said that he found it morally reprehensible, pointing out that it might have led to the death of over a thousand people.
Announcement of Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licenses Expected in Rhode Island
The Health Department is expected to announce today the selection of up to three applicants to open the first medical marijuana dispensaries in Rhode Island. Health Department spokeswoman Annemarie Beardsworth did not offer a specific time today when the decision would be finalized and released to the public. The decision was originally set for a week ago, but the department said that it needed additional time to reach its decision.
Drug Traffickers Greet New Ciudad Juárez Police Chief with Threat
Mexico's 4-year-plus drug prohibition war push doesn't appear to be making its cities any safer. The new police chief in the violent Mexican border city of Ciudad Juárez received a threat on just his second day on the job. Two previous Ciudad Juárez police chiefs have quit since 2008 after drug trafficking organizations killed police officers and threatened to kill more unless they resigned.