dguard
Stories by dguard
This Week in History
by dguard, June 20, 2012, 02:23pm, (Issue #739)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, June 07, 2012, 11:40am, (Issue #737)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, May 23, 2012, 05:45pm, (Issue #735)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, May 16, 2012, 08:46pm, (Issue #734)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, May 02, 2012, 05:43pm, (Issue #732)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, April 25, 2012, 05:38pm, (Issue #731)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, April 18, 2012, 06:41pm, (Issue #730)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, April 11, 2012, 02:37pm, (Issue #729)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, April 04, 2012, 11:21am, (Issue #728)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, March 28, 2012, 11:55pm, (Issue #727)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, March 21, 2012, 07:51pm, (Issue #726)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, March 14, 2012, 02:24pm, (Issue #725)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, March 01, 2012, 12:03am, (Issue #723)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, February 22, 2012, 03:22pm, (Issue #722)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, February 15, 2012, 07:57pm, (Issue #721)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, February 08, 2012, 03:16pm, (Issue #720)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, February 02, 2012, 12:21pm, (Issue #719)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, January 25, 2012, 11:40pm, (Issue #718)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, January 18, 2012, 03:16pm, (Issue #717)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, January 11, 2012, 02:51pm, (Issue #716)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, January 04, 2012, 09:01pm, (Issue #715)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, December 28, 2011, 07:42pm
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, December 21, 2011, 04:35pm, (Issue #714)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, December 14, 2011, 09:35pm, (Issue #713)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, December 07, 2011, 07:36pm, (Issue #712)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, November 30, 2011, 07:02pm, (Issue #711)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, November 09, 2011, 07:10pm, (Issue #708)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, November 03, 2011, 04:30am, (Issue #707)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, September 28, 2011, 03:02pm, (Issue #702)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, September 21, 2011, 03:20pm, (Issue #701)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, September 14, 2011, 03:07pm, (Issue #700)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, September 07, 2011, 05:44pm, (Issue #699)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, August 31, 2011, 12:54pm
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, August 24, 2011, 09:04pm, (Issue #698)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, August 17, 2011, 06:18pm, (Issue #697)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, August 10, 2011, 08:53pm, (Issue #696)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, August 03, 2011, 07:50pm, (Issue #695)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, July 27, 2011, 07:00pm, (Issue #694)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, July 20, 2011, 10:44pm, (Issue #693)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, July 13, 2011, 11:32am, (Issue #692)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, July 06, 2011, 02:30pm, (Issue #691)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, June 29, 2011, 07:11pm, (Issue #690)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, June 22, 2011, 08:57pm, (Issue #689)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
Members of Congress to Introduce Historic Legislation Ending Marijuana Prohibition (Press Release)
by dguard, June 22, 2011, 02:33pmThis Week in History
by dguard, June 15, 2011, 03:41pm, (Issue #688)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, June 08, 2011, 04:30pm, (Issue #687)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
This Week in History
by dguard, June 01, 2011, 02:07pm, (Issue #686)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
85% of Grandparent Respondents Favor Marijuana Legalization, According to GRAND Magazine Reader Poll (Press Release)
by dguard, May 26, 2011, 02:10pmFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2011
CONTACT: Rosa Mangiardi at (415) 728-2113
This Week in History
by dguard, May 26, 2011, 01:30am, (Issue #685)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
Bills to Ensure Fair Treatment of Medical Cannabis Industry Members Are Introduced in U.S. House (Press Release)
by dguard, May 25, 2011, 05:46pmNational Cannabis Industry Association
For Immediate Release -- WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
Patient Advocates Back Three Medical Marijuana Bills Introduced in Congress (Press Release)
by dguard, May 25, 2011, 05:19pmFor Immediate Release: May 25, 2011
Patient Advocates Back Three Medical Marijuana Bills Introduced Today in Congress
Medical Marijuana Businesses Subject of Federal Tax Proposal Sponsored by Rep. Jared Polis
from Greenfield Daily Reporter (IN), May 25, 2011
Marijuana businesses looking for help navigating the federal tax code are watching a congressional proposal sponsored by Colorado Rep. Jared Polis. Polis and other House members introduced legislation about medical marijuana. One of the bills would allow marijuana-related businesses to claim business deductions on their federal taxes. Currently the IRS does not permit marijuana-related business to claim business deductions.
New Jersey Attorney General Meets with Medical Marijuana Advocates (Press Release)
by dguard, May 25, 2011, 03:43pmFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/25/2011
Medical Marijuana Advocates Sue Federal Government Over Rescheduling Delay (Press Release)
by dguard, May 23, 2011, 01:36pmFor Immediate Release: May 23, 2011
Marijuana and the War on Drugs: Where Will it All End? (Opinion)
from Elliott Wave International (GA), May 20, 2011
Susan Walker reports on a study of the alcohol and drug prohibition eras conducted by Euan Wilson of The Socionomics Institute. Wilson's research includes the role of social mood during prohibition, and provides a fascinating look at when and why society sanctions drugs -- and when society decides enough is enough. Walker says the takeaway message is that the same social mood that drives the stock market also plays a significant role in popular attitudes regarding the prohibitions against drugs and alcohol.
Insite Activist Threatens Civil Disobedience
from The Vancouver Courier (Canada), May 20, 2011
If the federal government seeks to permanently shutter Insite, Vancouverites can anticipate a loud and unrelenting outcry from advocates, health care professionals and drug users who support the Downtown Eastside supervised injection site. Closing Insite, "will be seen as a personal affront to the city of Vancouver," said Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users activist Dean Wilson, noting residents in this city, including Mayor Gregor Robertson and at least four former mayors, are generally in favor of harm reduction drug treatment that includes supervised injection.
These Are Your Rights on Drugs (Opinion)
from The American Prospect (DC), May 19, 2011
Scott Lemieux, Assistant Professor of Political Science at The College of Saint Rose, discusses the Supreme Court's continued long-standing assault on constitutional protections in service of the war on drugs (or, as it might be more accurately described, the war on some classes of people who use some types of drugs).
Fixing the Fiasco of the NYPD's Marijuana Arrests
from The Huffington Post (CA), May 19, 2011
Two New York State legislators have proposed a simple, effective legislative fix to New York City's 15-year marijuana arrest craze. Senator Mark Grisanti, a white Republican from Buffalo, and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, a black Democrat from Brooklyn, have together offered legislation that would strike from the law the misdemeanor for simple marijuana possession of less than an ounce. The NYPD made 50,000 of these marijuana possession arrests in 2010 and 500,000 arrests since 1997.
Another Drug Case Dismissed in Connection with San Francisco Police Misconduct Probe
from Fox News (US), May 19, 2011
Another drug case was dismissed in connection with allegations of police misconduct by San Francisco officers. More than 85 cases have been dropped because of a string of videos released by Public Defender Jeff Adachi that he said show misconduct by plainclothes officers performing drug busts at residential hotels in the city. The latest dismissal might not be the last related to the police misconduct allegations. Adachi said last week that the district attorney's office has provided him with a list of 6,900 cases involving officers from the previous videos, which appear to show officers from the Police Department's Southern Station entering rooms without a warrant or consent, contradicting what was written in the officers' reports.
Escalating Drug Prohibition Violence in Northern Mexico Overwhelms Authorities
from Newsmax (FL), May 19, 2011
Northern Mexico’s drug prohibition war continues to claim victims, with more than 360 bodies discovered in mass graves just last week. The situation in Northern Mexico is devolving into chaos as prohibition-created organizations fight for control of the lucrative Northern Mexico drug route into the United States. The Mexican government is powerless to end the violence. Overpowered authorities basically have abandoned the area, recognizing their inability to restore any sort of order to the area.
NY State Legislature Considers a Medical Amnesty Policy to Curb Escalating Overdose Crises
from NewsLI (NY), May 18, 2011
Proposed laws in the New York legislature that would allow New York residents to call for medical assistance during drug or alcohol overdose situations without fear of prosecution have been introduced in both legislative chambers. Both bills will first be under consideration in the Codes Committees.
This Week in History
by dguard, May 18, 2011, 10:26pm, (Issue #684)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
Montana Issuing Thousands of Medical Marijuana Cards Despite Law
from KXLF (MT), May 18, 2011
A health department official says it's not feasible to stop issuing medical marijuana cards as the state moves to a more restrictive law so the agency will continue to process thousands of applications for cards.
Melbourne, Australia Council Votes Yes to Supervised Drug Injecting Room
from ABC News Online (Australia), May 18, 2011
An inner city council in Melbourne has voted almost unanimously in favor of trialing injecting rooms to deal with what's been described as a war zone where brazen drug deals are an everyday occurrence due to prohibition.
Drug Warriors Gun Down Young Father (Opinion)
from The Huffington Post (CA), May 18, 2011
James Peron, President of the Moorfield Storey Institute, recounts the recent drug prohibition related death of a young husband, father, and Iraq veteran who was shot at 71 times by heavily armed men who then allegedly prevented medical assistance from being given until he was dead. The heavily armed men were from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Another drug raid gone bad.
Mexico Drug Prohibition Baron Named 'World’s Most Wanted' After Osama's Death
from DailyIndia.com (FL), May 18, 2011
Enriched by drug prohibition, Joaquin Guzman Loera reportedly possesses a personal fortune capable of rivalling Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. Loera is believed to be responsible for more deaths in the United States than bin Laden because of his drug transportation business and the inherent dangers associated with it created by prohibition.
Legal Medical Marijuana Grow-Op Bust Could Lead to RCMP Lawsuit
from CBC Radio-Canda (Canada), May 17, 2011
Velma Mullaney, 62, says she plans to sue the RCMP for busting her licensed medical marijuana grow-op. In March, police raided her place with guns drawn, kicked in doors and tore out her plants. Mullaney told the officers the grow-op was licenced but said officers refused to look at her permit or count the plants. Instead she was taken to jail and later released.
Guatemala Attributes Drug Prohibition Massacre to Zetas, Declares State of Emergency
from Fox News (US), May 17, 2011
The massacre due to drug prohibition in Guatemala that left 27 people dead at a cattle ranch – believed to be the work of Mexico's notorious drug trafficking organization, the Zetas – has forced a 30-day state of emergency. None of the victims had ties to drug trafficking organizations, authorities said. Rather they were innocent ranch workers and their families caught up in an increasingly bloody prohibition war.
A Visit to Oregon's Largest Legal Marijuana Farm
from KVAL (OR), May 16, 2011
It is springtime on The Farm, a cooperative in the heart of Oregon's Applegate Valley wine country that will grow some 200 plants to supply about 70 card-carrying medical marijuana patients. Here, surrounded by wineries, bed and breakfasts, churches and a school, the legal side of marijuana operates in plain sight, visible to hang gliders soaring overhead, drivers on nearby roads, and viewers of Google Maps. "The fact is that they can grow marijuana right under our nose...Until we catch them doing something illegal with it, there is nothing we can do about it," said Grants Pass Police Sgt. Ray Myers.
US Cattle Inspectors Leave Mexico Amid Drug Prohibition War
from The Associated Press, May 16, 2011
For years, these inspections have been conducted before cattle cross the border, but the drug prohibition war has prompted the U.S. to move some of its operations north. The change, instituted over the past year at three of the 11 ports along the U.S.-Mexico border, is drawing concern from some cattle raisers, who fear infections long eradicated in the U.S. but still showing up in Mexico will spread before inspection. The change is supposed to be temporary, although there are no immediate plans for the American inspectors to return to Mexico.
Legal High Battle Shows Need for Drug Policy Rethink (Opinion)
from The Guardian (UK), May 16, 2011
Jeremy Sare of the Guardian says that when it comes to the new wave of legal highs, the UK's politicians are like Amish farmers blinking up at jet planes tearing across the sky. They are wilfully living "out of time" but certain of the virtue of their archaic methods. There is no evidence to suggest making a drug controlled can reduce its use.
Delaware Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Bill
from The Associated Press, May 13, 2011
Gov. Jack Markell has signed legislation making Delaware the 16th state to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Montana Referendum Taking on Medical Marijuana Law Filed
from Independent Record (MT), May 13, 2011
The Montana Cannabis Industry Association filed legal papers with the secretary of state’s office Thursday to start a signature-gathering effort to let Montanans vote in 2012 on a soon-to-be medical marijuana law it opposes. The paperwork was delivered to Secretary of State Linda McCulloch’s office late Thursday. "We’re moving forward on all fronts," said Kate Cholewa, spokeswoman for the group. "The people want what they voted for and what the Legislature did is not it."
New York Bill Would Reduce Charge for Marijuana Possession
from Times Union (NY), May 13, 2011
In a rare show of bipartisanship and upstate-downstate agreement, freshman state Sen. Mark Grisanti is co-sponsoring a bill with Democratic Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries to reduce from a misdemeanor to a violation public possession of small amounts of marijuana. The co-sponsors say many people, especially minorities in New York City, end up getting arrested for small amounts if they are stopped by a police officer and told to empty their pockets -- at which point the possession becomes public.
Medical Marijuana Legislation Gets Another Shot in Washington State
from Oregon Public Broadcasting (OR), May 12, 2011
Washington medical marijuana advocates have been trying to pass a bill to allow marijuana dispensaries. Last month, Governor Chris Gregoire vetoed large parts of their bill. She said it would’ve put state workers in the position of violating federal law. Gregoire says she wants all the states that allow medical marijuana to petition the federal government to reclassify cannabis as a schedule II drug. She scheduled a conference call among those states Thursday.
Border Region Lives in Fear Amid Mexico's Drug Prohibition War
from Agence France-Presse (France), May 11, 2011
Since Mexican President Felipe Calderon militarized his country's battle to continue drug prohibition in December 2006, more than 34,600 have died in prohibition violence. Along with the violence has grown a pervasive culture of corruption and fear. After the discovery of the most recent mass graves, 16 police officers were detained under suspicion of involvement. Despite the government's promises of security and increased aid, many remain unconvinced, and say that governmental control in the region is visible little, if at all.
This Week in History
by dguard, May 11, 2011, 09:02pm, (Issue #683)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
Cops Hold Vigil in DC and Say: Legalize Drugs to Stop Police Deaths
by dguard, May 11, 2011, 12:43pmNEWS ADVISORY: May 11, 2011
Maryland Governor Signs Medical Marijuana Defense and Study Bill (Press Release)
by dguard, May 10, 2011, 01:24pmThis Week in History
by dguard, May 05, 2011, 09:10am, (Issue #682)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
Progressive Chairman Peter B. Lewis Aims to Put Medical Marijuana on Ohio's 2012 Ballot
from The Plain Dealer (OH), May 03, 2011
Peter B. Lewis -- the billionaire chairman of Progressive Corp. and well-known medical marijuana advocate -- is seeking proposals to run a campaign to legalize medical marijuana in Ohio. The issue would go on the ballot in 2012. While Democratic lawmakers have tried and failed in recent years to pass medical a marijuana law in Ohio, Lewis' latest inquiry represents a different tack. By going directly to voters through a ballot initiative, Lewis and his supporters could circumvent a GOP-controlled legislature and a Republican governor who likely would oppose such a law.
1,400 Killed in Mexico Drug Prohibition War in April, New Record
from Tehran Times (Iran), May 03, 2011
Mexicans are paying a high cost for drug prohibition -- the death toll of its drug prohibition war in April was 1,400, the highest number of monthly killings since the campaign began in late 2006. The previous record of casualties was 1,322 killings in August 2010. Attorney General Arturo Chavez says more than 15,000 people died in 2010, making it the deadliest year ever.
Mexico No Longer Has Free Press Thanks to Drug Prohibition
from Latin America News Dispatch (NY), May 02, 2011
An annual report by an independent advocacy group said that Mexico can no longer be considered to have a free press due to drug prohibition violence. According to Freedom House, Mexico was listed aside countries from North Africa and the Middle East as "not free" due to attacks on journalists, self-censorship and a climate of fear that persists in the nation. Reporting on the drug prohibition war is a tough situation for Mexican journalists, with some media outlets setting coverage guidelines and others declaring a blackout on coverage.
Medical Marijuana Advocates Stage National Day of Action Against Federal Interference (Press Release)
by dguard, May 02, 2011, 05:32pmPRESS RELEASE
Americans for Safe Access
For Immediate Release: May 2, 2011
What the Drug War Has Wrought (Opinion)
from Counter Punch (CA), April 29, 2011
John Sinclair opines on what drug prohibition has wrought. He says only the most nave, cynical or deluded among us can subscribe to the pervasive mythology of drug police, prosecutors and judges as fearless warriors valiantly fighting a depraved horde of heartless pushers and evil dope fiends whose anti-social pursuit of self-gratification by getting high threatens to destroy the American way of life and everything it stands for.
Drugs Prohibition War Ignites Mexican Fury at U.S. Indifference
from Reuters, April 29, 2011
The United States has spent over $1 trillion promoting democracy in far-flung Iraq and Afghanistan while friendly neighbor Mexico gets a fraction of that in its prohibitionist fight against drug trafficking organizations. Mexico's frustration with Washington's priorities has plunged ties between the two allies to their lowest ebb in years. Last year alone, the U.S.-backed campaign claimed the lives of over 15,000 people in Mexico -- that is more than double the combined civilian deaths reported in Afghanistan and Iraq, where the United States has spent over $1.2 trillion in the past decade.
As US Land Borders Tighten, Drug Smugglers Fly
from The Boston Globe (MA), April 29, 2011
Another lesson in the futility of drug prohibition: Drug smugglers are using low-flying aircraft that look like motorized hang gliders to circumvent new fences along the U.S. border with Mexico. The planes, which began appearing in Arizona three years ago, are now turning up in remote parts of California and New Mexico. And in a new twist, the planes rarely touch the ground. Pilots simply pull levers that drop aluminum bins filled with about 200 pounds of marijuana for drivers who are waiting on the ground with blinking lights or glow-sticks. Within a few minutes, the pilots are back in Mexico.
Medical Marijuana Advocates Threaten to Sue If San Diego Fails to Amend Flawed Ordinance (Press Release)
by dguard, April 29, 2011, 12:59amFor Immediate Release: April 28, 2011
Medical Marijuana Advocates Threaten to Sue if San Diego Fails to Amend Flawed Ordinance
Colorado Rep. Jared Polis, Denver Attorney Give Their Take on Fed Pot Letter
from The Washington Independent (DC), April 28, 2011
Colorado Rep. Jared Polis and Denver attorney Robert Corry spoke out this week against federal scare tactics they said were being used to create uncertainty in Colorado’s medical marijuana community. "I hope the Justice Department will respect the laws passed by the voters of Colorado and the rules propagated by our General Assembly...The Department should follow the principles it outlined in the Ogden memo: that those who are in clear compliance with state laws will not be raided. Colorado has the most robust regulatory structure in the country and our dispensaries are clearly operating under state law," said Rep. Polis. Robert Corry added, "This campaign of fear on the part of the Obama Administration is reprehensible, even more so given our own Colorado Attorney General (former U.S. Attorney)'s apparent alliance with the Obama Administration against Colorado’s citizens...The U.S. government should begin with prosecuting itself, specifically the Food and Drug Administration. Since 1978, the FDA has distributed medical marijuana to patients through the Compassionate Investigational New Drug Program."
Mexico's Drug Prohibition War: Shallow Graves, Deepening Alarm
from The Economist (UK), April 28, 2011
The Economist reports on recent brutal killings and mass graves in Mexico. The killings undermine the government’s claim that drug prohibition war casualties are almost all criminals.
Quit Playing Politics with Patients! (Action Alert)
by dguard, April 28, 2011, 05:17pmTell the US Attorney to Quit Playing Politics with Patients!
Gov. Schweitzer: Medical Marijuana Overhaul Bill 'Unconstitutional'
from Missoulian (MT), April 28, 2011
Calling the newly passed bill overhauling the state's medical marijuana law "unconstitutional on its face," Gov. Brian Schweitzer said he wants to issue an amendatory veto to fix the parts he considers legally defective. Schweitzer criticized the House for tabling in committee House Bill 68 by Sen. Diane Sands, D-Missoula, proposed by a bipartisan interim committee after much study and many hearings last year. "They threw that in the garbage and now they're going to send bring me this (SB)423, which everybody's whose read it says, 'Oh yeah, it's unconstitutional.' "
Medical Marijuana Could Become Legal in Illinois
from Los Angeles Times (CA), April 28, 2011
A stricter set of rules and a surprise political alliance are helping build momentum for a long-thwarted effort to legalize marijuana for medical purposes in Illinois.
This Week in History
by dguard, April 27, 2011, 06:19pm, (Issue #681)
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.