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Harvard’s Headache Cure: LSD?

Harvard researcher John Halpern has formed a company he hopes will bring to market a drug based on his research into the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide on cluster headaches, a rare but devastating condition that is as bad as it sounds. Halpern, a noted expert in the long-term effects of drug use, said research suggests chemicals present in LSD are an astonishingly effective cure for cluster headaches. Entheogen’s drug does not cause triptastic visions, Halpern said -- it is based on BOL-148, a non-hallucinogenic LSD derivative developed in the 1950s and 60s for research into the effects of LSD on the brain, when such was last in vogue.

Time for Latin America to Reconsider Prohibition (Opinion)

Erika De La Garza, program director of the Latin American Initiative at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice, and William Martin, the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Senior Fellow in Religion and Public Policy at the Baker Institute, opine on the general failures of drug prohibition and what direction Latin America should go.

Fraser Health Authority Urged to Push Needle Exchanges Into Hostile Cities

Injection drug addicts are at much greater risk of catching and spreading disease in the Fraser Health region because health authority officials have failed to deliver on the promise of their harm reduction policy, reform advocates charge. They say access to needle exchanges, safe injection sites and methadone clinics is much poorer than in the Vancouver area – largely due to opposition from hostile city councils and police forces who think an abstinence policy is best.

Indonesian Police Say Jail Cells No Help in Drug War

The Jakarta Police are considering handing drug traffickers hefty fines rather than locking them up, arguing that imprisonment did not appear to be an effective deterrent and was getting too costly for the state. According to Jakarta Police Chief Inspector General Sutarman, it would be much wiser if drug users were not put in jail but in a rehabilitation center, which is currently not an option. "If jails are already full and people who violate the law are also set to become a burden for the state, why don’t we change this? I think we need a strategic decision, to be taken by the government and the legislature," he said.

Just Say Now: Tell Us What You Think

We lost on Tuesday, but we're
determined to celebrate next time.
And we can't do it without you.


Fight to Legalize Marijuana Targets Colorado

Sam Kamin, a professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, says Colorado will be the next battleground in the national conflict over marijuana legalization. His statement comes following local votes on medical marijuana bans throughout Colorado and the defeat of California Proposition 19, which would have legalized marijuana for adults older than 21.

5th US Citizen Killed in Mexico's Drug Prohibition War This Week

A University of Texas-El Paso student died from a shooting attack on a car in Ciudad Juarez, making him the fifth American slain in the violent border city this week.

Mass Grave of Drug Prohibition War Victims Found in Mexico

Authorities have dug at least 18 bodies out of the grave. Authorities found a note saying a "narco grave" was on the site.

Collateral Damage Grows in Mexico’s Army-Led Prohibitionist Drug War

It was in February 2007 that Amnesty International raised concerns over Mexican President Felipe Calderon’s decision, two months earlier, to send thousands of troops across the country to attempt to control Mexico’s spiraling drug prohibition violence. Echoing worries voiced by the United Nations, the rights group warned that sending the army onto Mexican streets to do the job of the police was a bad idea. Almost four years into the fight, it would seem Amnesty, the U.N. and a host of other rights groups were right.

Let's Celebrate Our Progess


2010 Election Results

 


Prop 19 is Highlight of 160 Measures on State Ballots

California voters decide today whether to make their state the first to legalize recreational marijuana, drawing worldwide attention atop the 160 ballot measures in 37 states that also included divisive proposals to slash taxes and ban abortion.

California's Prop 19: The Golden State's Golden Egg

California's proposition 19 -- or Prop 19 as most refer to it -- has been in the spotlight this election day 2010, bringing particular attention to marijuana and California. It's not just Californians who are talking, either, as the whole nation seems to have an opinion on the controversial measure that would make the possession and cultivation of marijuana legal in the state. If passed, Prop 19 would also authorize cities and counties to regulate and tax commercial marijuana production and sales.

Voter Voices: If Prop. 19 Brings California Money, I Can Support Marijuana Legalization

The Los Angeles Times talks to voters about Proposition 19.

Prop 19 Gets Props from Celebrities, Little Old Ladies and Twitter

One of the biggest terms being tweeted today is the phrase "Prop 19." Apparrently Twitter is abuzz with the possibility of California legalizing marijuana.

California Looks for Cash Under Prop. 19

Proposition 19 would allow local governments to tax and regulate its commercial production, distribution and sale. At stake is the potential for "hundreds of millions of dollars annually" in new revenue, according to the ballot language posted on the California Secretary of State’s website. San Jose, the center of Silicon Valley, and at least 10 more cities have measures on their ballots today proposing taxes on pot crops and sales if Proposition 19 passes. Californians consume about 1 million pounds of pot annually, according to the state’s tax administrator, the Board of Equalization.

Voter Voices: Los Angeles Accountant Says Prop. 19 Will Draw Much-Needed Revenue

VoicesAudrey Yeboah is a 52-year-old accountant who lives in the West Adams neighborhood of L.A. She voted "yes" on Proposition 19 and said "I think if they legalize it, then it won't be as appealing to kids...And in the meantime we get paid tax dollars on it."

Prop. 19: Exit Polls Show Voters Split by Age

Age is a major indicator of support for the measure to legalize marijuana for recreational use, according to the first wave of exit polling conducted for The Sacramento Bee and other media outlets by Edison Research.

Bring on Prop. 19: Stars Who Want Their Marijuana Legal

Proposition 19 would make California the first state to legalize marijuana, and plenty of celebrities have voiced their support.

Prop. 19 Backer Richard Lee Not Ready to Count Out Pot Legalization

Lee, the pot entrepreneur behind Oaksterdam University -- and the driving fiscal force behind Proposition 19 -- was decidedly noncommittal when queried about electoral success. "We did a side-by-side robo poll vs. a live one. And the robo showed it winning and the live didn't," he said.

Live from UC Berkeley: Are Students Voting for Prop 19?

Prop. 19 organizers are hoping that under-polled one-issue voters — like the college kids at Berkeley — will push them over the top. At a press conference in Oakland Tuesday morning, Aaron Houston, who heads up the group Students for Sensible Drug Policy, said it would be a "historic election" in which the youth turnout would push the marijuana measure over the top. The Bay Citizen headed to Berkeley to see what students are thinking about Prop. 19 and whether they are turning out to vote because of it.

Prop. 19 Supporters Say Win or Lose They've Sparked a Debate

The marijuana legalization campaign said volunteers had made more than 188,500 calls to voters and hoped to hook 125,000 "Yes on 19" door-hangers on the homes of likely supporters, including young male Democrats and members of the Green and Libertarian parties. The campaign's message is, win or lose, the initiative has stimulated widespread debate and shown that the nation's ban on marijuana is destined to fall.

As the Marijuana Debate Heats Up, an Industry Blossoms

Californians are set to vote on Proposition 19 today, which would essentially legalize recreational marijuana use in the Golden State.

B.C. Bud Hangs in the Balance, as California Casts Marijuana Vote

As Californians go to the polls Tuesday night, they won't just be deciding the future of marijuana in their state - the vote may also rattle the booming B.C. bud industry. If the law passes, B.C.'s illegal pot industry - which generates between $3 billion and $7 billion a year - could take a big hit, says Darryl Plecas, a criminology professor at B.C.'s University of the Fraser Valley.

California Proposition 19 - Snoop Dogg, San Jose Police Chief Joseph McNamara Vote Yes (Video)

It is a rare day when Hip Hip star, Snoop Dogg and the former chief of police for San Jose, Joseph McNamara agree - especially when they agree on reforming California's marijuana laws.

Iowa Board of Pharmacy Takes Action On Medical Marijuana

The Iowa Board of Pharmacy took action Tuesday by making marijuana a drug with medicinal purposes. The Board agreed to re-classify marijuana from a schedule one to schedule two drug.

Marijuana Legalization: Why Tea Party Might Support Prop. 19

Conventional wisdom says tea party conservatives would vote against marijuana legalization in California. Yet Prop. 19 could test how serious tea partyers are about states' rights. Instead of opposing Prop. 19, parts of the tea party – including some of its stalwarts like Tom Tancredo in Colorado and Rand Paul in Kentucky – have hailed drug legalization as an ideological linchpin in the fight between progressivism (a broader role for government) and the ideals of states' rights (get the government out of living rooms).

Prop. 19 Has Wide U.S. Support

More Americans than not would welcome a vote by Californians to legalize marijuana, a poll released Monday says.

Website Tracks Street Value of Marijuana

Marijuana users can go online and see what kind of bargain they’re getting from their marijuana dealer. The site, which has been online since September, compiles averages of marijuana prices for each state. A representative from the website says that the goal of www.priceofweed.com is simply to give marijuana users tools for assessing prices.

Yes on 19 Campaign Launches New "Stop the Insanity" Video (Video)

The Yes on 19 campaign launched its closing argument with a brand new web video.


Medical Marijuna Industry Contributes Thousands to State Candidates

In the first general election since the boom of the state's medical marijuana industry, cannabis supporters are making their voices heard the old-fashioned way: with money. Colorado medical marijuana business owners and advocates have made thousands of dollars in contributions to state candidates this year. Dispensary owners have teamed up to form a political action committee. And activists last month went so far as to host a fundraiser for attorney-general candidate Stan Garnett.

Prop 19: A Letter to the Undecided (Opinion)

Targeting undecided voters, Jesse Levine of the Marijuana Arrest Research Project lays out arguments in favor of voting "Yes" on California's Proposition 19.

Alcohol 'more harmful than heroin' Says Professor/Former UK Chief Drug Adviser

Alcohol is more harmful than heroin or crack, according to a study published in medical journal the Lancet. The report which ranks 20 drugs on 16 measures of harm to users and to wider society is co-authored by Professor David Nutt, the former UK chief drugs adviser.

Zach Galifianakis Supports Prop 19 by Smoking a Joint on Bill Maher's Show (Video)

Proponents have been stepping up the call to show favor for California's Prop 19. Taking to national television, actor Zach Galifianakis staged a rather dramatic show of support by lighting up a marijuana joint while debating the proposition on Real Time With Bill Maher.

Zetas Gain Foothold in Guatemalan Jungle

The Peten jungle, once known for its jaguars and Mayan ruins, has fallen prey to a notorious Mexican drug prohibition gang that operates from remote jungle ranches and has begun openly challenging Guatemalan security forces for control of the roads.

Say "No" to Lies; Say "Yes" to Prop. 19 (Opinion)

NORML's Paul Armentano opines on the lies and distortions being employed against California's Proposition 19.

Nine Oregon Police Officers Accused of Illegally Campaigning Against Measure 74

Law enforcement officials are alleged to have violated Oregon Revised Statute 260.432, which excludes public officials from promoting or opposing any measure or candidate as part of their official duties.

Ahead of Tuesday's Election Gmail Founder Donates to Legalize Marijuana

Gmail and FriendFinder founder Paul Buchheit says that adults should be able to smoke marijuana for fun. Mr. Bucheit's donation of $100,000 to the California Yes on Proposition 19 campaign surpasses Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz’s $70,000 donation. Some more of the tech industry's brightest minds have also supported the campaign -- Sean Parker the financial supporter behind Napster and long-time Facebook collaborator, Paypal co-founder Peter Thiel, and Innovative Interfaces President Steve Silberstein have all donated money to it.

Officials: Beyond Hartley Case, 92 Americans Killed in Mexico

According to the U.S. Department of State, 92 Americans have been reported as victims of homicide in Mexico from June 2009 to June 2010. On September 10, the agency issued a travel warning for Americans planning to head to Mexico. It warned against taking unnecessary trips to Michoacán, Tamaulipas, parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango and Coahuila because of the ongoing drug prohibition violence.

Drug Truth Pledge Drive

KPFT is one of the 5 Pacifica "sisters" and was the birthplace of the DTN which now has 94 broadcast affiliates in North America.


World Series Reporter's 'They're Smoking Weed' Clip Becomes Prop. 19 Ad

Just before game two of the World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers on Thursday, a reporter for a Dallas television station filed a story on the scene outside AT&T park for the local audience back home. But rather than the usual cliches about the picturesque view of San Francisco Bay, Newy Scruggs' story dealt almost entirely about marijuana being used by fans a short distance away. The group Internet Today quickly edited and tacked on a pro-Proposition 19 message to the end of the clip, which proceeded to go viral on the Internet and become the subject of talk radio and newspaper reports.

Proposition 19 Backers Turn to Jon Stewart, Colbert and Comedy Central with Marijuana Ads

The initiative’s supporters, armed with cash from recent major donations, are targeting young voters who polls show overwhelmingly support legalization with commercials on Comedy Central’s "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report".

Vicente Fox on California Legalizing Pot: "May God let it pass”

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox has thrown his full support behind Proposition 19. "How great it would be for California to set this example. May God let it pass...The other U.S. states will have to follow step," he said.

Ad Watch: Anti-Proposition 19 Spot Distorts Its Impact

A radio ad against Proposition 19 paid for by the California Chamber of Commerce's Business PAC depicts a stoned California work force. But, the chamber's claims contradict rules on marijuana in the workplace upheld by the California Supreme Court and federal law. The chamber's warnings of companies being defenseless against stoned workers – and in danger of losing millions of dollars in federal drug-free workplace grants – don't square with a landmark 2008 state Supreme Court decision.

This Week in History

Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.

Entire Police Force in Los Ramones, Mexico Quits After Drug Traffickers' Gunmen Attack Headquarters

All 14 police officers in Los Ramones, a rural town in northern Mexico, fled the force in terror after gunmen fired more than 1,000 bullets and flung six grenades at their headquarters. The gunmen’s 20-minute shooting spree destroyed six police vehicles and left the white and orange police station pocked with bullet holes. The attack was the second in less than a week against police forces in Nuevo Leon -- last week, grenades were thrown at police in Sabinas Hidalgo.

1,200 Minors Died in Mexico's Drug War Since 2006

Of the more than 28,000 people who have died in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon declared a prohibitionist war on drug trafficking organizations in 2006, 1,200 were minors.

Why Pot Legalization Is the Most Important Issue Before Voters This Election Day (Opinion)

The writers opine that, though limited to voters in a single state, Prop. 19 is the only policy matter on the table with the potential to restructure the lives of virtually all Americans. If Prop. 19 passes, it will force, at long bloody last, an honest reconsideration of failed prohibitionist policies throughout the United States. In fact, given the drug war's influence on our foreign policy in Latin America and central Asia, Prop. 19's reverberations would even be felt far outside our borders.

Could Legalizing Marijuana in California Help Cure Breast Cancer? (Opinion)

The latest research is proving that cannabinoids play a mitigating role in breast cancer. An urgent issue for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: the clock is ticking for the 207,000 women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. Mary Jane Borden, a former marketing analyst for largest U.S. marketer of cancer chemotherapy drugs in the U.S. during the 1980s, opines on the issue.

Multibillionaire Investor George Soros Backs Proposition 19

George Soros, the multibillionaire investor who helped bankroll three initiatives to change drug laws in California, endorsed the marijuana legalization initiative and plans to make a major financial contribution to the campaign. "Proposition 19 already is a winner no matter what happens on election day. The mere fact of its being on the ballot has elevated and legitimized public discourse about marijuana and marijuana policy in ways I could not have imagined a year ago," Soros wrote.

Swiss Drug Policy Should Serve As Model: Experts

Switzerland's innovative policy of providing drug addicts with free methadone and clean needles has greatly reduced deaths while cutting crime rates and should serve as a global model, health experts said. Countries whose drug policy remains focused on punishing offenders, including Russia and much of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, should learn from a Swiss strategy based on "harm reduction" that protects both users and communities, they said.

Fired for Taking Legal Drugs? Why Drug Tests Don't Always Work

Should people who take legally prescribed painkillers on the job be fired for failing a drug test? What companies consider an effort to maintain a safe work environment is drawing complaints from employees who cite privacy concerns and contend that they should not be fired for taking legal medications, sometimes for injuries sustained on the job.

ACLU Letter to Attorney General Argues There Is No Basis for Challenging California's Proposition 19 (Press Release)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2010
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; [email protected]


Pot and the GOP: Is the Party of ‘Just Say No’ Morphing Into the Party of ‘Just Say Grow’?

The Republican Party is a long way from becoming the Pot Party. Nonetheless, conservative attitudes are changing at the grassroots level. The percentage of Republicans in favor of legalizing marijuana has risen quickly since 2005, jumping 7 points. And as their constituents have moved on the issue, more Republican candidates and lawmakers are refusing to toe the party line.

Crunch time in California! (Action Alert)

It's coming down to the wire in California!


Drug Prohibition Gunmen Kill 13 at Tijuana Drug Rehab Home

Police in Tijuana, Mexico, said 13 people were lined up and shot to death at a drug rehabilitation center.

Special Report: New Labor Groups Organize Marijuana Workers

In the last nine months, Eric Engstrom has been criss-crossing California as president and co-founder of Union Local 13, whose motto, “Don't Leaf Us Out,” describes the efforts to unionize marijuana cultivators, processors and distributors. Unionization of marijuana workers already is under way elsewhere. Members of Teamsters Local 70 in Oakland added nearly 40 new members in September when they organized the nation's first group of unionized marijuana growers — vowing to raise their wages from $18 per hour to $25.75 an hour within 15 months.

What the Feds Can Do About Prop 19

Attorney General Eric Holder, President Obama’s top law-enforcement officer, has said the administration will “vigorously enforce” federal drug laws in California if Proposition 19 wins at the ballot box. For all the trails that approving Proposition 19 would blaze, much of its impact would depend on the extent to which Holder follows through on that threat.

Opioid Safety Is Focus of $1 Million-A-Year Educational Initiative

A group that represents patients living with pain has launched an initiative aimed at educating physicians and patients on how to prescribe and use opioids and other pain treatments safely. The $1 million-a-year project is called Pain Safety & Access for Everyone, or PainSAFE. It comes in response to a rise in deaths and overdoses related to opioid abuse and controversy over how the drugs are marketed.

Democrats Responsible for Drug War on Black and Latino Men, Ruining Countless Lives (Opinion)

It’s a bit shocking to grasp the role that the Democratic Party, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, have played in undermining the lives of hundreds of thousands of young minority men. In a very hard-hitting op-ed on October 24th, “Smoke and Horrors” New York Times Saturday columnist Charles Blow, citing the work of City University Professor Harry Levine, makes four truly mind-jolting points.

Prop 19 "Robo-Polling" Shows Majority Support

The Yes On 19 campaign Friday released an internal poll showing that likely voters support the initiative to control and tax marijuana by a margin of 56-41 when presented with an automated questionnaire but are less likely to state their support to live interviewers.

Sensible Voter Guide: Marijuana on the Ballot in Colorado

  

 

 

 

 

 

 "Sensible" Voter Guide 


Cops Under Pressure to Deny They Support Legalizing Marijuana

During California gubernatorial debates last week, Meg Whitman was asked about her position on Proposition 19 and marijuana legalization and said: "Every single law enforcement official in this entire state is against Proposition 19." "She's absolutely wrong...A lot of police officers both retired and on duty are in favor of passing it because they realize that the 'war on drugs' has failed and is going to fail," said former San Jose Chief of Police Joseph McNamara. Scores of former officials recently signed a letter saying that marijuana prohibition only fuels more dangerous crime by enriching Mexican drug traffickers who put guns on American streets -- but every member of the California police department waited until after they'd retired to sign.

Medical Marijuana Advocate Michelle Rainey Dies from Cancer

Michelle Rainey, the organizational force behind Marc Emery’s marijuana-based business empire in Canada, has died from cancer. She had lived with Crohn’s disease since she was a teenager and in the last years of her life struggled against melanoma and lymphatic cancer. Sadly, she did not live to see the historic marijuana legalization vote that will occur in California on Nov. 2.

Texas National Guard Soldier Killed in Mexico Went Despite Warning

Pfc. Jose Gil Hernandez, a Texas National Guard soldier, was gunned down in violent Ciudad Juarez. He crossed the border despite the Guard urging soldiers not on active duty to stay out of Mexico. Hernandez is at least the third American serviceman killed in Juarez since the drug prohibition war began.

Colorado OKs Medical Marijuana Help for Poor

The Colorado State Board of Health approved a program through which poor medical marijuana patients can apply to the state registry for free and not have to pay sales tax on their cannabis purchases. But the standard the board approved for determining who is poor enough to qualify for the program upset medical marijuana advocates, who said some indigent patients will still be stuck with a bill. And even some board members expressed frustration that the health department — which has received millions of dollars in application fees since the medical marijuana program began — couldn't put together a program that includes more patients.

Peru Wants More US Aid for Drug War; New Ambassador Hints 'No'

Peruvian President Alan García met with President Obama over the summer and directly accused Washington of pushing cocaine growth into Peru. The world's second-largest cocaine producer, Peru has asked for more US aid in combating drug trafficking and blamed Washington's policies for driving coca plant production in the country. Despite Peru's leaders repeatedly calling in recent months for more US aid in fighting drug trafficking, the new US ambassador said in her first media interview that resources are limited.

This Week in History

Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.

Cops Used Fake Patient IDs to Buy Medical Pot; Was It Entrapment?

Oakland County Sheriff's deputies used phony Michigan medical marijuana cards -- created on a county computer -- to trick state-approved medical marijuana providers into selling the drug to the police. Days after the drug buys, county narcotics agents raided two medical marijuana dispensaries. Defense attorneys for more than two dozen people arrested in the raids are crying foul, saying their clients were trapped into lawbreaking while trying to stay within the state law.

Help Legalize Marijuana in CA


Mexico Seizes 105 Tons of Marijuana in Tijuana. Does It Matter?

Mexico's national security spokesman Alejandro Poire trumpeted 'the largest seizure in the country's history of marijuana prepared and packed for sale and distribution.' But will this make a dent in the bi-national effort to stem the power of drug trafficking organizations in Mexico? Weapons, cash, and drug seizures, as well as top arrests of drug traffickers, are always touted by the government as signs of success, but they do little to impact the overall structure of the organizations, experts say.

Ciudad Juárez: One City, 333 Murders – In One Month

Mexican drug prohibition war: In part one of a two-part special on the unregulated drug trafficking organizations consuming Mexico, Joseph Woby travels to one of its most dangerous and poverty-stricken cities.

Lethal Sting: How the War on Drugs Killed a College Student

The Tallahassee Police Department isn't getting any medals; they're the targets of a massive lawsuit. And Rachel Hoffman is dead, shot with the very gun the cops sent her to buy.

Doctor Calls Ontario's Methadone Program Oppressive and Discriminatory

A Toronto doctor says Ontario's methadone program for addicts is "oppressive" in the way it discriminates against patients and forces them to give up their privacy. Patients who are prescribed methadone for addiction to drugs such as heroin or morphine are shackled to the health-care system and must sign away their privacy rights in exchange for treatment, Dr. Philip Berger told a legislative committee.

Top Victorian Cop Says Public Should Decide on Legalizing Drugs

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Sir Ken Jones said the public should be informed about the costs such as higher insurance premiums and delays to elective surgery because of hospital waiting lists caused by illicit drug use. "There are people in academia, in public policy and law enforcement who are challenging us and saying the current approach is not working. I'm hearing it come up a lot...I'd love to have a debate at some point about legalization" he said.

Las Vegas Group Looks to Legalize Marijuana

The Las Vegas chapter of NORML says keeping marijuana illegal hurts patients in the long run because many are forced to acquire the drug illegally. They are seeking to raise awareness about the medicinal benefits of marijuana.

Governor Christie, NJ Senator Scutari Spar Over Medical Marijuana Rules

A sponsor of the state’s medical marijuana law introduced a resolution that would repeal what he called “restrictive” proposed rules for the program if Governor Chris Christie does not make them resemble the original legislation. The action spurred angry words between Christie and State Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), the sponsor.

Maryland Legislators Ponder Medical Marijuana Law

Maryland Senator David Brinkley said that if re-elected, he plans to introduce a bill that would legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. A similar bill passed the Senate during the last session, but the House version failed.

Former Surgeon General Calls for Marijuana Legalization

Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders told CNN she supports legalizing marijuana. "What I think is horrible about all of this, is that we criminalize young people. And we use so many of our excellent resources ... for things that aren't really causing any problems," said Elders. "It's not a toxic substance."

Libertarian Party Chair Endorses California Prop 19

Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle has endorsed Proposition 19 on the November ballot in California. Hinkle said, "I urge Californians to vote for Proposition 19. The War on Drugs has created tremendous damage in California and throughout America, and this will help stop that damage. A vote for Prop 19 is a vote for justice and common sense."

Mexico’s Plague of Police Corruption

Despite millions in U.S. aid, forces continue to be outgunned, overwhelmed — and often purchased outright — by drug prohibition gangsters. Many in Mexico consider the American investment little help so far against the bloody tide wrought by drug prohibition gangs. Mexico's top federal policeman, Genaro Garcia Luna, has estimated gangsters pass out some $100 million each month to local and state cops on the take.

Gunmen Kill Local Official, Son in Ciudad Juarez

Gunmen in the drug prohibition violence-ridden border city of Ciudad Juarez killed Rito Grado Serrano, regional president of the community of El Porvenira, and his son, Mexican officials said Sunday.

CVS Pays Largest Civil Penalty Ever Assessed Under the Controlled Substances Act for Selling Main Meth Ingredient

CVS, the nation's largest drug-store chain, is paying what’s considered the largest civil penalty ever — $75 million — assessed under the Controlled Substances Act as well as forfeiting $2.6 million in profits from the sales of medicines that contain pseudoephedrine — a key ingredient to making meth.

Lawmaker Who Sponsored Medical Marijuana Law to Challenge NJ's Strict New Rules for It

Sen. Nick Scutari said the Health Department's draft regulations for growing, distributing and buying medical marijuana set up too many roadblocks for people the law was designed to help. He wants to force the state to rewrite what he says are overly restrictive rules that make the program unworkable. Scutari said he'll introduce a resolution Monday challenging the proposed regulations.

Alleged Chat Between Mexican Congressman and La Familia Leader Leaked

A radio station broadcast what it described as a telephone conversation in which Mexican congressman Julio Cesar Godoy Toscano and one of Mexico's biggest drug prohibition lords, La Familia leader Servando "La Tuta" Gomez, express support for each other and discuss bribing a reporter. Godoy represents the western state of Michoacan, La Familia's stronghold. He already faces federal charges for allegedly protecting the drug trafficking organization but has immunity from arrest because he is a congressman.

Oops! Obama Offends DEA With Drug War Comments

President Barack Obama insulted -- albeit inadvertently -- the folks at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration by mentioning the FBI instead of their agency in remarks about the war on drugs. Over the years, the DEA has often felt neglected -- or at least has been in the shadow of the FBI. To boot, there have been occasional rumors over the years about the DEA being folded into the FBI, which also investigates drug cases.

Cancel Your Mexico Plans: Authorities Release Travel Warning

Texas Homeland Security Director Steve McCraw issued a travel warning advising Texans that nobody should head to Mexico at this point. McCraw stressed the advisory due to the increased drug prohibition violence and threat from drug trafficking organizations.

Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization Expands Into Illegal Mining

A Mexican drug trafficking organization already raking in hefty profits trafficking drugs to the United States under drug prohibition has discovered a new business in the western state of Michoacan -- illegal mining.

52% of Arizona's Likely Voters Support Medical Marijuana (Poll)

Arizonans appear to be ready to approve medical marijuana for the third time. A new statewide poll shows 52 percent of likely voters in support of Proposition 203. Only 33 percent are opposed, with the balance undecided.

Drug Decriminalization Policy Pays Off (Opinion)

Ten years ago, Portugal became the first Western nation to pass full-scale, nationwide drug decriminalization. That law, passed October 1, 2000, abolished criminal sanctions for all narcotics — not just marijuana but also “hard drugs” like heroin and cocaine. By any metric, Portugal’s drug decriminalization scheme has been a resounding success.

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