Breaking News:Dangerous Delays: What Washington State (Re)Teaches Us About Cash and Cannabis Store Robberies [REPORT]

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URGENT: Congressional Vote on Permitting State Marijuana Laws!

Last year's legislation protecting state medical marijuana laws from federal interference is expiring soon. A vote coming as soon as tonight could extend it, while expanding it to include state legalization laws too.

The First Stage of Our New Campaign Was Successful

Our campaign to change global drug policy saw its first stage come to fruition with the release last week of our sign-on statement and media coverage. Your help is needed now to ensure this work can continue without interruption.

A Historic Day at the UN

It has been a historic day for drug policy at the United Nations -- and a big week in our own campaign to shift global drug policy too.

Organizational Participation Sought for the UNGASS 2016 Global Civil Society Survey

Organizations concerned with drugs and drug policy are requested to fill out the Global Civil Society Task Force, looking toward the April 2016 UN General Assembly Session on Drugs

Telephone TownHall Meeting on Drug Education, with Dr. Carl Hart and the Drug Policy Alliance

Phone in next month to a "Telephone TownHall Meeting" on drug education with Dr. Carl Hart and the Drug Policy Alliance.

Scholarships Available for 2015 International Drug Policy Reform Conference

Scholarship assistance is available for individuals wishing to attend this year's International Drug Policy Reform Conference, taking place from November 18-21 in the DC metro area. May 22 is the deadline to apply.

Write and Call Congress TODAY for Vets' Access to Medical Marijuana!

An important amendment is coming up for a vote in the House of Representatives late this afternoon or early evening. Our two web forms will help you to both email and call your member of Congress to support it.

Drug War Chronicle Seeking Writing Interns

Would you like to gain writing experience working with Drug War Chronicle and our long time editor? Internships are available.

Time Is Running Short...

A special thanks to those who've donated for the first US-based coalition taking on broad, international drug policy reform. We are still a few thousand dollars away from taking the next critical step that we need to take over the next few weeks, and need your help to get there -- time is of the essence.

Fwd: APPEAL: Crucial New Campaign Needs Your Support!

StoptheDrugWar.org has launched the first ever US coalition devoted to broad drug policy reform, including but not limited to changing the US drug treaties to support legalization. We continue to seek your financial support for this project.

Drug War Chronicle Seeking Writing Interns

Would you like to gain writing experience working with Drug War Chronicle and our long time editor? Internships are available.

Crucial New Campaign Needs Your Help

StoptheDrugWar.org has launched the first US coalition targeting international drug policy in the broad sense. But we need your support to make it happen.

Help Us Secure Our Victories and Win More

2014 saw great victories for drug policy reform, but they are already under attack by the opposition. Please make a generous end-year donation (tax-deductible available) to help us secure our victories and win more, for marijuana policy and stopping the drug war as a whole.

What Does Congress's Medical Marijuana Legislation Actually Mean?

The controversial "CRomnibus" bill passed by the House and Senate includes language barring the Dept. of Justice from using taxpayer funds to interfere with state medical marijuana laws.

URGENT: Call Congress TODAY to Save DC Marijuana Legalization!

Your help is needed right now to stop bad language that would block DC's marijuana legalization moves in Congress's Continuing Resolution Omnibus Funding Bill.

Washington Sheriff Tells Oregon Voters: Legalization Is Already Working

King County Sheriff John Urquhart has recorded a message letting Oregon voters know that legalization in Washington State has seen wasteful arrests decrease, DUIs decrease, taxes going to schools and police, and drug prevention programs getting funding.

Help Track Candidates' Positions on "Vote For Marijuana" Web Site

StoptheDrugWar.org has teamed up on a project to track local, state, and federal candidates for office and what their positions are on marijuana policy.

Did You Know the Top 17 Hospitals' Positions on Medical Marijuana?, on ProCon.org

ProCon.org is a series of in-depth web sites presenting information and views from on current issues, several with relevance to drug policy. This the final installment in a six-part series the Chronicle is running of info items from ProCon.org -- this one from medicalmarijuana.procon.org -- and we encourage you to check it out.

Two Important Conferences in DC and Baltimore

The Students for Sensible Drug Policy conference is taking this Friday through Monday just outside DC, and the Harm Reduction Conference next month in Baltimore.

DC Legalization Campaign Needs Registration Drive $$$ NOW

DC's voter registration mail-in deadline is one month from now. Funds are urgently needed this week -- for the DC Cannabis Campaign's registration drive to go full blast between now and then. Please help us legalize marijuana in Washington, DC, by making the most generous donation you can!

Did You Know Nearly Six Million Americans Are Denied Voting Rights Because of Felonies?, on ProCon.org

ProCon.org is a series of in-depth web sites presenting information and views from on current issues, several with relevance to drug policy. The Chronicle is currently running a series of info items from ProCon.org -- this one from felonvoting.procon.org -- and we encourage you to check it out.

Job Opportunities in the Movement

There are paid and volunteer opportunities in the movement at a range of organizations.

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support!

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool -- the Drug War Chronicle newsletter -- that builds and empowers the movement.

Did You Know D.A.R.E. Lacked Scientific Evaluation Until 2009?, from ProCon.org

ProCon.org is a series of in-depth web sites presenting information and views from on current issues, several with relevance to drug policy. The Chronicle is currently running a series of info items from ProCon.org -- this one from dare.procon.org -- and we encourage you to check it out.

Did You Know Why Some Performance Enhancing Drugs Are Legal While Others Are Banned?, from ProCon.org

ProCon.org is a series of in-depth web sites presenting information and views from on current issues, several with relevance to drug policy. The Chronicle is currently running a series of info items from ProCon.org -- this one from sportsanddrugs.procon.org -- and we encourage you to check it out.

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support

Drug War Chronicle needs your support to continue our mission! Please make the most generous donation you can today. We continue to offer a range of membership gift items as well.

DC Marijuana Initiative Qualifies for Ballot

More info later today, see @DCMJ2014 in the meanwhile...


Did You Know? Ranking 20 Drugs and Alcohol By Overall Harm, from ProCon.org

ProCon.org is a series of in-depth web sites presenting information and views from on current issues, several with relevance to drug policy. The Chronicle is currently running a series of info items from ProCon.org -- this one from medicalmarijuana.procon.org -- and we encourage you to check it out.

Membership: "High Price" Signed (reduced price), "After Legalization" (e-book)

For the first time ever we are offering an "E-Book" as our latest membership premium, as well as a popular author-signed book for a reduced price.

Did You Know? 23 States' and DC's Medical Marijuana Laws, from ProCon.org

ProCon.org is a series of in-depth web sites presenting information and views from on current issues, several with relevance to drug policy. The Chronicle is running a series of info items from ProCon.org over the next several weeks -- this first one from medicalmarijuana.procon.org -- and we encourage you to check it out.

Summer Reading Assignment for Congress

Dean Becker of the Drug Truth Network is in Washington today to give copies of his book, "To End the War on Drugs," to every member of the House and Senate.

Membership: "High Price" Signed (reduced price), "After Legalization" (e-book)

For the first time ever we are offering an "E-Book" as our latest membership premium, as well as a popular author-signed book for a reduced price.

New Offers: "After Legalization" E-Books, and "High Price" Signed for Reduced Price

For the first time ever we are offering an "E-Book" as our latest membership premium, as well as a popular author-signed book for a reduced price.

One of the Worst Ideas to Come Out of the War on Drugs: Sentencing Enhancement Zones

A video from the Prison Policy Initiative on what is indeed one of the worst ideas to come out of the war on drugs.

There Were Several Drug Policy Amendments to the CJS Bill

[image:1 align:right]Reformers have mostly been talking about the


ALERT: House to Vote on Medical Marijuana Amendment This Week!

The US House of Representatives will vote on a medical marijuana amendment that has record levels of bipartisan support, possibly as soon as Thursday. Please contact your member of Congress to help it pass!

Help Us Legalize Marijuana in Washington, DC!

An initiative in the District of Columbia seeks to legalize marijuana this November, and StoptheDrugWar.org has joined the team.

Signature-Gathering Jobs Available with DC Campaign to Legalize Marijuana

Signature-gathering for an initiative to legalize marijuana in Washington, DC on this November ballot is ongoing through July 6. If you are in the area and have ten hours a week or more, you are eligible to apply for a paid position. The campaign is also seeking volunteers.

Big News from the Administration About Commutations

[image:1 align:right caption:true]The Obama administration may issue hundreds or even thousands of sentence commutations in drug cases,


Police Shoot, Kill 80-Year Old Man In His Own Bed

The recklessness of drug raids...

Farm Bill Passes Second Chamber, With Hemp, Without Drug Testing

Two victories in one on the drug war front this week.

Oglala Sioux and French Consider Marijuana Legalization

The Oglala Sioux Tribal Council's business development committee has approved a proposal take marijuana legalization to a tribal vote. A bill's been introduced in France, too.

DC City Council Voting on Marijuana Decriminalization Today


Could Different Drug Policies Have Saved Philip Seymour Hoffman?

The tragic death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman yesterday has prompted expressions of grief and of praise for his talent.


Oregon Governor Calls for Marijuana Legalization, Legislature to Act

[image:1 align:right]Gov.


Dept. of Justice Requesting Drug Clemency Petitions?

Update: Here's the news. Potentially sounds really big.


House Farm Bill Does Not Have Food Stamps Drug Testing!

[image:1 align:right]Phil reported yesterday that the House version of the US Farm Bill in


Smarter Sentencing Act Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

[image:1 align:right]The Smarter Sentencing Act has just passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee,


Smarter Sentencing Act in Committee Right Now!!!

Update: It has passed the committee!


Ted Cruz Likens Obama Drug Policy to Imperialism

[image:1 align:right]Ted Cruz included drug laws among his examples of "imperialism" on the part President Obama, in remarks on CNN following the State of the Union address tonight.


Would You Give Up a Gallon of Gas a Month to End the Drug War?

In an era where so much of the national debate is still framed by prohibition-based thinking, our small, dedicated and passionate staff keep anti-prohibitionists on the cutting edge of legislation and policy. That's why we need your help to keep StoptheDrugWar.org and the Drug War Chronicle going strong in 2014.

The Media and Drugs: A Long Way Still to Go [EDITORIAL]

Despite some improvement, the mainstream media continues to get it wrong on the drug issue in many, many ways. This makes it as crucial as ever for reformers to continue to fund and make our own media.

Call Judiciary Committee Senators TODAY to End Harsh Drug Sentencing!

On Thursday, December 12, the US Senate Judiciary Committee will meet to discuss mandatory minimum sentencing and S. 1410, the Smarter Sentencing Act. This is the most promising time for sentencing reform that we have seen in twenty years, and now is the time to tell your Senators to vote for S. 1410!

Permitted Marijuana Party at Seattle Space Needle Marks Legalization Anniversary

[image:1 align:right]King 5 News reported Friday that hundreds of people lit and smoked marijuana at a party under the famed landmark the Seattle Space Needle.


Human Rights Watch on Coerced Guilty Pleas in US Drug Cases

A report from Human Rights Watch released this morning demonstrates the corruption of justice that mandatory minimum sentencing has brought about.

Phil Lauded in Denver Last Month -- Video

I posted some photos last month, but here is the video from Phil's award at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference.


New Drugs: Europe is Discussing

[image:1 align:right caption:true]The European Commission has proposed new procedures that would fast-track its ability to criminalize or otherwise regulate new drugs, according to a


Editorial: Did Trey Radel Really Vote for Drug Testing?

Headlines about the "cocaine congressman voting to drug test food stamp recipients" are at best only technically accurate, and miss the support Rep. Radel has shown for compassionate sentencing reform.

Radel Hypocrisy Charge Doesn't Withstand Scrutiny

One of the top political stories this week is the recent bust for cocaine possession of Rep. Trey Radel, a Republican freshman congressman from Florida. Radel pleaded guilty today, and was sentenced to a year of supervised probation. As I write this piece, he is giving a press conference to apologize to the country and his family.

Hemp Industries Association Conference Coming to DC Next Week!

The 20th Annual Hemp Industries Association Conference will convene in Washington, DC this Sunday and Monday, Sunday and Monday, November 17-18,


Video: How to Prevent Prescription Drug Overdoses

The next video from the International Drug Policy Reform Conference, by our friends from the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (who were


Uruguay May Legalize Marijuana Any Week Now (was Day Now)

[image:1 align:right caption:true]Update: We've heard that end of the month is more likely now.


Missouri Cannabis Conference This Weekend!

https://stopthedrugwar.org/files/ShowMe-Cannabis.png

First Conference Glimpses

Some initial videos from the big conference, including Ifetayo Harvey, Rep. Jared Polis, Ethan Nadelmann, Rev. Sanders, and a short highlights piece from the first day.

Conference Tour of Colorado Medical Marijuana Industry

Some attendees at last week's conference signed up for a tour looking inside Colorado's legal cannabis industry, led by River Rock Wellness general counsel Norton


California Study Suggests Marijuana a Substitute for Alcohol

[image:1 align:right]A New York Times article this week, Few Problems With Cannabis fo


First Videos from the Conference

Some initial videos from the big conference, including Ifetayo Harvey, Rep. Jared Polis, Ethan Nadelmann, Rev. Sanders, and a short highlights piece from the first day.

Greetings from Denver

We are attending the 2013 International Conference on Drug Policy Reform, in Denver, Colorado, for the next few days.

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support!

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Chronicle Writer/Editor Phillip Smith to Receive Award

Our writer Phil Smith will be honored for his work on this newsletter in Denver next week.

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support!

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support!

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support!

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Internships: Legislative, Writing/Research, Web, IT, Admin/Finance, Communications

Interns are making an important difference fighting the good fight with us at StoptheDrugWar.org.

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support This Month!

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Another Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing...

The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing entitled "Reevaluating the Effectiveness of Federal Mandatory Minimum Sentences."

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Internships: Legislative, Writing/Research, Web, IT, Admin/Finance, Communications

Interns are making an important difference fighting the good fight with us at StoptheDrugWar.org.

Global Student Paper Competition Taking on Drug Policy -- First Submissions Due 10/30

An annual student competition is taking on drug policy this year. The first of two papers for students entering is due October 30th.

Senate Marijuana Hearing Starting Right Now


Youth Drug Use on Decline, Most Media Fail to Notice

[image:1 align:right]One of the two annual major drug use surveys in the US released its results this week, coinciding with National Recover


Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Internships: Legislative, Writing/Research, Web, IT, Admin/Finance, Communications

Interns are making an important difference fighting the good fight with us at StoptheDrugWar.org.

HUGE: Administration to Allow State Marijuana Legalization to Proceed

[image:1 align:right caption:true]Deputy Attorney General James Cole has issued "guidance" to federal prosecutors with respect to the state marijuana laws.


Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Internships: Legislative, Writing/Research, Web, IT, Admin/Finance, Communications

Interns are making an important difference fighting the good fight with us at StoptheDrugWar.org.

Senate Judiciary Holding Marijuana Hearing Next Month

[image:1 align:right caption:true]As promised, Judiciary Committee chairman Sen.


Job Opportunity: Executive Director, Students for Sensible Drug Policy

One of the major national drug policy reform organizations is hiring a new executive director. You have until September 9 to apply, and applications are being considered as they come in.

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Internships: Legislative, Writing/Research, Web, IT, Admin/Finance, Communications

Interns are making an important difference fighting the good fight with us at StoptheDrugWar.org.

Internships: Legislative, Writing/Research, Web, IT, Admin/Finance, Communications

Interns are making an important difference fighting the good fight with us at StoptheDrugWar.org.

The Other Reason Bloomberg's Wrong About Stop and Frisk

[image:1 align:right]The other piece of big news today was a federal judge finding New York Police Department's "stop and frisk" program unconstitutional.


A Sentencing Reform Turning Point?

[image:1 align:right]For months now there have been signs that political will may be building for a change in direction in sentencing and prison policy.


Internships: Legislative, Writing/Research, Web, IT, Admin/Finance, Communications

Interns are making an important difference fighting the good fight with us at StoptheDrugWar.org.

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support This Month

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

HUGE: Sanjay Gupta Apologizes for Anti-Marijuana Stance, Slams DEA

"We have been terribly and systematically misled for nearly 70 years in the United States, and I apologize for my own role in that."

Drug War Chronicle Needs Your Support This Month

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

Internships: Legislative, Writing/Research, Web, IT, Admin/Finance, Communications

Interns are making an important difference fighting the good fight with us at StoptheDrugWar.org.

Drug War Issues

Criminal JusticeAsset Forfeiture, Collateral Sanctions (College Aid, Drug Taxes, Housing, Welfare), Court Rulings, Drug Courts, Due Process, Felony Disenfranchisement, Incarceration, Policing (2011 Drug War Killings, 2012 Drug War Killings, 2013 Drug War Killings, 2014 Drug War Killings, 2015 Drug War Killings, 2016 Drug War Killings, 2017 Drug War Killings, Arrests, Eradication, Informants, Interdiction, Lowest Priority Policies, Police Corruption, Police Raids, Profiling, Search and Seizure, SWAT/Paramilitarization, Task Forces, Undercover Work), Probation or Parole, Prosecution, Reentry/Rehabilitation, Sentencing (Alternatives to Incarceration, Clemency and Pardon, Crack/Powder Cocaine Disparity, Death Penalty, Decriminalization, Defelonization, Drug Free Zones, Mandatory Minimums, Rockefeller Drug Laws, Sentencing Guidelines)CultureArt, Celebrities, Counter-Culture, Music, Poetry/Literature, Television, TheaterDrug UseParaphernalia, Vaping, ViolenceIntersecting IssuesCollateral Sanctions (College Aid, Drug Taxes, Housing, Welfare), Violence, Border, Budgets/Taxes/Economics, Business, Civil Rights, Driving, Economics, Education (College Aid), Employment, Environment, Families, Free Speech, Gun Policy, Human Rights, Immigration, Militarization, Money Laundering, Pregnancy, Privacy (Search and Seizure, Drug Testing), Race, Religion, Science, Sports, Women's IssuesMarijuana PolicyGateway Theory, Hemp, Marijuana -- Personal Use, Marijuana Industry, Medical MarijuanaMedicineMedical Marijuana, Science of Drugs, Under-treatment of PainPublic HealthAddiction, Addiction Treatment (Science of Drugs), Drug Education, Drug Prevention, Drug-Related AIDS/HIV or Hepatitis C, Harm Reduction (Methadone & Other Opiate Maintenance, Needle Exchange, Overdose Prevention, Pill Testing, Safer Injection Sites)Source and Transit CountriesAndean Drug War, Coca, Hashish, Mexican Drug War, Opium ProductionSpecific DrugsAlcohol, Ayahuasca, Cocaine (Crack Cocaine), Ecstasy, Heroin, Ibogaine, ketamine, Khat, Kratom, Marijuana (Gateway Theory, Marijuana -- Personal Use, Medical Marijuana, Hashish), Methamphetamine, New Synthetic Drugs (Synthetic Cannabinoids, Synthetic Stimulants), Nicotine, Prescription Opiates (Fentanyl, Oxycontin), Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms, Psychedelics (LSD, Mescaline, Peyote, Salvia Divinorum)YouthGrade School, Post-Secondary School, Raves, Secondary School