In case you're following a Chronicle feed, rather
Updates on Montana, California, Colorado, Arkansas, Massachusetts
by borden, November 07, 2012, 12:13amMassachusetts has passed medical marijuana!
Send Us Video of Your Election-Night Celebrating
by borden, November 06, 2012, 09:17pmWe're trying something new -- hopefully it will work.
The Latest Polling on the Marijuana Legalization Initiatives
by borden, November 06, 2012, 11:48amToday is the big day! Marijuana legalization is on the ballot in Washington, Oregon and Colorado. Medical marijuana is getting votes in Massachusetts, Arkansas and Montana.
Phil Smith Debates Kevin Sabet on "The Fix" Today
by borden, November 05, 2012, 12:17pm[image:1 align:right]Our own Drug War Chronicle editor Phillip Smith debates former ONDCP senior adviser Kevin
I-502: Too Important to Lose (Steve D'Angelo, Harborside Health Center)
by borden, November 04, 2012, 06:46pm
The founder of the flagship medical marijuana center, Harborside Health Center in Oakland, speaks out about how important it is to pass I-502 and how damaging a "no" vote on it could be for people's lives.
If You Care About Medical Marijuana Patients (Among Others), Support I-502
by borden, November 04, 2012, 06:09pm
StoptheDrugWar.org formally endorses Washington's Initiative 502 to legalize and regulate marijuana. In this post we explain why we believe the measure helps, not harms, most medical marijuana patients, and defeating it would therefore harm patients; why other attacks leveled against the measure are misguided, and why passage of I-502 is critically important.
Please Support StoptheDrugWar.org Today! (And Get Free Books and a Video Too)
by borden, October 31, 2012, 10:22pm, (Issue #757)
With marijuana legalization initiatives heading to the ballot, some with a good chance of passage, and with growing international support for a real debate on prohibition, people are talking about drug policy like they never have before. Our new book offers will help you be part of that conversation, while our new video offer will remind you why we should be angry too.
ALERT: Make Phone Calls to Pass Marijuana Legalization Now!
by borden, October 31, 2012, 12:28pm, (Issue #757)
The news cycle is awash with polls and news about the close race for president. But the most important votes happening next month may be historic initiatives to legalize and regulate marijuana -- and these are also going to be close. That is why your help is needed these next several days.
Volunteer to Pass Marijuana Legalization This Election
by borden, October 25, 2012, 04:08pm
The news cycle is awash with polls and news about the close race for president. But the most important votes happening next month may be historic initiatives to legalize and regulate marijuana -- and these are also going to be close. That is why your help is needed these next twelve days.
Please Support StoptheDrugWar.org Today! (And Get Free Books and a Video Too)
by borden, October 24, 2012, 08:46pm, (Issue #756)
With marijuana legalization initiatives heading to the ballot, some with a good chance of passage, and with growing international support for a real debate on prohibition, people are talking about drug policy like they never have before. Our new book offers will help you be part of that conversation, while our new video offer will remind you why we should be angry too.
Russell Means at the 2001 SSDP Conference
by borden, October 24, 2012, 01:36pm
The famed native American activist addressed Students for Sensible Drug Policy's third national conference.
Georgia Man Holding Pepper Spray Killed in Drug Raid
by borden, October 22, 2012, 06:16pm
A 60-year-old Georgia homeowner is dead after allegedly pointing a canister of pepper spray at police doing a drug raid at his home.
France to Introduce Supervised Injection Sites
by borden, October 22, 2012, 06:13pm
France is about to become the latest European country to allow supervised injection sites to operate. Some could be open by year's end, the French health minister said.
Jury Nullifies in "NJ Weedman" Marijuana Trial
by borden, October 20, 2012, 06:30pm
Chalk one up for the NJ Weedman. The longtime activist and gadfly convinced a New Jersey jury to ignore the law and acquit him of marijuana possession with the intent to distribute.
Latest Polls on Oregon, Washington Marijuana Initiatives
by borden, October 20, 2012, 06:24pm
New polls show Washington's I-502 still leading, but Oregon's Measure 80 doing badly.
Post-Election, Fate of Dutch "Weed Pass" Uncertain
by borden, October 18, 2012, 06:32pm
Parties trying to form a new government in the Netherlands are trying to reach a compromise on the controversial "weed pass" system for cannabis cafe customers. So far, it looks like foreigners will lose out.
Gary Johnson Supporters Robocall Colorado Democrats Over Marijuana Crackdown
by borden, October 18, 2012, 06:18pm
Marijuana politics in Colorado could have a major impact on the presidential race.
Please Support StoptheDrugWar.org Today! (And Get Free Books and a Video Too)
by borden, October 18, 2012, 12:10pm
With marijuana legalization initiatives heading to the ballot, some with a good chance of passage, and with growing international support for a real debate on prohibition, people are talking about drug policy like they never have before. Our new book offers will help you be part of that conversation, while our new video offer will remind you why we should be angry too.
Please Support StoptheDrugWar.org Today! (And Get Free Books and a Video Too)
by borden, October 18, 2012, 12:10pm, (Issue #755)
With marijuana legalization initiatives heading to the ballot, some with a good chance of passage, and with growing international support for a real debate on prohibition, people are talking about drug policy like they never have before. Our new book offers will help you be part of that conversation, while our new video offer will remind you why we should be angry too.
California Three Strikes Reform Initiative Poised to Win [FEATURE]
by borden, October 18, 2012, 12:04pm
An effort to reform California's draconian Three Strikes law was foiled at the last minute in 2004, but this year, Proposition 36 appears set to cruise to victory. No more 25-to-life for getting caught with drugs after two previous felonies if it passes.
Initiative Watch
by borden, October 18, 2012, 11:52am
With less than three weeks to go until election day, there is a lot of activity on the state-level initiative front -- but not everywhere. Some campaigns are staying mighty quiet, and that's a strategy that could work for them.
Medical Marijuana Update
by borden, October 18, 2012, 11:46am
The federal rescheduling petition got a day in court, the feds keep up the pressure in California, a dispensary may actually open in New Jersey, and those are just the headlines. There's much more going on, too.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by borden, October 18, 2012, 11:41am
A St. Louis cop is headed for federal prison for reselling seized pot, a Camden cop is heading there, too, for running amok in the drug war, a Miami cop awaits sentencing for transporting what he thought was cocaine, and a Baltimore jail guard gets popped for smuggling weed and psychedelics into the jail.
Texas Woman Jailed for Outing Narc on Facebook
by borden, October 18, 2012, 11:36am
A case with First Amendment implications has emerged in Texas, where a Mesquite woman was arrested and charged with a felony for outing a Mesquite police officer as an undercover narc.
Decriminalize Drug Possession, UK Experts Say
by borden, October 18, 2012, 11:32am
The UK Drug Policy Commission has issued a report calling for the decriminalization of drug possession, among other reforms.
Christie Vetoes NJ Good Samaritan Overdose Bill
by borden, October 18, 2012, 11:28am
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed a 911 Good Samaritan law aimed at avoiding fatal drug overdoses. He's afraid it might let drug dealers "off the hook" and wants the legislature to study the issue for another year-and-a-half instead.
Colorado Marijuana Measure Sees Lead Shrink in New Poll
by borden, October 18, 2012, 11:23am
That 10-point or so lead that Colorado's Amendment 64 has been holding onto has begun to shrink, according to a new poll, and the measure is now just under 50% with 9% undecided.
DC Appeals Court Hears Marijuana Rescheduling Case [FEATURE]
by borden, October 17, 2012, 12:16pm
The DC Court of Appeals heard oral arguments Tuesday in medical marijuana advocates' bid to overturn the DEA's decision to not reschedule the plant.
Amnesty Raps Mexico on Drug War Human Rights Abuses
by borden, October 12, 2012, 08:14pm
Allegations of torture and mistreatment by Mexican soldiers and police have increased dramatically as President Calderon wages his drug war, Amnesty International says in a new report.
Louisiana Man Dies in Car Crash Fleeing Drug Bust
by borden, October 11, 2012, 05:30pm
A Louisiana man fleeing a drug bust crashed and died. He becomes the 50th person to die in US domestic drug law enforcement operations so far this year.
Two Book Offers and a Video for Donating Members to StoptheDrugWar.org
by borden, October 11, 2012, 11:55am
With marijuana legalization initiatives heading to the ballot, some with a good chance of passage, and with growing international support for a real debate on prohibition, people are talking about drug policy like they never have before. Our new book offers will help you be part of that conversation, while our new video offer will remind you why we should be angry too.
Two Books and a Video Offer for Donating Members to StoptheDrugWar.org
by borden, October 11, 2012, 11:50am, (Issue #754)
With marijuana legalization initiatives heading to the ballot, some with a good chance of passage, and with growing international support for a real debate on prohibition, people are talking about drug policy like they never have before. Our new book offers will help you be part of that conversation, while our new video offer will remind you why we should be angry too.
Initiative Watch
by borden, October 11, 2012, 11:45am
There's less than a month to go, but some initiatives are more active than others.
Medical Marijuana Update
by borden, October 11, 2012, 11:30am
The big news this week is that Oakland is suing the feds over their efforts to shut down Harborside. Meanwhile, the battles continue at the state and local level in California and beyond.
At NORML, A Sharp Focus on the Marijuana Initiatives [FEATURE]
by borden, October 10, 2012, 12:40pm
NORML's 41st annual national conference took place in Los Angeles over the weekend. Discussion of pending marijuana legalization initiatives dominated the event.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by borden, October 09, 2012, 07:26pm
Some Michigan narcs were up to no good, a New Mexico probation officer getscaught carrying pounds of weed, a New York City prison guard gets caught peddling pot and placebos (!) to prisoners, and a Florida cop gets caught stealing weed to use as probable cause for a search warrant. Just another week in the drug war.
New Jersey Finds Needle Exchange Works
by borden, October 09, 2012, 07:23pm
A state Health Department review of New Jersey's needle exchange program has found it is working and should be continued.
Two More Drug War Deaths -- Border Patrol Involved in Both
by borden, October 08, 2012, 09:10pm
A San Diego housewife and an Arizona Border Patrol agent both died at the hands of Border Patrol agents in drug-related incidents in recent days, bringing this year's toll of drug war killings to 48.
Richard Lee's Mom Wows 'Em at NORML
by borden, October 08, 2012, 12:55pm
The marijuana reform movement has found a most unlikely spokeswoman: A silver-haired octogenarian Texas Republican woman. But Ann Lee isn't just any silver-haired octogenarian Texas Republican woman.
Tom Hayden to NORML: US Needs Peace Movement to End Drug War [FEATURE]
by borden, October 05, 2012, 01:33pm
Veteran antiwar activist Tom Hayden opened the first day of the national NORML conference with a call for the creation of a social justice-based peace movement to end the drug war.
Learn, and Get Angry (appeal and new membership offers)
by borden, October 05, 2012, 01:15pm
With marijuana legalization initiatives heading to the ballot, some with a good chance of passage, and with growing international support for a real debate on prohibition, people are talking about drug policy like they never have before.
New Membership Offers from StoptheDrugWar.org Help You Learn and Get Angry
by borden, October 04, 2012, 09:06am, (Issue #753)
With marijuana legalization initiatives heading to the ballot, some with a good chance of passage, and with growing international support for a real debate on prohibition, people are talking about drug policy like they never have before.
Initiative Watch
by borden, October 04, 2012, 08:30am
Just over a month out, medical marijuana and marijuana legalization initiative campaigns are heating up.
Medical Marijuana Update
by borden, October 03, 2012, 12:22pm
Mitt Romney (mis)speaks out on medical marijuana, the LA dispensary ban is repealed, and the feds keep on grinding away at medical marijuana providers with another conviction in Montana and a lengthy prison sentence in Michigan. And that's just for starters.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by borden, October 03, 2012, 12:15pm
A former Pennsylvania prosecutor gets caught peddling pot, and a TSA agent and an Alabama cop head to prison for taking bribes from drug dealers.
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Initiative Heads for Finish Line [FEATURE]
by borden, October 02, 2012, 07:33pm
The Arkansas medical marijuana initiative is ready for a final push toward victory as the clock ticks down toward Election Day. It could use some money for some late ads, though.
Massachusetts Drug Lab Review Getting Special Court Sessions
by borden, October 02, 2012, 07:24pm
The Massachusetts drug lab testing scandal continues to reverberate. Now, the lab analyst at the center of it has been arrested, and courts are scheduling special sessions to free the more than 1,100 behind bars in cases where she was involved.
Canada Bans "Bath Salts" Drug
by borden, October 01, 2012, 06:04pm
Canada has responded to the emergence of a new synthetic stimulant drug the old-fashioned way: by banning it.
British Columbia Local Governments Call for Marijuana Decriminalization
by borden, October 01, 2012, 04:16pm
The association representing British Columbia municipal governments has endorsed a resolution calling for marijuana decriminalization. That puts it in line with more than two-thirds of the province's residents, but not with the federal government in Ottawa.
Peru Coca Crop Keeps Getting Bigger
by borden, October 01, 2012, 03:22pm
Coca production is up in Peru for the sixth year in a row, responding to thriving demand from Brazil and Europe. Colombia is barely holding on to first place now.
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Initiative Fends Off Ballot Challenge
by borden, October 01, 2012, 03:20pm
A last ditch effort to block an Arkansas medical marijuana initiative from appearing on the November has failed.
TONIGHT: StoptheDrugWar.org Marijuana Legalization Initiatives Teleconference
by borden, September 27, 2012, 03:09pm
StoptheDrugWar.org is holding our first teleconference -- tonight! -- featuring representatives of the three state campaigns to legalize and regulate marijuana this November, and other exciting speakers. (This posting includes updates to the agenda.)
Washington Marijuana Legalization Measure In Strong Position [FEATURE]
by borden, September 27, 2012, 12:52pm
Washington state's I-502 marijuana legalization is well-placed to emerge victorious on November 6, but it's going to be close.
Initiative Watch
by borden, September 27, 2012, 11:55am
We're a little more than a month from election day. Here's what's going on with the state-level initiatives.
Latin Americans at UN Seek Drug Policy Debate
by borden, September 27, 2012, 11:46am
The UN General Assembly heard a trio of Latin American leaders call for increased debate on alternatives to the war on drugs Wednesday, including hint of legalization talk.
Medical Marijuana Update
by borden, September 27, 2012, 11:34am
The DEA strikes again in Los Angeles, and the feds are moving to eliminate dispensaries in downtown LA. But the pushback against the crackdown continues.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by borden, September 27, 2012, 11:28am
It's been a fairly quite week on the corrupt cop front, but we've still got some Missouri jail guards in trouble, a Houston cop accused of helping to peddle Ecstasy, and a Baltimore cop who did heroin deals in the police station parking lot.
Montana Medical Marijuana Restriction Initiative Trailing
by borden, September 24, 2012, 06:25pm
A Montana initiative that would endorse the legislature's gutting of the state's voter-approved 2004 medical marijuana law is leading in polls, but doesn't have 50%.
Baltimore Man Swallows Drugs During Arrest, Dies
by borden, September 23, 2012, 06:32pm
Another small-time drug busts ends in death as a Baltimore man dies after swallowing drugs as police moved in to arrest him.
Colombia Okays Prescriptions for Addicts in Bogota
by borden, September 22, 2012, 04:21pm
Colombia's capital may be about to open drug consumption rooms for addicts, who will get their drugs by prescription. Colombian President Santos gave the go-ahead to Bogota Mayor Gustavo Petro Friday.
British Columbia Marijuana Decriminalization Initiative Approved
by borden, September 22, 2012, 04:16pm
Dan Larsen has a plan to decriminalize marijuana possession in British Columbia. It will take up to two years.
Swiss Move to Decriminalize Marijuana Possession
by borden, September 21, 2012, 02:06pm
The upper and lower chambers of the Swiss parliament have agreed on a marijuana decriminalization bill. Now it awaits a final vote next week.
Initiative Watch
by borden, September 19, 2012, 09:39pm
Three marijuana legalization initiatives, two medical marijuana initiatives, and one sentencing reform initiative are on state ballots this year. We'll be running a feature story on one of them each week between now and election day, but we've created this short-term feature to keep up with all of them.
Medical Marijuana Update
by borden, September 19, 2012, 09:28pm
Last issue, we reported that the DEA had taken the week off. Well, they're back, and so is the push-back.
Colorado's Amendment 64 Heads for the Home Stretch [FEATURE]
by borden, September 19, 2012, 06:00pm
Colorado's Amendment 64 campaign is leading by about 10 points in the polls, but not complacent as the clock ticks down toward November 6.
Chronicle Video Review: Lynching Charlie Lynch
by borden, September 19, 2012, 05:48pm
Award-winning film maker Rick Ray turns his camera and his sharp eye on the ongoing medical marijuana wars with his 2012 documentary Lynching Charlie Lynch. It's quite good.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by borden, September 18, 2012, 08:15pm
A Virginia prison guard smuggles heroin, a Pennsylvania cop steals and uses it, and a New Jersey cop pays off a prostitute with it, and that's just some of the crooked cop action this week.
California Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Bill Signed Into Law
by borden, September 18, 2012, 08:04pm
California will become the 10th state to enact a Good Samaritan law designed to reduce fatal drug overdoses by providing some protections from criminal prosecution for people seeking emergency help for overdose victims.
Oregon Marijuana Initiative Trailing Slightly in Poll
by borden, September 18, 2012, 07:59pm
The Oregon marijuana legalization initiative is trailing narrowly in a new poll, with a large number of undecideds.
Colorado Marijuana Legalization Measure Polls 51%
by borden, September 18, 2012, 07:52pm
There is more good polling news from Colorado, but we'd still like to see those numbers for marijuana legalization go higher.
Bolivia, Venezuela Reject US Drug Criticism
by borden, September 18, 2012, 07:44pm
Bolivia and Venezuela told the US to take a hike after President Obama last week certified them as not cooperating in US drug policy objectives. They suggested the US take a good look in the mirror.
Massachusetts Crime Lab Scandal Endangers 34,000 Drug Cases
by borden, September 14, 2012, 07:44pm
A Massachusetts crime lab analyst whose zeal to help prosecutors win drug cases has endangered the prosecution of more than 30,000 drug cases after her misconduct in the lab was uncovered.
Drug Sentences Driving Federal Prison Population Growth, Government Report Finds
by borden, September 13, 2012, 09:05pm
Doh! The GAO has found that the drug war is driving federal prison overcrowding and that that can have negative consequences. That's a shocker.
Drugs (Mainly Marijuana) and the 2012 Presidential Election [FEATURE]
by borden, September 12, 2012, 11:28pm
What role will marijuana play in the presidential election campaign? Look to Colorado.
Medical Marijuana Update
by borden, September 12, 2012, 11:16pm
No DEA raids or federal threat letters to report this week, but the battles over medical marijuana continue on many fronts.
Washington Marijuana Legalization Measure Polling Strong
by borden, September 12, 2012, 04:23pm
Six weeks out from election day, the Washington marijuana legalization initiative is showing the best polling numbers yet.
ACLU Fights Decision in Cell Phone Tracking Case [FEATURE]
by borden, September 12, 2012, 12:51pm
A US 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decision saying police do not need a warrant to track people through their cell phones has broad implications. The ACLU is on the case.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by borden, September 12, 2012, 12:23pm
A Louisiana cop gets strung out in a hurry, a Florida cop is has car problems, a Kentucky state trooper has perv problems, and one member of a rogue New Jersey drug squad heads to prison.
Former DEA Heads Urge Holder to Oppose Marijuana Legalization Measures
by borden, September 12, 2012, 12:15pm
Now, here's a shocker: All the former heads of the DEA want Attorney General Holder to speak out against the marijuana legalization initiatives.
StoptheDrugWar.org Teleconference on the Marijuana Legalization Initiatives
by borden, September 10, 2012, 06:11pm, (Issue #750)
StoptheDrugWar.org is pleased to announce our first teleconference, this one featuring representatives of the three state campaigns to legalize and regulate marijuana this November, and other exciting speakers.
Alabama Man Kills Himself in Drug Raid
by borden, September 09, 2012, 07:21pm
An Alabama man faced with deputies coming to take him in on drug charges shot himself instead last Sunday night. That's the 47th drug war death of the year.
