borden

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Member for: 17 years 15 weeks
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Stories by borden

Making Sure Drugs Kill: Commission Blames Drug War for Spreading AIDS [FEATURE]

by borden, June 26, 2012, 04:31pm

When it comes to slowing the spread of HIV/AIDS, the imperatives of the drug war are a hindrance, not a help, a new report from the Global Commission on Drugs finds. There is a better way, the group says.

Decriminalization Advances in Chicago

by borden, June 22, 2012, 05:51pm

Marijuana decriminalization is one city council vote away from being approved in Chicago.

Uruguayan Government May Sell Marijuana in Proposed Legalization System

by borden, June 22, 2012, 01:07pm

The left-leaning Uruguayan government says it will introduce a bill that would give it a monopoly on legal marijuana sales.

New Hampshire Governor Vetoes Medical Marijuana Bill

by borden, June 22, 2012, 01:02pm

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch has vetoed a medical marijuana bill--again. Now, it's up to the legislature to see if it can muster the votes to override the veto.

Supreme Court Grant Lesser Sentences in "Pipeline" Crack Cocaine Cases

by borden, June 21, 2012, 03:53pm

The Supreme Court has held that people "in the pipeline" -- convicted but not yet sentenced when Fair Sentencing Act reforms took effect -- on federal crack cocaine charges are entitled to be sentenced under the lesser penalties created by the act. Thousands could get sentence cuts.

It's Nail-Biting Time for the Oregon Marijuana Initiatives [FEATURE]

by borden, June 20, 2012, 09:29pm

Two Oregon marijuana legalization initiatives are in a mad scramble to make the ballot after being hit with unprecedented high invalidation rates for signatures already handed in. And they only have two weeks to go.

Medical Marijuana Update

by borden, June 20, 2012, 06:35pm

It's mainly news from California this week, with DEA and LAPD raids leading the way, but also some snippets from Colorado and Montana.

This Week in History

by borden, June 20, 2012, 05:51pm

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

This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by borden, June 20, 2012, 05:48pm

Just another run of the mill week of drug war law enforcement corruption, except having a state trooper involved in a major pot grow is fairly unusual.

Washington Marijuana Legalization Initiative Ahead in New Poll

by borden, June 20, 2012, 05:43pm

A new poll has the Washington state pot legalization initiative leading with 50% support, but that doesn't leave a lot of room for a margin of comfort.

NY GOP Kills Marijuana Decriminalization Reform

by borden, June 19, 2012, 06:09pm

A bill that would have ended the NYPD's abuse of New York's marijuana decriminalization law has been stymied by Senate Republicans.

Needle Exchange Funding Returns in Senate Appropriations Bill

by borden, June 19, 2012, 04:54pm

The Senate has included federal funding for needle exchanges in its Health & Human Services FY 2013 appropriations bill. The House is expected to approve a bill without it, setting up a fight in conference committee down the road.

Japan to Ban New Synthetic Drugs

by borden, June 19, 2012, 04:51pm

Japan is moving to designate some synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic stimulants as "narcotics," effectively banning them.

Did You Know? Impairment Potential for Different Kinds of Drugs, on DrugWarFacts.org

by borden, June 19, 2012, 02:14pm

DrugWarFacts.org, a publication of Common Sense for Drug Policy, is an in-depth compilation of key facts, stats and quotes on the full range of drug policy issues, excerpted from expert publications on the subjects. The Chronicle is running a series of info items from DrugWarFacts.org over the next several weeks, and we encourage you to check it out.

Did You Know? Impairment Potential for Different Kinds of Drugs, on DrugWarFacts.org

by borden, June 19, 2012, 02:12pm, (Issue #739)

US/Mexico Drug War "Caravan of Peace" Gearing Up [FEATURE]

by borden, June 19, 2012, 12:12pm

A Caravan of Peace calling for an end to failed prohibitionist drug policies in the US and Mexico will leave San Diego in August and arrive in Washington, DC, in September. It's hoping to educate some people along the way and have a lasting impact.

Rhode Island Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession

by borden, June 16, 2012, 02:38pm

Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) signed marijuana decriminalization into law Tuesday. It goes into effect April 1, 2013.

Chicago Mayor Says Decriminalize Marijuana

by borden, June 16, 2012, 02:35pm

Chicago looks set to pass a marijuana decriminalization ordinance later this month after Mayor Rahm Emanuel endorsed the effort.

Second Medical Marijuana Patient Denied Transplant at LA Hospital

by borden, June 13, 2012, 09:03pm

For the second time in a year, Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles has denied a life-saving organ transplant to a patient solely because of his or her medical marijuana use.

Medical Marijuana Update

by borden, June 13, 2012, 06:59pm

After a brief hiatus, the DEA wrecking ball was back at work in California this week. Also, an important court victory in Colorado, a couple of court losses in Oregon, and Vermont is accepting dispensary applications. And there's a whole bunch more, too.

This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by borden, June 13, 2012, 05:32pm

Bad deputy! We have three cases of misbehaving sheriff's deputies this week, plus the mandatory crooked prison guard.

A Festival of Lies: Perjury in a Michigan Cocaine Case [FEATURE]

by borden, June 13, 2012, 03:52pm

A trial over a big cocaine bust in Michigan ended up taking out a judge, a prosecutor, and a pair of cops as they constructed a conspiracy of lies to help win their case.

NYPD Police Officer Indicted in Ramarley Graham Killing

by borden, June 12, 2012, 05:21pm

There may be justice yet for Ramarley Graham, the Bronx teenager killed by police in his own bathroom as he tried to flush a baggie of weed. The cops said they thought he had a gun. He didn't, and now one narc has been indicted for manslaughter.

Did You Know? Drug Offender Numbers in Prison, Jail, Probation and Parole

by borden, June 12, 2012, 04:56pm

Did You Know? Drug Offender Numbers in Prison, Jail, Probation and Parole, on DrugWarFacts.org

by borden, June 12, 2012, 04:54pm, (Issue #738)

Marijuana Legalization Polling High in Colorado

by borden, June 12, 2012, 04:32pm

A new Rasmussen poll shows the Colorado initiative to legalize and regulate marijuana like alcohol is well-positioned to win in November.

Update and Video Footage from Bronner Protest

by borden, June 11, 2012, 06:59pm

According to Dr.

Kenya to Distribute Needles to Injection Drug Users

by borden, June 11, 2012, 05:34pm

In an effort to reduce the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other blood-borne disease, authorities in Kenya will start distributing needles to injection drug users next month.

Federal Appeals Court Rejects Job Corps Worker Drug Tests

by borden, June 11, 2012, 05:24pm

A federal appeals court has thrown out a Job Corps worker drug testing program, saying the government had not provided any reason to grant an exception to the Fourth Amendment's ban on warrantless searches and seizures.

Interview: David Bronner and the White House Hemp Civil Disobedience

by borden, June 11, 2012, 11:50am

Drug War Chronicle interviewed David Bronner, president of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, on Sunday prior to his Monday morning hemp civil disobedience at the White House.

Dr. Bronner's Head Arrested in White House Hemp Civil Disobedience Action

by borden, June 11, 2012, 11:47am

David Bronner, president of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, which imports more than 20 tons of hemp oil each year from Canadian farmers, was arrested by members of the DC Metropolitan Police Department after committing an act of civil disobedience within sight of the White House early Monday morning.

Hemp Civil Disobedience at the White House NOW

by borden, June 11, 2012, 10:40am

David Bronner, president of the widely-known Dr.

Marijuana Discord on the French Left

by borden, June 10, 2012, 08:13pm

France's Socialists don't want to legalize marijuana, but their likely coalition junior partners, the Greens, do. It's a start.

AG Holder Accused of Lying on Medical Marijuana Crackdown [FEATURE]

by borden, June 10, 2012, 08:08pm

Attorney General Holder told the House Judiciary Committee Thursday that Justice is only targeting dispensaries not in compliance with state laws. Medical marijuana advocates called him a liar.

Pro-Legalization Cops Seek Assistant Media Relations Director

by borden, June 07, 2012, 11:35am, (Issue #737)

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition is hiring an Assistant Media Relations Director, probably but not necessarily working in San Francisco or Washington, DC. Apply by next week.

NY Pols Call for Marijuana Decriminalization Fix

by borden, June 04, 2012, 06:33pm

New York decriminalized pot possession 35 years ago, but NYPD keeps arresting and jailing people for "possession in public view" after forcing them to empty their pockets. Now, the governor and NYC mayor are behind a change in the law to prevent that practice.

California Drug De-Felonization Bill Dies

by borden, June 04, 2012, 06:06pm

A bill to make simple hard drug possession a misdemeanor instead of a felony was defeated in the California Senate by members who were afraid they could "see Amsterdam" on the horizon. Oh, the horror!

Detroit to Vote on Marijuana Legalization in August

by borden, June 04, 2012, 05:58pm

Detroit elected officials' efforts to block city residents from voting to legalize marijuana have been shot down by the state Supreme Court. The issue should be on the primary ballot in August.

California Assembly Passes Medical Marijuana Regulation Bill [FEATURE]

by borden, June 01, 2012, 05:11pm

A bill that would bring sorely lacking statewide regulation to California's medical marijuana industry passed the Assembly Thursday and now heads to the Senate.

Connecticut Becomes 17th Medical Marijuana State

by borden, June 01, 2012, 04:16pm

Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy has signed a medical marijuana bill passed by the legislature last month.

Poll Finds California Not Quite There on Marijuana Legalization

by borden, May 31, 2012, 04:02pm

A new poll show support for marijuana legalization below 50% in California and suggests some demographic groups that need some attention if it is to receive majority support.

Medical Marijuana Update

by borden, May 30, 2012, 07:37pm

It's been a pretty quiet week on the medical marijuana front. Heck, it looks like even the DEA took a break -- no raids to report.

US Senate Passes Synthetic Drug Ban, Without Mandatory Minimums [FEATURE]

by borden, May 30, 2012, 06:30pm

The Senate has passed a bill banning new synthetic drugs. It's already passed the House, and the president is expected to sign it into law shortly.

This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by borden, May 30, 2012, 06:17pm

Don't give joints to snitches you're having an affair with -- that's the lesson one California cop learned last week. There are more crooked cops for us this week, too.

Marijuana Legalization Advocate Wins Texas Congressional Primary

by borden, May 30, 2012, 03:38pm

A former El Paso city council member who wants to legalize marijuana has knocked off drug warrior Rep. Silvestre Reyes in the Texas Democratic Party primary.

Rhode Island Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Awaits Final Votes

by borden, May 30, 2012, 03:31pm

Marijuana decriminalization is just a pair of floor votes away from passage in the Rhode Island General Assembly after companion bills were approved by respective judiciary committees Tuesday.

Indonesia Cuts Schapelle Corby's 20-Year Marijuana Sentence

by borden, May 30, 2012, 03:22pm

After seven years in an Indonesian prison over nine pounds of marijuana, there are signs that Schapelle Corby could be free by this fall.

Tennessee Governor Signs Welfare Drug Testing Bill

by borden, May 30, 2012, 03:09pm

If you want welfare benefits in Tennessee, you will have to submit to drug screening that could include a drug test under a bill just signed into law.

Did You Know? International Comparison of Felon Voting Laws

by borden, May 29, 2012, 05:12pm, (Issue #736)

ProCon.org is a set of in-depth web sites presenting information and views from on current issues, several with relevance to drug policy. This week the Chronicle concludes our several week series of info items from ProCon.org -- this one from felonvoting.procon.org.

New Biography Says Obama Smoked Pot -- A Lot

by borden, May 29, 2012, 05:10pm

Barry Obama and his buddies in the Choom Gang spent their high school and undergraduate years in a haze of pot smoke, a new biography reveals. Drug reformers are chiding him now for his current positions on the issue.

Warrantless Cell Phone Tracking Being Challenged in Courts, Senate [FEATURE]

by borden, May 25, 2012, 12:32pm

The police can -- and do -- track your cell phone without a warrant, and they are increasingly resorting to it in the wake of the January Supreme Court decision barring warrantless GPS tracking.

Medical Marijuana Update

by borden, May 23, 2012, 08:59pm

An medical marijuana initiative campaign is getting underway in North Dakota, people are going to federal prison in Montana, and the battles continue in California.

This Week in History

by borden, May 23, 2012, 05:44pm

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

This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by borden, May 23, 2012, 05:35pm

Philadelphia pays for police misbehavior, more cops get caught pilfering the evidence, one gets caught helping a heroin dealer, and another goes down hard for helping drug traffickers.

Marijuana Legalization Hits 56% Support in Rasmussen Poll

by borden, May 23, 2012, 05:29pm

A new Rasmussen poll has national support for marijuana legalization and regulation at 56%, up significantly from a poll just two months ago. It's in line with most other recent national polls.

DEA Facing Fallout from Deadly Honduras Raid

by borden, May 22, 2012, 06:31pm

US backing for and involvement in Honduras' war against drug trafficking is under increasing scrutiny after a DEA-involved raid that left four innocent people dead.

DEA Now Ensnared in Colombia Prostitute Scandal

by borden, May 22, 2012, 04:40pm

The Secret Service Colombia prostitution scandal has now ensnared at least two DEA agents in Cartagena. An investigation is proceeding.

New Jersey Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Advances

by borden, May 22, 2012, 02:56pm

A New Jersey marijuana decriminalization bill has passed its first hurdle, advancing out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Harsh Cameron Douglas Sentence Sparks Appeal, Support

by borden, May 22, 2012, 02:45pm

After Cameron Douglas got caught with heroin and Suboxone in federal prison, he got hammered with an additional 4 1/2 years. That harsh sentence has sparked an effort not only to overturn that sentence, but also to highlight the lack of drug treatment for addicted prisoners.

Did You Know? Historical Timeline of Marijuana and Medicine

by borden, May 22, 2012, 02:33pm

ProCon.org is a set 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.

Did You Know? Historical Timeline of Marijuana and Medicine

by borden, May 22, 2012, 02:27pm, (Issue #735)

Why Is Clarence Aaron Still in Federal Prison? [FEATURE]

by borden, May 22, 2012, 01:11pm

Is the Office of the Pardon Attorney, which recommends to the president who should win pardons or commutations, doing its job? The case of Clarence Aaron suggests it is not, and advocates are crying foul.

Did You Know? Historical Timeline of Drugs and Sports

by borden, May 19, 2012, 03:00pm

ProCon.org is a set 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.

Oklahoma Governor Signs Prison Reform Bill

by borden, May 19, 2012, 02:59pm

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) has signed a bill that requires welfare applicants to be screened for drug use and drug tested for "reasonable cause." If they test positive, they lose their benefits.

France's New President to Invest Heavily in Marijuana Arrests

by borden, May 17, 2012, 01:43pm

Instead of siding with science and data and common sense, France's new president has instead picked the meanest and stupidest marijuana policy he realistically could have.

Did You Know? Historical Timeline of Drugs and Sports

by borden, May 16, 2012, 09:01pm, (Issue #734)

ProCon.org is a set 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.

LEAP Hiring Speakers Bureau Director (Applications Due Tomorrow!)

by borden, May 10, 2012, 11:17am, (Issue #733)

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition is an international nonprofit educational organization created to give voice to law-enforcers who believe the US war on drugs has failed. They are hiring a Speakers Bureau Director, most likely based in the Washington, DC area.

Congress Voting on Medical Marijuana THIS WEEK!

by borden, May 09, 2012, 08:57pm

For the past 16 years states have called for safe access to medical marijuana. But Congress has failed to act, to the detriment of patients and providers. That could change this week.

Medical Marijuana Update

by borden, May 09, 2012, 08:35pm

The national battle over medical marijuana is heating up, Connecticut is about to become the 17th medical marijuana state, and state and local battles continue. And so do the DEA raids. Busy, busy, busy.

House to Vote on Defunding Medical Marijuana Raids [FEATURE]

by borden, May 09, 2012, 08:27pm

In a bid to snuff out the federal medical marijuana crackdown, four US congressman have introduced an amendment that would bar the Justice Department from spending money to do so. It awaits a vote any day now.

Charlottesville Says Decriminalize or Regulate Marijuana

by borden, May 09, 2012, 04:33pm

The city council in the Virginia college town of Charlottesville had adopted a resolution calling on the state to consider decriminalizing or regulating marijuana, but balked at adding lowest law enforcement priority language.

Dutch "Weed Pass" Plan Hitting Bumps

by borden, May 09, 2012, 04:22pm

The Dutch move to bar foreigners from cannabis cafes on the southern border has been met by coffee shop closures in protest, legal action, and police who seem to have better things to do. Meanwhile, the drug tourists are simply driving deeper into the country.

Connecticut Bill to Strengthen Racial Profiling Ban Passes

by borden, May 07, 2012, 06:03pm

A bill that will revive and strengthen Connecticut's largely dormant racial profiling law has passed the legislature, and Gov. Malloy says he will sign it into law.

Did You Know? Legal Drinking Age 138 Countries, from ProCon.org

by borden, May 07, 2012, 02:07pm

ProCon.org is a set 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 drinkingage.procon.org -- and we encourage you to check it out.

Did You Know? Legal Drinking Age 138 Countries, from ProCon.org

by borden, May 07, 2012, 02:05pm, (Issue #733)

ProCon.org is a set 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 drinkingage.procon.org -- and we encourage you to check it out.

Connecticut to Become 17th Medical Marijuana State

by borden, May 07, 2012, 01:46pm

Connecticut is about to join the ranks of the medical marijuana states, but in a bid to fend off the feds, its new law is one of the most tightly-drawn yet.

Colorado Per Se Drugged Driving Bill Moving

by borden, May 06, 2012, 01:57pm

A bill that would label drivers impaired if they have more than five nanograms of THC per milliliter in their blood even if they are not actually impaired has passed the Colorado Senate and a House committee. Foes are still seeking to kill or amend it.

DEA Forgets Student in Cell, Pols Want Answers

by borden, May 05, 2012, 09:57pm

DEA agents arrested a San Diego college student in a drug bust, then forgot about him, leaving him in a holding cell for five days. Now, the California congressional delegation wants answers, and his lawyer wants the DEA to pay big bucks.

Pelosi Condemns Medical Marijuana Crackdown

by borden, May 05, 2012, 09:52pm

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has joined the chorus of critics condemning the Obama administration's crackdown on medical marijuana businesses. Will that catch the president's attention?

New Hampshire Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Killed

by borden, May 05, 2012, 09:49pm

Faced with a veto threat from Gov. John Lynch (D), the New Hampshire Senate voted Wednesday to kill a marijuana decriminalization bill that had already passed the House.

MSNBC.com Article on DEA "Lost Prisoner"

by borden, May 04, 2012, 05:11pm

I'm quoted, fairly extensively, in an article appearing on msnbc.com about Daniel Chong, the student who almost died handcuffed in a detention cell after DEA personnel forgot about him for five

Is the D.A.R.E. Program Good for America's Kids? (K-12), from ProCon.org

by borden, May 03, 2012, 08:15pm

Drug War Chronicle is running a series of "Did You Know?" items highlighting items from ProCon.org. This is the second installment.

Nancy Pelosi Condemns Federal Attacks on Medical Marijuana

by borden, May 03, 2012, 04:10pm

Yesterday we reported that advocates had presented House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi with a petition asking her to help end the federal crackdown on medical marijuana.

Is the D.A.R.E. Program Good for America's Kids?, from ProCon.org

by borden, May 03, 2012, 01:08am, (Issue #732)

ProCon.org is a set 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? 16 States' and DC's Medical Marijuana Laws, from ProCon.org

by borden, April 26, 2012, 01:03pm

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.

Did You Know? 16 States' and DC's Medical Marijuana Laws, from ProCon.org

by borden, April 26, 2012, 12:58pm, (Issue #731)

Russell Brand Talks Drug Policy in Parliament

by borden, April 24, 2012, 04:49pm

Actor and comedian Russell Brand called for "love and compassion" for drug addicts at an appearance before a parliamentary committee in London Tuesday and suggested that decriminalization could be a good approach.

Connecticut Senate Votes to Put Teeth in Racial Profiling Law

by borden, April 24, 2012, 01:53pm

"Driving while black" continues to be an issue in Connecticut, and now, the state Senate has voted to beef up the state's 12-year-old racial profiling law, which police departments have been ignoring.

Fight Against Dutch Cannabis Café Restrictions Heats Up

by borden, April 24, 2012, 01:51pm

The Dutch government plans to implement its Dutch-only "weed pass" system for cannabis coffee houses on the border on May 1, but it faces growing legal and political challenges. Not to mention, it just lost a vote of confidence.

Leonard Pitts Jr. on Obama, Drug Legalization, and Racial Disparities

by borden, April 21, 2012, 11:40am

Pulitzer-winning author Leonard Pitts, Jr., has a piece in the Miami Herald, "

4/20 Protest at Obama Oaksterdam-area Headquarters

by borden, April 20, 2012, 01:39pm

[image:1 align:right]There is a Bay Area 4/20 demonstration against the Obama administration's war on medical marijuana.

Obama Addresses Drug Legalization at Cartagena Summit [FEATURE]

by borden, April 15, 2012, 07:16pm

The Cartagena summit saw an historic discussion of drug legalization this weekend, with President Obama conceding that the topic is a legitimate one even as he reiterated US opposition to legalization.

Dismayed But Unbowed -- Take Action Today to Save Medical Marijuana

by borden, April 09, 2012, 12:43pm, (Issue #729)

Department of Justice prosecutors have gone over the top in their raid on Oaksterdam, even attacking places like Oaksterdam University and the Cannabis Museum that don't distribute marijuana. Tell President Obama to rein in rogue US Attorneys and keep his promise to respect state medical marijuana programs.

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