psmith
Stories by psmith
Is the Era of the No-Knock Drug Raid Coming to an End? [FEATURE]
by psmith, June 18, 2020, 02:23pm, (Issue #1101)
No-knock police raids are under fire like never before. Will we finally see change?
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, June 17, 2020, 04:27pm, (Issue #1101)
A Jacksonville narc has some paperwork problems, an Alabama prison guard heads for federal prison, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, June 17, 2020, 04:06pm, (Issue #1101)
Louisiana's medical marijuana program is set to expand, Ohio regulators recommend adding a new qualifying condition for medical marijuana, and more.
Senate GOP Unveils Policing Reform Bill, Seattle Moves to End Drug-Related Loitering Charges, More... (6/17/20)
by psmith, June 17, 2020, 03:58pm, (Issue #1101)
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court clarifies that state officials can't order drug tests as part of child welfare investigations, Senate Republicans roll out their version of a police reform bill, and more.
Legal MJ Linked to Declining Youth Drug Treatment Admissions, LA MedMJ Expansion Bill Signed, More.... (6/16/20)
by psmith, June 16, 2020, 04:00pm, (Issue #1101)
Louisiana's governor signs a medical marijuana expansion bill into law, Colorado's legislature passes a bill giving the governor the ability expunge past small-time marijuana convictions, and more.
Biden's Criminal Justice Task Force Gets Ahead of Him, Rio Drug Gangs Coordinate Favela COVID Response, More... (6/15/20)
by psmith, June 15, 2020, 04:40pm, (Issue #1101)
Pot decriminalization bills are popping up in New Jersey, hemp is now legal in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Rio's drug gangs get busy with coronavirus, and more.
Amid the Tumult, Congressional Democrats Take on Policing Run Amok [FEATURE]
by psmith, June 12, 2020, 01:07pm, (Issue #1100)
Faced with a civic uprising sparked by the death of one black man too many at the hands of police, Congress is moving swiftly to respond.
US Rep Calls for Drug Decriminalization, Prohibition-Related Violence in Colombia and Mexico, More... (6/11/20)
by psmith, June 11, 2020, 04:46pm, (Issue #1100)
South Dakota marijuana activists launch their election campaign this week, Nevada's governor proposed mass pardons for small time pot possession charges, Michigan's governor signs a roadside drug testing bill into law, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, June 10, 2020, 03:24pm, (Issue #1100)
An Iowa medical marijuana expansion bill has gone to the governor's desk, a Kansas medical marijuana bill died a quick death, and more.
Congressional Dems File Justice in Policing Act, CO Police Accountability Bill Passes Senate, More... (6/10/20)
by psmith, June 10, 2020, 03:15pm, (Issue #1100)
Police accountability is the topic of the day in Congress and in Colorado, a Nebraska medical marijuana initiative campaign is in a final sprint for signatures, and more.
NBA Foregoes Recreational Drug Testing, DC Psychedelic Init Gets Signature Boost During Protests, More... (6/9/20)
by psmith, June 09, 2020, 04:43pm, (Issue #1100)
As a California psilocybin initiative bites the dust, a DC natural psychedelic initative gets a boost; the NBA gives up on recreational drug testing of its players, the Dutch move closer to a pilot program to supply legal marijuana to the country's cannabis cafes, and more.
Mexico Plan to Decriminalize Drugs, House Drug War/Policing Resolution Gaining Cosponsors, More... (6/8/20)
by psmith, June 08, 2020, 04:26pm, (Issue #1100)
A pair of Democratic House leaders is pressing Attorney General Barr on marijuana legalization and drug rescheduling, a House resolution linking the war on drugs and police brutality is picking up cosponsors at a very rapid clip, and more.
Feds Claim "Drug Trafficker" Presence Required "Escalated Force" Use at George Floyd Protests, More...(6/5/20)
by psmith, June 05, 2020, 04:27pm, (Issue #1100)
Medical marijuana is moving in the Heartland, a New Jersey decriminalization bill gets filed, Colorado lawmakers are moving a police reform bill, and more.
NM Primary Voters Remove Anti-Pot Lawmakers, UN Report Scorches Philippine Drug War Killings, More... (6/4/20)
by psmith, June 04, 2020, 04:54pm, (Issue #1100)
A Democratic infrastructure bill includes language requiring legal marijuana states to consider impaired driving policies, Switzerland is set to move ahead with marijuana legalization pilot projects -- but only if it's organic -- and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, June 03, 2020, 05:18pm, (Issue #1099)
Pretty quiet on the medical marijuana front this week, but a Louisiana medical marijuana expansion bill has made its way through the legislature, and more.
ACLU Report on Racial Bias in Marijuana Arrests, DEA Okayed to Spy on George Floyd Protestors, More... (6/3/20)
by psmith, June 03, 2020, 05:01pm, (Issue #1099)
The ACLU issues a timely report, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International call for reforms of Cambodia's drug detention centers, and more.
House Progressives File Resolution Condemning Police Brutality, Racial Bias, War on Drugs [FEATURE]
by psmith, June 03, 2020, 03:36pm, (Issue #1099)
The clamor for fundamental reform of American policing, including the prosecution of the war on drugs, is growing.
AZ Poll Bodes Well for Marijuana Legalization Initiative, China Anti-Drug Crackdown, More... (6/2/20)
by psmith, June 02, 2020, 05:23pm, (Issue #1099)
An Arizona poll shows strong support for a marijuana legalization initiative there, a Connecticut panel approves adding two new qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, and more.
Congressional Resolution Condemns Police Brutality and Drug War, West Coast Pot Shops Trashed, More... (6/1/20)
by psmith, June 01, 2020, 04:12pm, (Issue #1099)
West Coast pot shops get trashed in the upheaval gripping the land, a dozen members of Congress file a resolution calling for an end to police brutality and the war on drugs, the Louisiana legislature has been busy passing marijuana bills, and more.
COVID Impacts Cocaine Trade, Bolsters Dark Web Drug Market, More... (5/28/20)
by psmith, May 29, 2020, 04:59pm, (Issue #1099)
ronavirus is having differential impacts on the illicit drug trade, Michigan groups push to end the state's drug felon foodstamp ban, Colombian rebels call for a coronavirus ceasefire, and more.
Fixing the Federal Criminal Justice System: The Establishment Weighs In [FEATURE]
by psmith, May 29, 2020, 02:47am, (Issue #1098)
A new report from a high-powered criminal justice panel offers detailed solutions for fixing some of the inequities of the federal criminal justice system.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, May 28, 2020, 05:30pm, (Issue #1098)
A Louisiana medical marijuana expansion bill is just a step away from passing the legislature, Montana patients will soon be able to buy their medicine at any dispensary, and more.
US Army Unit Heads to Colombia to Fight Drugs, LA Senate Approves MedMJ Expansion Bill, More... (5/28/20)
by psmith, May 28, 2020, 05:00pm, (Issue #1098)
One Arkansas marijuana legalization campaign calls it quits for this year, the Louisiana Senate has passed a medical marijuana expansion bill, Tyson Timbs finally gets his Land Rover back, and more.
Call for Independent Investigation of Fatal Louisville Drug Raid, LA MedMJ Expansion Bill Advances, More... (5/27/20)
by psmith, May 27, 2020, 04:51pm, (Issue #1098)
Nearly four dozen members of Congress want an independent investigation into the death of Breonna Taylor at the hands of Louisville drug police, a high-profile task force calls on the federal government to grant states waivers to set their own marijuana policies, and more.
OR Psilocybin and Decrim Initiatives Hand in Signatures, MA Pot Shops Reopen, More... (5/26/20)
by psmith, May 26, 2020, 04:24pm, (Issue #1098)
Massachusetts pot shops see long lines as they do a limited reopening, two Oregon initiative campaigns handed in signatures last Friday, the Harris County DA throws out nearly a hundred drug convictions linked to a disgraced Houston police officer, and more.
Federal Marijuana Prisoner Killed by COVID-19, AL Mayoral Candidate Wants to Hang Drug Dealers, More... (5/22/20)
by psmith, May 22, 2020, 05:03pm, (Issue #1098)
Ohio local decriminalization initiative campaigns can do electronic signature-gathering, an Alabama mayoral candidate draws attention with a call to hang drug dealers, and more.
"Deaths of Despair" Plateaued in 2018, No COVID Shutdown for Colombia's Coca Eradicators, More... (5/21/20)
by psmith, May 21, 2020, 04:54pm, (Issue #1098)
Virginia has now decriminalized small-time marijuana possession, a marijuana legalization bill is moving again in the US Virgin Islands, "deaths of despair" have leveled off, and more.
State Attorneys General Press for SAFE Banking Act, Singapore Drug Death Sentence Via Zoom, More... (5/20/20)
by psmith, May 20, 2020, 03:43pm, (Issue #1098)
Illinois is spending tens of millions of marijuana tax dollars to help communities impacted by the drug war, the DEA gets a new acting administrator, Mexican murders continue to increase, and more.
House HEROES Act COVID Relief Bill Calls for Prisoner Releases, Marijuana Banking [FEATURE]
by psmith, May 19, 2020, 11:56pm, (Issue #1097)
The House Democrats' latest coronavirus relief bill doesn't leave prisoners behind nor the legal marijuana industry.
MA Pot Shops Beginning Curbside Delivery, LA House Advances MedMJ Expansion, More... (5/19/20)
by psmith, May 19, 2020, 04:56pm, (Issue #1097)
The Louisiana House votes to expand the state's medical marijuana program, the Georgia Department of Revenue gets caught mishandled seized asset forfeiture funds, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, May 18, 2020, 07:44pm, (Issue #1097)
Meet a trio of cops who aren't really corrupt but who got caught with the personal goodies and, of course, a crooked jail guard.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, May 18, 2020, 07:06pm, (Issue #1097)
The Department of Health and Human Services is messing with Maine's mental health grants because it allows medical marijuana use by students, a ban on potentially kiddie-enticing edibles is headed for the Missouri governor's desk, and more.
ME Loses Federal Student Mental Health Aid Over Medical Marijuana, MA Safe Injection Site Bill Moves, More... (5/18/20)
by psmith, May 18, 2020, 02:34pm, (Issue #1097)
Missouri lawmakers cast a baleful eye on medical marijuana gummies, a safe injection site bill is moving in Massachusetts, and more.
MJ Industry Group Seeks Action from Northeast Governors, HEROES Act Vote Looms, More... (5/15/20)
by psmith, May 15, 2020, 04:59pm, (Issue #1097)
El Paso moves to reduce small-time marijuana possession arrests, drug policy and criminal justice groups call on the House to pass the latest coronavirus relief bill, and more.
GOP Criticize COVID Bill Cannabis Provisions, Honduran Congress Head Tied to Traffickers, More... (5/14/20)
by psmith, May 14, 2020, 05:00pm, (Issue #1097)
It looks like there will be a fight over marijuana provisions in the HEROES Act coronavirus relief bill, an Oklahoma pot breathalyzer pilot project bill passes the House, another member of the Honduran political elite is tied to drug traffickers, and more.
Amnesty International on Cambodia Drug War Abuses, Deadly Botched Drug Raid in Louisville, More.... (5/13/20)
by psmith, May 13, 2020, 04:32pm, (Issue #1097)
Coronavirus hobbles yet another drug reform initiative, Amnesty International goes after Cambodia's drug war human rights abuses, and more.
House Includes Marijuana Banking in COVID Bill, Mexico Soldiers to Stay on Streets, More... (5/12/20)
by psmith, May 12, 2020, 03:44pm, (Issue #1097)
A Mexican cartel leader is struck down by the coronavirus, the House leadership is including help for state-legal marijuana businesses in its latest COVID bill, and more.
Push to Help Marijuana Businesses in Next COVID Bill, Coca and Conflict in Bolivia and Colombia, More... (5/11/20)
by psmith, May 11, 2020, 04:39pm, (Issue #1096)
Advocacy groups are pushing for marijuana businesses to be included in the next coronavirus relief bill, a pair of Oregon drug reform initiatives are teaming up for signature-gathering, and more.
End Drug Prohibition to Fight Organized Crime, World Leaders Say [FEATURE]
by psmith, May 11, 2020, 03:49pm, (Issue #1096)
The Global Commission on Drug Policy has released a new report on how to most effectively target organized crime, and that includes moving toward legal, regulated drug markets.
Traffic Searches Decline with Marijuana Legalization, But Racial Disparities Persist, More... (5/8/20)
by psmith, May 08, 2020, 04:57pm, (Issue #1096)
A new study reports that driving while black is still a thing even in legal marijuana states, Joe Biden touts some coercive, but non-carceral approaches to drug offenders, and more.
Cartel COVID Curfew in Culiacan, SF Providing Booze, Buds, Butts to Quarantined Drug Users, more... (5/7/20)
by psmith, May 07, 2020, 05:22pm, (Issue #1096)
The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc with global drug markets, the Sinaloa Cartel has imposed a coronavirus curfew on a city of nearly a million people, San Francisco is taking a harm reduction approach to quarantined drug users, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, May 06, 2020, 05:19pm, (Issue #1096)
Just a couple of miscreant men in blue this week, and they were both apparently slinging weed.
MN House Leader Files Marijuana Legalization Bill, DC Psychedelic Decrim Campaign Catches Break, More... (5/6/20)
by psmith, May 06, 2020, 04:51pm, (Issue #1096)
A Republican pollster in Pennsylvania calls on GOP legislators to consider supporting marijuana legalization, new New York City drug testing rules go into effect next week, a Minnesota legalization bill is introduced, and more.
Kansas Weed Warriors Pay for Bad Raid, NY Mushroom Decrim Bill Filed, More... (5/5/20)
by psmith, May 05, 2020, 06:36pm, (Issue #1096)
A psilocybin mushroom decriminalization bill has been filed, Joe Biden again calls for marijuana decriminalization, and more.
Trump Authorizes Reserves to Fight Cartels, Murder Spike in Ciudad Juarez, More... (5/4/20)
by psmith, May 04, 2020, 04:51pm, (Issue #1096)
President Trump has authorized the Defense Department to call up military reserves as he ramps up a campaign against the cartels, a Nebraska medical marijuana initiative plans to continue signature-gathering, the legal pot industry is still hiring, and more.
MT Judge Blocks E-Signatures for Pot Initiative, Europe Flooded With Cocaine Despite Pandemic, More... (5/1/20)
by psmith, May 01, 2020, 04:57pm, (Issue #1096)
No electronic signature-gathering for the Montana marijuana legalization initiatives, a Canadian psychedelic decriminalization petition has enough signatures to send it to the House of Commons, Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel is handing out crisis supplies in Puerta Vallarta, and more.
US Imprisonment At Lowest Rate Since 1996, Dr. Bronner's Kicks In $1 Million for OR Psilocybin Init, More... (4/30/20)
by psmith, April 30, 2020, 04:52pm, (Issue #1096)
The former Honduran National Police chief just got indicted on drug charges in New York City, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps just bestowed a huge gift on the Oregon psilocybin initiative campaign, and more.
With Psychedelic Legalization on the Horizon, How Should We Get There from Here? [FEATURE]
by psmith, April 30, 2020, 12:48pm, (Issue #1095)
Checking in with last weekend's virtual Psychedelic Liberty Summit.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, April 29, 2020, 05:01pm, (Issue #1095)
Even during the pandemic, corrupt cops keep going down. A former Ohio DARE officer is in big trouble and so is yet another Baltimore police officer.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, April 29, 2020, 04:45pm, (Issue #1095)
There's a push on to allow state-legal marijuana businesses to get pandemic aid relief, Arkansans are heading across the state line for cheaper, more accessible medical marijuana, and more.
Coronavirus Doesn't Halt Colombia Coca Offensive, MT Court Hears Pleas for Electronic Signature-Gathering, More... (4/29/20)
by psmith, April 29, 2020, 04:17pm, (Issue #1095)
Whether Montana marijuana legalization campaigns can use electronic signature-gathering is now in the hands of a state judge, an Indiana judge orders the return of a Land Rover whose case changed federal asset forfeiture law, Colombia's campaign against coca continues despite the pandemic, and more.
US Virgin Islands Governor Urges Passage of Legalization Bill, Call for Pandemic Relief for Marijuana Businesses, More... (4/28/20)
by psmith, April 28, 2020, 03:55pm, (Issue #1095)
The clamor grows for including state-legal marijuana businesses in coronavirus pandemic in federal economic relief packages, Arkansas medical marijuana patients are heading to Oklahoma for cheaper prices and easier access, and more.
Peru Coca Prices Plunge Amid Pandemic, Louisiana Pot Poll Shows State Not There Yet, More... (4/27/20)
by psmith, April 27, 2020, 03:49pm, (Issue #1095)
A Navy destoryer on an anti-drug mission is forced to return to port, Peruvian coca growers are taking a financial hit during the pandemic, Montana GOP elected officials are opposing an effort to get electronic signature-gathering for a marijuana legalization campaign, and more.
Plaintiffs in MJ Scheduling Case vs. DEA Look to Supreme Court, NJ Voters Ready to Approve Legal MJ, More... (4/24/20)
by psmith, April 24, 2020, 04:18pm, (Issue #1095)
A New Jersey poll shows strong support for approving a November marijuana legalization initiative, California state government agencies are moving to ease the pandemic burden on marijuana businesses, the Supreme Court is being asked to rule on whether marijuana's designation as a Schedule I drug is unconstitutional, and more.
Push to Allow Marijuana Businesses Pandemic Aid, Bloody Gun Battles in Mexico, More... (4/23/20)
by psmith, April 23, 2020, 03:48pm, (Issue #1094)
A push is on in Congress to secure coronavirus pandemic relief aid for the legal marijuana industry, a poll suggests that a DC psychedelic decriminalization initiative could win -- if it can make the ballot -- and more.
Poll Finds Legalizing Marijuana is Good Policy, WA Drug Decriminalization Initiative Campaign Gets Underway, More... (4/22/20)
by psmith, April 22, 2020, 04:27pm, (Issue #1094)
A new poll finds most of us think marijuana legalization has been a success, Lebanon's parliament approves medical marijuana and hemp cultivation, and more.
The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Wreaking Havoc With Drug Reform Initiatives [FEATURE]
by psmith, April 22, 2020, 03:11pm, (Issue #1094)
The coronavirus epidemic has upended initiative campaigns across the land, shutting some down and hobbling others. But there are still some rays of hope.
NYC 4/20 Pot Party Busted Over Social Distancing, Mexican President Acknowledges Cartel Aid-Giving, More... (4/21/20)
by psmith, April 21, 2020, 03:19pm, (Issue #1094)
Mexico's president acknowledges cartels have been handing out coronavirus relief packages and implore them to knock it off, a New York City 4/20 pot party ran afoul of social distancing measures, and more.
New ACLU Report on Pot Arrests Finds Racial Disparities Persist, UK Loosens Up on Buprenorphine, More... (4/20/20)
by psmith, April 20, 2020, 04:19pm, (Issue #1094)
Some members of Congress are asking for marijuana businesses to be included in future coronavirus relief packages, the Mexican Supreme Court okays a delay in marijuana legalization until the fall, and more.
MA Judge Upholds Recreational Pot Shop Ban; Mexican Cartels Hand Out Food, Supplies Amidst Crisis, More... (4/17/20)
by psmith, April 17, 2020, 03:51pm, (Issue #1094)
Sorry, Massachusetts, no legal pot sales for you for now; Mexican drug cartels and El Chapo's daughter are currying favor by handing out food and supplies amidst the pandemic, and more.
MO Pot Legalization Campaign Falls Victim to COVID-19, Border Smugglers Have to Innovate, More... (4/16/20)
by psmith, April 16, 2020, 04:27pm, (Issue #1094)
The Show Me State won't be able to show us legal weed this year, the DEA says meth and heroin prices are going up, and more.
Call to Ease Access for Opioid Disorder Treatment During Crisis, DC Patients Get MedMJ Delivery, More... (4/15/20)
by psmith, April 15, 2020, 03:54pm, (Issue #1094)
DC medical marijuana patients can now get home delivery and curbside pickup, Montana activists are suing the state to be able to do electronic signature gathering during the pandemic, calls mount to free a jailed Bolivian coca grower union leader, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, April 14, 2020, 10:23pm, (Issue #1093)
In this time of shut downs and social distancing crime is way down. That includes drug-related corrupt police activity. But one California badge-tarnisher found an innovative way to get in trouble.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, April 14, 2020, 10:09pm, (Issue #1093)
The DEA no longer considers Epidiolex a controlled substance, the girl who was the poster child for CBD has died of suspected coronavirus complications, and more.
Ohio Okays Curbside Medical Marijuana Pickup, DEA Seized More Plants But Did Fewer Busts Last Year, More... (4/14/20)
by psmith, April 14, 2020, 03:50pm, (Issue #1093)
The DEA continued with its futile pursuit of marijuana eradication last year, a former Amazon worker wins a victory in a court battle over being fired for medical marijuana use, and more.
Virginia Decriminalizes MJ Possession, Some Indiana Cops Won't Administer Naloxone, More... (4/13/20)
by psmith, April 13, 2020, 04:58pm, (Issue #1093)
Virginia decriminalizes marijuana possession, Maine again delays sales of it, and more.
Girl Who Inspired CBD Movement Dies of Complications from Suspected Coronavirus Illness
by psmith, April 12, 2020, 02:49am, (Issue #1093)
The girl who became the poster child for CBD has died of complications from suspected coronavirus illness.
AMA Releases Recommendations for Opioid Use Disorder, Pain During COVID-19, More... (4/9/20)
by psmith, April 09, 2020, 04:38pm, (Issue #1093)
The AMA makes some progressive recommendations on dealing with opioid use disorder and pain in the time of pandemic, Massachusetts recreational pot retailers sue to become "essential" businesses, and more.
Charlotte's Web Girl Dies of Possible COVID Complications, Mexican Cartels Provide Food in Pandemic, More... (4/8/20)
by psmith, April 08, 2020, 04:56pm, (Issue #1093)
The young girl behind Charlotte's Web and the CBD movement has died of complications from suspected COVID-19, Mexican drug cartels are handing out food to the poor in the midst of the pandemic, and more.
Vaping Illness More Rare in Legalization States, DEA Adjusts Drug Quotas for COVID-19 Care, More... (4/7/20)
by psmith, April 07, 2020, 04:37pm, (Issue #1093)
The DEA takes positive steps on a couple of fronts, and more.
Mexico's Drug Wars Set Bloody Record, ND Legalization Init Suspends Campaign, More... (4/6/20)
by psmith, April 06, 2020, 04:52pm, (Issue #1093)
The coronavirus pandemic continues to have a deleterious impact on state-level efforts to get marijuana legalization on the November ballot, Mexico's prohibition-related violence sees a record number of deaths, and more.
Idaho MedMj Campaign Suspends, House Moves to Quash Vaping, More... (4/3/20)
by psmith, April 03, 2020, 04:42pm, (Issue #1093)
A group of US senators is seeking to include marijuana businesses in an emergency loan program, Idaho activists suspend signature gathering for their medical marijuana initiative campaign, a leading member of the House Oversight Committee seeks to ban the distribution of e-cigs, and more.
Philippine Drug War Rages Despite Pandemic, NORML Issues Marijuana Policy Crisis Guidance, More... (4/2/20)
by psmith, April 02, 2020, 04:05pm, (Issue #1092)
President Trump showily announces a ramping up of the drug war in the Caribbean, NORML issues pot policy guidance for lawmakers during the coronavirus pandemic, the Philippine drug war continues despite the pandemic, and more.
NY Governor Says No Legalization in State Budget, First Federal Prisoner COVID-19 Death, More... (4/1/20)
by psmith, April 01, 2020, 04:10pm, (Issue #1092)
It looks like coronavirus has killed marijuana legalization in New York this year, a new nonprofit focused on psychedelic education has emerged, a nonviolent drug offender is the first federal prisoner to die of COVID-19, and more.
NY Legalization Bid Could Fall Victim to COVID, Dutch Cannabis Cafes Open for Carryout, More... (3/31/20)
by psmith, March 31, 2020, 03:57pm, (Issue #1092)
Marijuana legalization didn't make into New York's draft budget proposal, Netherlands cannabis cafes reopen for carryout, DC psychedelic decriminalization activists find creative ways to seek signatures, and more.
Faced with Coronavirus, Big Cities Begin to Forego Drug Arrests, Prosecutions [FEATURE]
by psmith, March 30, 2020, 11:52pm, (Issue #1092)
The coronavirus pandemic is pushing police and prosecutors to forego small-time drug busts and prosecutions as a means of preserving the public health.
MO and OK Inits Could Fall Victim to Pandemic, COVID-19 Spreads Behind Bars, More... (3/30/20)
by psmith, March 30, 2020, 04:58pm, (Issue #1092)
The coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on state-level marijuana legalization initiatives, Pennsylvania says needle exchanges are "life-sustaining" during the pandemic, Vancouver moves to allow "safe supply" of regulated drugs during the crisis, and more.
OR Inits Seek Signatures Online, French Cannabis Prices Rise Fast, More... (3/27/20)
by psmith, March 27, 2020, 04:54pm, (Issue #1092)
Mexico is unlikely to meet an April 30 deadline to legalize marijuana as its Senate is suspended due to the COVID-19 crisis, Oregon drug decriminalization and therapeutic psilocybin initiatives now are seeking signatures online, and more.
US Indicts Venezuela's Maduro for "Narco-Terrorism," A Call to End Marijuana Arrests, Jailings, More... (3/26/20)
by psmith, March 26, 2020, 04:20pm, (Issue #1092)
The US indicts a leftist Latin American leader for drug trafficking (but not a rightist one), a Michigan prosecutor gets nailed for embezzling asset forfeiture funds, and more.
Denver Pot Shop Closure Reversed, Amsterdam Cannabis Cafes Reopen, MedMj Businesses Essential More... (3/25/20)
by psmith, March 25, 2020, 04:29pm, (Issue #1092)
Marijuana retail outlets stay open in Denver and Amsterdam after pandemic-inspired efforts to shut them down inspire long lines, drug reform and public health groups urge governors to keep medical marijuana dispensaries open, and more.
Mexico Illicit Drug Prices Rising, OR Regulators Allow Curbside Pot Sales, More... (3/24/20)
by psmith, March 24, 2020, 04:54pm, (Issue #1091)
States grapple with marijuana sales during a time of crisis, Ghana legalizes hemp and CBD, Mexican traffickers facing chemical shortages are raising prices, and more.
Baltimore & Philadelphia to End Drug Arrests Due to COVID-19, SAMSHA Eases Opioid Treatment Rules, More... (3/23/20)
by psmith, March 23, 2020, 04:26pm, (Issue #1091)
Baltimore and Philadelphia stop drug arrests in a bid to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, SAMSHA eases opioid maintenance treatment rules for the same reason, and more.
Vets' MedMJ Bills Advance in House, OR Psilocybin Init Looking Good on Signatures, More... (3/12/20)
by psmith, March 12, 2020, 05:35pm, (Issue #1091)
The Pine Ridge Reservation votes to legalize weed, a pair of veterans' medical marijuana bills move in the House, signature gathering for the Oregon Psychedelic Service Act initiative is looking good, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, March 11, 2020, 05:33pm, (Issue #1091)
A US CBP officer gets nailed with cocaine, an American Samoan jail guard gets nailed smuggling meth into the jail, and more.
AZ Legalization Initiative Consolidates, MO Senate Votes to Ban MedMJ Candies, More... (3/11/20)
by psmith, March 11, 2020, 05:00pm, (Issue #1091)
An Ohio marijuana legalization initiative hits a roadblock, an Arizona marijuana legalization initiative sees the field clear, and more.
NJ Supreme Court Protects MedMJ Patients' Employment Rights, SD Hemp Bill Deal, More... (3/10/20)
by psmith, March 10, 2020, 04:56pm, (Issue #1091)
The New Jersey Supreme Court strikes a blow for medical marijuana patients' employment rights, South Dakota's governor and legislature reach a deal to legalize hemp, and more.
Colombian Cocaine Production Jumps, VA Pot Decrim Bill Heads to Governor, More... (3/9/20)
by psmith, March 09, 2020, 05:43pm, (Issue #1091)
Colombian cocaine production is way up, the US says as it pushes for forced and aerial eradication, NJ pot legalization supporters organize for victory, WVA is moving to increase meth sentences, and more.
Mexico Legal Marijuana Bill Advancing, OR Drug Decriminalization Init Moving, More... (3/6/20)
by psmith, March 06, 2020, 05:32pm, (Issue #1091)
Boston's first pot shop is set to open Monday, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs again postpones a vote on classifying marijuana, and more.
DEA Proposes Mobile Methadone Programs, Honduran President Took Drug Bribes, More...(3/5/20)
by psmith, March 05, 2020, 05:52pm, (Issue #1091)
The DEA proposes allowing mobile methadone treatment programs, US prosecutors say the Honduran president took bribes from drug traffickers, Major League Baseball loosens up on marijuana use by players, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, March 04, 2020, 06:37pm
A Northern California town pays big-time for some reefer-stealing rogue officers, a New York City narc gets a little too drunk for his own good, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, March 04, 2020, 06:17pm, (Issue #1091)
Utah sees its first dispensary open, a Florida bill to cap THC at 10% hits a snag, and more.
Chronicle AM: Drug Policy Alliance Names New Leader, HI House Passes Drug Defelonization Bill, More... (3/4/20)
by psmith, March 04, 2020, 06:00pm
The Drug Policy Alliance has a new executive director, Mexico's effort to legalize marijuana stalls in the Senate, the Oklahoma House moves to regulate kratom, and more.
Two Takes on the Global Drug War and Global Drug Cultures [FEATURE]
by psmith, March 04, 2020, 03:49am, (Issue #1091)
In which we review two recent journalist efforts to understand the world of drug prohibition and drug culture.
Chronicle AM: Trump Says Colombia Must Restart Spraying Coca Crop, UT Gets First Dispensary, More... (3/3/20)
by psmith, March 03, 2020, 04:48pm
Connecticut lawmakers hold a hearing on marijuana legalization, Mexican lawmakers prepare to debate a marijuana legalization bill, President Trump says Colombia must restart aerial spraying of coca crops, and more.
Chronicle AM: OR Drug Decriminalization Initiative Launches, Colombia Coca Conflict, More... (3/2/20)
by psmith, March 02, 2020, 05:01pm
Utah's medical marijuana program rolled out today, an Oregon initiative would decriminalize the possession of personal amounts of all drugs, Nepalese Communist lawmakers move toward legalizing marijuana farming, and more.
Chronicle AM: INCB Head Suggests UN Drug Treaties Are Out of Date, Houston Dope Squad Reforms, More... (2/28/20)
by psmith, February 28, 2020, 06:09pm
A top UN drug official suggests international drug treaties are out of step with the times, a hemp bill is moving in Idaho, Malawi legalizes hemp and medical marijuana cultivation, and more.
Chronicle AM: Philly Safe Injection Site Could Open Soon, VT House Approves Pot Sales Bill, More... (2/27/20)
by psmith, February 27, 2020, 05:04pm
The Vermont House has passed that bill to allow taxed and regulated marijuana sales, a California bill would allow paying meth users not to use, the INCB issues its annual report, and more.
Trump's Latest Drug Budget: Pretty Much More of the Same [FEATURE]
by psmith, February 27, 2020, 02:15am, (Issue #1091)
Another year, another new federal drug budget. It looks pretty similar to those that preceded it.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, February 26, 2020, 06:05pm
A former DEA agent gets popped for helping a Colombian drug trafficker, a former Atlanta-area drug task force member goes to federal prison for stealing and reselling drugs from drug busts, and more.
Chronicle AM: Philly Safe Injection Site Gets Favorable Final Ruling, San Diego to Dismiss Pot Convictions, More... (2/26/20)
by psmith, February 26, 2020, 04:58pm
A federal judge has issued a final order saying a proposed Philadelphia safe injection site does not violate federal law, Kansas lawmakers vote to keep a third pot possession conviction a felony, the Virginia legislature has passed a smokeable hemp bill, and more.
