psmith
Stories by psmith
The Only Legal Marijuana State to Ban Personal Pot Grows Could Be About to Change Its Mind
by psmith, September 16, 2017, 02:00pm, (Issue #991)
Some northwest reformers were disappointed that Washington's marijuana initiative only legalized industry sales, not home growing by individuals -- some even opposed the initiative for that reason. But Washington may soon add home growing to the legalization regime that I-502 got started.
Chronicle AM: WA Ponders Personal NJ Grows, Trump Chastises Colombia Over Coca, More... (9/15/17)
by psmith, September 15, 2017, 04:10pm, (Issue #991)
The only legal marijuana state that doesn't allow personal cultivation will revisit the issue, the president chides Colombia and Colombia reacts, there's strong support for pot legalization in New Jersey, and more.
While Trump Moves Backward on Drug Sentencing, California Heads for More Reforms
by psmith, September 15, 2017, 11:50am, (Issue #990)
The federal government may be in the hands of law and order Republicans, but the Golden State goes its own way.
Chronicle AM: Orrin Hatch Punningly Files MedMJ Bill, DOJ #2 Speaks Out on Pot, More... (9/14/17)
by psmith, September 14, 2017, 02:09pm, (Issue #990)
What got into Orrin Hatch? Plus, Nevada could be the first state to allow pot lounges, the US Deputy AG says DOJ is still pondering marijuana policy, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, September 13, 2017, 04:48pm, (Issue #990)
An Illinois DA gets indicted for asset forfeiture abuses, a Boston cop pleads guilty to extorting cocaine from a drug dealer, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, September 13, 2017, 04:14pm, (Issue #990)
Medical marijuana is getting some attention in Congress, Arizona PTSD patients are still out of luck, Michigan dispensaries have three months to shut their doors and get licensed, and more.
Chronicle AM: House Blocks Sessions Civil Asset Forfeiture Move, More... (9/13/17)
by psmith, September 13, 2017, 03:42pm, (Issue #990)
The House votes to defund Attorney General Sessions' newly revived Equitable Sharing asset forfeiture program, Maine lawmakers want a 20% sales tax on weed, Duterte allies in the Philippines vote to defund the country's human rights commission over its critique of the drug war, and more.
Surprise! House Votes to Curb Sessions' Asset Forfeiture Revival
by psmith, September 13, 2017, 02:57pm, (Issue #990)
It was strange bedfellows as progressive Democrats teamed up with the House Freedom Caucus to slap down the attorney general.
Roger Stone Yanked as Cannabis Conference Keynoter
by psmith, September 12, 2017, 11:47pm, (Issue #990)
Although he's a marijuana legalization advocate, Stone's provocations don't sit well with many in the industry.
Chronicle AM: Democratic Senators Call Out Trump on Opioid Inaction, More... (9/12/17)
by psmith, September 12, 2017, 04:02pm, (Issue #990)
Democratic senators want Trump to do more than say pretty words about the opioid epidemic, California's second largest city gets on board with marijuana legalization, Canadian cops seek a delay in rolling out legalization north of the border, and more.
Chronicle AM: Ontario Goes With State-Owned Pot Shops, DEA Agent's Sordid Affair, More... (9/11/17)
by psmith, September 11, 2017, 03:20pm, (Issue #990)
Canada's most populous province is going with a state monopoly on legal marijuana sales, the CARERS Act is back, last week's surprise budget deal preserves protections for legal medical marijuana states for a few more months, and more.
Chronicle AM: Trouble in the Philly Narc Squad, TN Cops Misused Seizure Funds, More... (9/8/17)
by psmith, September 08, 2017, 04:21pm, (Issue #990)
We're seeing progress on pot policy in gubernatorial candidates in Minnesota and Virginia, Tennessee cops get scorched for asset forfeiture spending abuses, black Philly narcs charge their bosses are racist and corrupt, and more.
Chronicle AM: House GOP Leaders Block MedMJ Vote, Roger Stone Out at Pot Expos, More... (9/7/17)
by psmith, September 07, 2017, 03:25pm, (Issue #990)
It's all marijuana news today, with Delaware and Illinois lawmakers pondering legalization, the Vermont governor setting out a two-year road map to legalization, the House leadership blocking a vote on an amendment protecting medical marijuana, and more.
Trump BS Alert: The Border Wall Won't Stop Drug Smuggling [FEATURE]
by psmith, September 06, 2017, 05:15pm, (Issue #989)
The fabulist-in-chief was at it again.
Debunking a Republican Myth About Medicaid and Opioids
by psmith, September 06, 2017, 05:14pm, (Issue #989)
No, the expansion of Medicaid is not driving the opioid epidemic.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, September 06, 2017, 03:33pm, (Issue #989)
The feds poking about in California and Colorado is raising hackles, Maryland's first commercial medical marijuana grows get underway, Montana's largest city bans dispensaries, and more.
Chronicle AM: Angela Merkel in No Rush to Free the Weed, MD MedMJ Grows Underway, More... (9/6/17)
by psmith, September 06, 2017, 03:19pm, (Issue #989)
The feds continue to seek marijuana data from states, a Philippines senator stands up to Duterte, Angela Merkel isn't worrying too much about weed, and more.
Chronicle AM: Fed MJ Amendments Coming, Trump to Name Marino as Drug Czar, More... (9/5/17)
by psmith, September 05, 2017, 03:23pm, (Issue #989)
Trump nominates a drug czar, federal drug prosecutions are down, Obama's clemency program barely scratched the surface, British nitrous oxide prosecutions get laughed out of court, and more.
Chronicle AM: House GOP Reps Will Try to Block Sessions Forfeiture Expansion, More... (9/1/17)
by psmith, September 01, 2017, 03:09pm, (Issue #989)
The Massachusetts legal pot commission is being top-loaded with legalization foes, Obama's former drug czar comes out for a ban on high-potency prescription opioids, House GOP members prepare amendments to a budget bill to block expanded asset forfeiture, and more.
Chronicle AM: MA Gov Wants Harsh Sentences for Drug Deaths, More... (8/31/17)
by psmith, August 31, 2017, 03:29pm, (Issue #989)
Connecticut continues to grapple with opioids, the Massachusetts governor and cops want mandatory minimums and a possible life sentence for dealers whose clients die, and more.
Supervised Injection Sites Could Be Coming Soon to California [FEATURE]
by psmith, August 30, 2017, 07:08pm, (Issue #988)
The controversial harm reduction intervention may win its first foothold in the US.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, August 30, 2017, 04:21pm, (Issue #988)
A group of federal representatives tell Attorney General Sessions to quit blocking marijuana research, the White House wants data on Massachusetts medical marijuana patients, and more.
Chronicle AM: Anti-Marijuana Group Urges DOJ to Shut Down Legalization, More... (8/30/17)
by psmith, August 30, 2017, 03:53pm
As the summer doldrums draw to an end, it's pretty quiet on the drug reform front, but the political battle continues to rage over marijuana legalization, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, August 30, 2017, 02:50pm, (Issue #988)
Yee-haw! A Philly drug task force officer gets nailed for exchanging drugs for sex, a Pennsylvania cop gets busted after being found ODing on stolen drugs on the evidence room floor, and more.
Chronicle AM: SF Gets Cannabis Czar, CBP Reminds Mainers It's Still Illegal, More... (8/29/17)
by psmith, August 29, 2017, 03:56pm, (Issue #988)
San Francisco gets a cannabis czar, the Border Patrol reminds Mainers it's still federally illegal, Maryland's medical marijuana grower picture is getting clarifiied, and more.
Chronicle AM: White House Seeks MA MedMJ Data, Ecstasy for PTSD Advances, More... (8/28/17)
by psmith, August 28, 2017, 03:32pm, (Issue #988)
The White House is sniffing around Massachusetts medical marijuana patient data, the FDA has granted breakthrough drug status for MDMA as a treatment of PTSD, the DEA warns of a looming tide of cocaine, the State Department's top anti-drug official calls it quits, and more.
Don't Believe the Hype: "Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana" is a Dangerous Myth [FEATURE]
by psmith, August 27, 2017, 01:08pm, (Issue #988)
Cops and politicians have been raising the alarm about a problem that doesn't exist.
California Could Be the First State to Legalize Magic Mushrooms
by psmith, August 27, 2017, 12:26pm, (Issue #988)
A voter initiative to do just that has been filed with state officials.
Chronicle AM: Fed Reps Poke Sessions on MJ Research, CO Gov Says MJ Law Working, More (8/25/17)
by psmith, August 25, 2017, 03:39pm, (Issue #988)
A bipartisan group of congressmen call on the attorney general to quit being an obstacle to medical marijuana research, the Colorado governor defends the state's pot law from Sessions, the Minnesota governor just says no to legalization, and more.
Chronicle AM: CA Has Pot Regulator Job Openings, MI Seeks MedMJ Stakeholders, More... (8/24/17)
by psmith, August 24, 2017, 03:21pm, (Issue #988)
California is hiring pot regulators, Michigan is looking for medical marijuana stakeholders to craft new dispensary regulations, Oregon's governor and top cop stick up for legal weed in a letter to Attorney General Sessions, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, August 23, 2017, 04:13pm, (Issue #987)
A dirty Des Moines cop goes down for planting evidence, plus more jail guards gone bad.
Chronicle AM: Federal Judge Slams Indianapolis PD Car Seizures, More... (8/23/17)
by psmith, August 23, 2017, 03:46pm, (Issue #987)
It's slow in the dog days of August, but there is a bit of news out there: Indianapolis cops have to revise their vehicle seizure practices, Alaska regulators are seeking public comment on proposed on-site marijuana consumption regulations, and more.
Sessions/Trump Pull Off an Amazing Feat -- Making the DEA Look Reasonable [FEATURE]
by psmith, August 22, 2017, 02:58pm, (Issue #987)
In a sign of our strange times, DEA officials are issuing clarifications, criticisms, even leaks about the hardline and distorted approach of the Trump administration.
Chronicle AM: AZ Forfeiture Challenge Advances, Paraguay MJ Production Surges, More... (8/22/17)
by psmith, August 22, 2017, 02:32pm, (Issue #987)
There is a boycott against a Los Angeles marijuana business expo over the presence of Roger Stone, Seattle safe injection site supporters sue to block a NIMBY initiative, a federal judge rules that an Arizona case challenging civil asset forfeiture can proceed, and more.
Chronicle AM: First India MedMJ Research Grow License, Filipino Drug War Slammed, More... (8/21/17)
by psmith, August 21, 2017, 03:48pm, (Issue #987)
Philippines bishops and citizen demonstrators alike take aim at Duterte's lethal drug war, the US Civil Rights Commission takes aim at the Trump administration's embrace of federal civil asset forfeiture, and more.
Marijuana Becomes a Player in California Politics and It's Putting Its Money on Gavin Newsom [FEATURE]
by psmith, August 20, 2017, 02:19pm, (Issue #987)
The marijuana industry is maturing as a political player in California, and some of its advocacy methods are downright old-fashioned.
Chronicle AM: Global NGOs Concerned About Forced Coca Eradication in Colombia, More... (8/18/17)
by psmith, August 18, 2017, 03:36pm, (Issue #987)
Global NGOs have written to the Colombian president to express concerns about forced eradication of coca crops, a Nevada judge removes a marijuana sales bottleneck, Massachusetts has a new police force aimed at "extremists and drug traffickers," and more.
Chronicle AM: BC Calls for Radical Opioid Response, 2nd MI MJ Init, More... (8/17/17)
by psmith, August 17, 2017, 03:41pm, (Issue #986)
BC health officials present some revolutionary recommendations for dealing with the opioid crisis, Alaska officials defend marijuana legalization, a second Michigan legalization initiative is okayed for signature gathering, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, August 16, 2017, 05:23pm, (Issue #986)
A Texas border town cop tries an innovative method of financing his campaign for elected office, a Chicago cop on a DEA task force gets nailed for telling childhood friends a bust was coming, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, August 16, 2017, 04:25pm, (Issue #986)
NIH awards a grant to study marijuana and opioid addiction, the head of the NBA hints at a more relaxed approach to pot, Utah activists are ready to begin signature-gathering for a medical marijuana initiative, and more.
Chronicle AM: OR Defelonizes Drug Possession, Iran Could Cut Drug Executions, More... (8/16/17)
by psmith, August 16, 2017, 03:57pm, (Issue #986)
Oregon is the latest state to decriminalize drug possession, Iran moves to reduce drug trafficking executions, Philippines President Duterte cheers on cops killing drug suspects, and more.
Chronicle AM: FDA Opens Public Comment on International Scheduling of New Drugs, More... (8/15/17)
by psmith, August 15, 2017, 02:44pm, (Issue #986)
It's the mid-August doldrums, but he FDA has opened public comment on whether and where to schedule a bunch of new drugs -- and CBD! -- under the international drug control treaties, the NBA's commissioner hints he's softening his stance on marijuana, and more.
Chronicle AM: NIH Awards Grant to Study MedMJ and Opioids, Hawaii Dispensary Woes, More... (8/14/17)
by psmith, August 14, 2017, 03:03pm, (Issue #986)
The National Institute of Health is ready to see what impact medical marijuana can have on opioid use, Hawaii's first dispensary hits a (temporary) regulatory hurdle, human rights groups warn on the Philippines and Indonesia, and more.
Chronicle AM: CA Judge Rules for Growers, CT Judge Rules for Patient, More... (8/11/17)
by psmith, August 11, 2017, 02:55pm, (Issue #986)
Federal judges stuck up for California marijuana growers and a Connecticut medical marijuana patient, another Seattle suburb goes NIMBY on safe injection sites, and more.
Chronicle AM: Trump Says He Will Declare National Emergency on Opioids, More... (8/10/17)
by psmith, August 10, 2017, 03:57pm, (Issue #985)
The president says he will formally declare a national emergency on the opioid crisis, Latino legislators embrace marijuana legalization, Utah medical marijuana supporters can begin signature-gathering for their initiative, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, August 09, 2017, 04:15pm, (Issue #985)
A Texas parole officer gets popped for getting pills from a parolee, a pair of California deputies get their hands slapped for stealing and reselling weed, a Texas jail guard gets nailed for collecting drug debts for a prisoner, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, August 09, 2017, 03:42pm, (Issue #985)
Interest in the medical marijuana industry is high in North Dakota, Hawaii gets its first two dispensaries, New Jersey ponders expanding qualifying conditions, and more.
Chronicle AM: Trump Wants More Drug War to Fight Opioids, New Pot Poll, More... (8/9/17)
by psmith, August 09, 2017, 03:15pm, (Issue #985)
A new Quinnipiac poll has support for marijuana legalization at a record high, Trump calls for a return to tough drug war policies to fight opioids, Hawaii gets its first dispensary, and more.
Why Are Pot Shops Mainly in Poor Neighborhoods?
by psmith, August 09, 2017, 11:57am, (Issue #985)
It's not a plot.
In Bid to Defend Marijuana Arrests, NYC Mayor de Blasio Attacks Drug Reformers
by psmith, August 09, 2017, 11:45am, (Issue #985)
New York City remains the world's marijuana arrest capital, and it's still mainly black and brown people getting popped.
Chronicle AM: Secret Safe Injection Site in US City, VT "Blue Ribbon" MJ Panel, More... (8/8/17)
by psmith, August 08, 2017, 03:25pm, (Issue #985)
The body representing state legislatures again calls for marijuana reforms, Vermont's governor is about to empanel on commission to study legalization issues, a safe injection site has been operating secretly in a US city for the past three years, and more.
Chronicle AM: Sessions' Crime Task Force Doesn't Recommend Going After Legal Marijuana, More... (8/7/17)
by psmith, August 07, 2017, 03:41pm, (Issue #985)
The attorney general's crime task force has little new to say about grappling with legal marijuana, Sessions sends another letter to another governor, the US leans on Colombia over coca, and more.
Chronicle AM: DEA to Cut Pain Pill Quotas Next Year, Sessions Eyes WA's Legal Pot, More...(8/4/17)
by psmith, August 04, 2017, 04:00pm, (Issue #985)
Attorney General Sessions is giving the hairy eyeball to Washington state's legal pot program, the DEA is moving to reduce prescription opioid production next year, the head of the Los Angeles city council wants the city to create a bank for the pot industry, and more.
Chronicle AM: British Drug Deaths at Record High, Another Good Poll for Pot, More... (8/3/17)
by psmith, August 03, 2017, 03:51pm, (Issue #985)
A new poll shows extremely low support for marijuana prohibition, Maine lawmakers want to restrict how much pot landowners can allow for personal grows, drug deaths are up dramatically in the UK, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, August 02, 2017, 04:15pm, (Issue #984)
A crooked police scandal is brewing in Baltimore, a crooked Chicago-area cop heads for federal prison, so does an Alabama prison guard, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, August 02, 2017, 03:32pm, (Issue #984)
The fight to defund federal law enforcement in medical marijuana states continues, the NFL is ready to work with players on medical marijuana for pain management, Puerto Rico is banking on medical marijuana to boost its economy, and more.
Chronicle AM: Wyden Wants DOJ to Release MJ Recs, Pressure on DHS Over Meth Death, More... (8/2/17)
by psmith, August 02, 2017, 03:07pm, (Issue #984)
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has asked Attorney General Sessions to release recommendations on possible changes in federal marijuana enforcement, congressmembers want changes at Customs and Border Protection after video of a Mexican teen's death after drinking meth in front of Customs agents went public, and more.
Judge Forces First-Time Drug Offenders to Take Christian Drug Treatment Course
by psmith, August 02, 2017, 01:41am, (Issue #984)
But there's this thing called the First Amendment...
Chronicle AM: WH Opioid Panel Calls for Declaration of National Emergency, More... (8/1/2017)
by psmith, August 01, 2017, 03:24pm, (Issue #984)
Federal bills to legalize pot and to allow drug testing of people seeking unemployment benefits get filed, the presidential commission on opioids issues a preliminary reports, the NFL offers to work with the players' union on medical marijuana, and more.
Chronicle AM: Fed Bills Would Shrink CSA Reach, Slow Start to Sessions Drug War, More... (7/31/17)
by psmith, July 31, 2017, 02:52pm, (Issue #984)
New federal bills aim to remove state-legal marijuana and industrial hemp from the purview of the Controlled Substances Act, Jeff Sessions' drug war is slow getting off the ground, an Indian minister comes out for medical marijuana, and more.
Chronicle AM: MA Gov Signs MJ Law, GAO Report Finds Drug Policy Failures, More... (7/28/17)
by psmith, July 28, 2017, 02:56pm, (Issue #984)
An anticipated Justice Department decision on what to do about legal marijuana hasn't happened yet, Massachusetts' governor signs the legal marijuana implementation bill, the GAO reports on federal drug policy, and more.
Chronicle AM: Senate Keeps MedMj Language, Kansas SWAT Lawsuit Revived, More... (7/27/17)
by psmith, July 27, 2017, 03:31pm, (Issue #983)
A Senate panel has approved an amendment barring the DOJ from going after medical marijuana states, criminal justice reform groups want close scrutiny of US Attorney nominees, a federal appeals court reinstates a lawsuit over a SWAT raid that turned up only tomatoes and tea leaves, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, July 26, 2017, 04:09pm, (Issue #983)
It's jail guards gone wild this week, with a trio of correctional officers looking to make something on the side.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, July 26, 2017, 03:18pm, (Issue #983)
Medical marijuana for vets hits a bump in the House, a federal medical marijuana research bill is introduced, a bid to expand medical marijuana in the Lone Star State gets stymied, and more.
Chronicle AM: Duterte Vows More Drug War, House Panel Blocks VA MedMJ, More... (7/26/17)
by psmith, July 26, 2017, 03:08pm, (Issue #983)
Maine legislators recommend a 20% tax on legal pot, a House committee blocks an amendment that would let VA doctors recommend medical marijuana, Philippines President Duterte is ready for another year of drug war, and more.
Chronicle AM: Congress Takes Up MJ This Week, Colombia Coca Violence Flares, More... (7/25/17)
by psmith, July 25, 2017, 03:53pm, (Issue #983)
Congress will take up several amendments relating to marijuana policy this week, Maine is getting closer to agreement on how to implement legalization, fighting in Colombia's coca country is generating refugee flows, and more.
Chronicle AM: Ominous DOJ MJ Report, Indonesia Prez Says Shoot Dealers, More.... (7/24/17)
by psmith, July 24, 2017, 03:37pm, (Issue #983)
A key Justice Deparatment report is slated to drop this week, so is a federal hemp bill, Indonesia's leader seems to be following in Duterte's footsteps, and more.
Chronicle Interview: A Conversation With New DPA Head Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno [FEATURE]
by psmith, July 24, 2017, 01:41am, (Issue #983)
The incoming executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance will have plenty of work to do.
Chronicle AM: US Lawmakers Rip Duterte, Harris/Paul Senate Bail Reform Bill, More... (7/21/17):
by psmith, July 21, 2017, 03:51pm, (Issue #983)
A congressional panel ripped into Philippines President Duterte and his bloody drug war Thursday, Kamala Harris and Rand Paul file a bail reform bill, a South Carolina Republican congressman files a bill to allow drug testing of unemployment applicants, and more.
Chronicle AM: MA Legal MJ Bill Heads to Gov, DOJ Restarts Forfeiture Sharing, More .... (7/20/17)
by psmith, July 20, 2017, 03:01pm, (Issue #983)
Massachusetts lawmakers approve the legal marijuana bill, the Justice Department officially resurrects "adoptive sharing" for asset forfeitures, Gallup says more Americans have smoked pot than ever, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, July 19, 2017, 04:46pm, (Issue #982)
A former Tennessee deputy digs himself a deeper hole, a former Georgia deputy gets nailed for buying meth on the job, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, July 19, 2017, 04:10pm, (Issue #982)
A measure that would allow VA docs to issue medical marijuana recommendations advanced in the Senate, Massachusetts' highest court rules in favor of a worker fired for using medical marijuana, and more.
Chronicle AM: Uruguay Marijuana Pharmacy Sales Begin, DPA Names New Chief, More... (7/19/17)
by psmith, July 19, 2017, 03:55pm, (Issue #982)
All New England states have now either decriminalized or legalized marijuana, the Drug Policy Alliance names a new chief, Uruguay begins legal marijuana sales at pharmacies, and more.
Drug Policy Alliance Names New Executive Director
by psmith, July 19, 2017, 03:27pm, (Issue #982)
Meet Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno.
Chronicle AM: MA Solons Reach Legalization Accord, Sessions Wants More Forfeiture, More... (7/18/17)
by psmith, July 18, 2017, 12:54pm, (Issue #982)
Bay state lawmakers come together on implementing marijuana legalization, Jeff Sessions signals a ramped up asset forfeiture effort, DanceSafe is offering fentanyl test strips, and more.
Jeff Sessions Wants More Asset Forfeiture -- Especially in Drug Cases
by psmith, July 17, 2017, 09:30pm, (Issue #982)
The attorney general is really burnishing those drug warrior credentials.
Chronicle AM: Houston Cops Drop Faulty Field Drug Tests, AK Pot Clubs Coming, More... (7/17/17)
by psmith, July 17, 2017, 03:45pm, (Issue #982)
Houston police will quit using faulty field drug tests that sent hundreds of innocents to jail, a Colorado appeals court rules a drug dog alert on marijuana in a vehicle is not sufficient grounds for a vehicle search, the Massachusetts high court sides with an employee fired for medical marijuana use, and more.
Chronicle AM: Dark Web Drug Sales Site AlphaBay Busted, Owner Kills Self in Jail, More... (7/14/17)
by psmith, July 14, 2017, 02:46pm, (Issue #982)
AlphaBay is history, Nevada moves to ease its legal pot shortage, the White House opioid commission misses a deadline -- again -- and more.
Chronicle AM: Vets MedMJ Vets Advances in Senate, Drug War Bill Advances in House, More... (7/13/15)
by psmith, July 13, 2017, 03:10pm, (Issue #981)
Congress is dealing with medical marijuana and drug policy issues, legalization advocates call on New Hampshire's governor to kill a marijuana study commission bill, Rhode Island's governor issues an executive order dealing with the state's opioid crisis, and more.
Outrageous Massachusetts Drug Bill Would Send You to Prison and Steal Your Car -- No Drugs Needed
by psmith, July 12, 2017, 05:37pm, (Issue #981)
The proposed measure redefines reality to make a drug crime out of literally nothing.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, July 12, 2017, 02:50pm, (Issue #981)
The nation's drug cops were apparently well-behaved this past week, but we can't say the same thing about prison guards.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, July 12, 2017, 02:27pm, (Issue #981)
Florida gets sued over its "no smoking" medical marijuana law, Maryland gets its first dispensary approved, West Virginia's medical marijuana law goes into effect, and more.
Chronicle AM: CT Ends Civil Forfeiture, Sessions Calls for More Drug War (Again), More... (7/12/17)
by psmith, July 12, 2017, 02:20pm, (Issue #981)
Connecticut has become the 14th state to end civil asset forfeiture, Nevada's state government is moving to ease a potential marijuana shortage, Jeff Sessions gives another drug war speech, and more.
Chronicle AM: MI Init Signatures Coming Fast, OR Decriminalizes Drug Possession, More... (7/11/17)
by psmith, July 11, 2017, 03:10pm, (Issue #981)
Michigan legalizers are fast off the mark in their initiative signature-gathering campaign, the Drug Policy Alliance and 30 groups call for drug decriminalization, Oregon is set to defelonize drug possession, and more.
Chronicle AM: MA MJ Talks Resume, WI "Cocaine Mom" Law Back in Effect (For Now), More... (7/10/17)
by psmith, July 10, 2017, 02:52pm, (Issue #981)
Massachusetts lawmakers finally figured out their budget, so now maybe they can figure out how to implement the will of the voters of legal marijuana; the Supreme Court lets Wisconsin continue to enforce its "cocaine mom" law as the state appeals a lower court ruling it's unconstitutional; Colombian coca cultivation was way up last year, and more.
Chronicle AM: Drug Warriors Push Back on Sentencing Criticisms, Mexico Violence, More... (7/7/17)
by psmith, July 07, 2017, 01:59pm, (Issue #981)
There's medical marijuana news from Maryland, drug warriors defend Sessions' harsh sentencing approach, Mexico's prohibition-related violence is ticking upward, and more.
Chronicle AM: Canada Expanding Safe Injection Sites, FL Sued Over MedMJ Smoke Ban, More... (7/6/17)
by psmith, July 06, 2017, 03:47pm, (Issue #981)
Canada is expanding the use of safe injection sites, the man behind Florida's successful medical marijuana constitutional amendment is suing the state over a smoking ban enacted by lawmakers, Massachusetts lawmakers continue to struggle with how to implement marijuana legalization, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, July 05, 2017, 04:41pm, (Issue #980)
More jail and prison guards gone bad, plus a Border Patrol agent gets nailed in a tricky trafficking scheme.
Legal Marijuana is a Job Creation Engine
by psmith, July 05, 2017, 04:19pm, (Issue #980)
But there are still plenty of people making a living in the black market, too.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, July 05, 2017, 04:18pm, (Issue #980)
The past week has been a quiet one on the medical marijuana front, but Montana instituted emergency regs to get its new program up and running, Pennsylvania announced the issuance of dispensary permits, and more.
Chronicle AM: Groups Oppose New Fed Bill, Still no DEA Research Grow Licenses, More... (7/5/17)
by psmith, July 05, 2017, 03:28pm, (Issue #980)
Drug reformers and others are trying to stop a bill that would give Attorney General Sessions new powers to criminalize new drugs and craft new penalties, after a year the DEA still hasn't issued any new marijuana research grow licenses, and more.
Chronicle AM: Catalonia Legalizes Marijuana, Greece Legalizes Medical Marijuana, More... (7/3/17)
by psmith, July 03, 2017, 04:02pm, (Issue #980)
Catalonia okays cannabis social clubs, the Greeks give formal final approval to medical marijuana, a Delaware commission will study marijuana legalization and report back in January, and more.
"Shocks the Conscience": South Dakota Forcibly Catheterizes Three-Year Old in Drug War [FEATURE]
by psmith, July 02, 2017, 05:32pm, (Issue #980)
It's barbaric enough that the benighted state subjects drug suspects to this treatment, but toddlers, too?
Chronicle AM: SD Sued Over Forced Catheterization of Toddler for Drug Test, More... (6/30/17)
by psmith, June 30, 2017, 04:03pm, (Issue #980)
The ACLU sues South Dakota over the forced drug testing of a toddler, Detroit residents again sue the dope squad for killing dogs in pot raids, Pennsylvania's governor signs an asset forfeiture reform bill, and more.
Legal Marijuana Sales in Nevada: Eight Things You Need to Know
by psmith, June 30, 2017, 02:03am, (Issue #980)
Look out, Denver! There's a new cannabis tourism destination to compete with now.
Chronicle AM: WHO Calls for Drug Decrim, NV Legal MJ Sales Start Saturday, More... (6/29/17)
by psmith, June 29, 2017, 03:47pm, (Issue #980)
Massachusetts pols continue to work on a legalization implementation compromise, Nevada legal marijuana sales begin Saturday, a pair of federal sentencing reform bills get introduced, the World Health Organization calls for global drug decriminalization, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, June 28, 2017, 04:23pm, (Issue #979)
Deputies disgrace themselves and more.
How Reefer Madness Helped Kill Philando Castile
by psmith, June 28, 2017, 03:38pm, (Issue #979)
The cop who killed Philando Castile was especially frightened because Castile smoked marijuana.
Marijuana Legalization Dramatically Cuts Traffic Stop Searches
by psmith, June 28, 2017, 03:38pm, (Issue #979)
What a shocker! Give cops less legal reason to do searches and you get fewer searches.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, June 28, 2017, 03:34pm, (Issue #979)
An initiative campaign is getting underway in Utah, Florida's governor signs medical marijuana implementation into law, and more.
