psmith
Stories by psmith
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, January 04, 2018, 02:55pm, (Issue #1004)
Medical marijuana is on the agenda in the Indiana legislature, the Florida fight over producer licenses continues, and more.
Chronicle AM: Trump Administration Wants Expanded Unemployment Drug Testing, More... (1/3/18)
by psmith, January 03, 2018, 05:07pm, (Issue #1004)
The Trump Labor Department is moving to expand drug testing of people seeking unemployment benefits, a Bangladeshi officials calls for drug addicts to be shot on sight, and more.
Chronicle AM: CA Now a Land of Legal Marijuana Sales, VT to Take Up Legalization Again, More... (1/2/18)
by psmith, January 02, 2018, 05:35pm, (Issue #1004)
California begins the era of legal adult marijuana sales, Maine lawmakers work to get a legalization implementation bill passed, Vermont lawmakers prepare to move on a pending legalization bill, and more.
Happy New Year! Legal Adult Marijuana Sales in the World's Largest Pot Market Start Monday [FEATURE]
by psmith, December 30, 2017, 11:34pm, (Issue #1004)
With the nation's most populous state embracing legalization, there is probably no going back, regardless of what Washington thinks.
Chronicle AM: CA Legal Marijuana Sales Begin Monday, Reps Ask FDA to Rethink Kratom, More... (12/29/17)
by psmith, December 29, 2017, 06:01pm, (Issue #1004)
The world's largest legal marijuana market is about to open for business, a New Hampshire legalization bill should get a vote next Wednesday, federal representatives ask the FDA to back away from its public health warning on kratom, and more.
Chronicle AM: Underground Safe Injection Site Study, ME Legal Marijuana Fight, More... (12/28/17)
by psmith, December 28, 2017, 06:00pm, (Issue #1004)
Maine lawmakers seek agreement on legal marijuana policy with the governor, a new study of an underground safe injection site finds benefits, Pennsylvania medical marijuana patient numbers now exceed 10,000, and more.
From Bloody Drug War to Legal Pot: Ten Global Drug Policy Highlights (and Lowlights) of 2017 [FEATURE]
by psmith, December 28, 2017, 02:06am, (Issue #1003)
Here's a round up of major global drug policy news and events of 2017.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: The Top Ten US Drug Policy Stories of 2017 [FEATURE]
by psmith, December 28, 2017, 01:56am, (Issue #1003)
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Tens of thousands die of drug overdoses, hundreds of thousands get arrested for drugs, yet marijuana is seeing boom times. As we bid adieu to 2017, here are the year's drug policy highlights.
Four Reasons Black Incarceration Rates Are Going Down, While White Rates Are Going Up [FEATURE]
by psmith, December 28, 2017, 01:13am, (Issue #1003)
The prison population is a little whiter than it used to be. Here are some reasons why.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, December 27, 2017, 04:10pm, (Issue #1003)
Congress extended Rohrabacher-Blumenauer protections for another few weeks, the VA will now let doctors discuss -- but not recommend -- medical marijuana, a Utah poll has strong support for a medical marijuana initiative, and more.
Chronicle AM: New CA Pot and Driving Laws, IL Black Heroin Problem, More... (12/27/17)
by psmith, December 27, 2017, 03:41pm, (Issue #1003)
Getting caught smoking pot while driving will soon net you a $70 ticket in California, the Urban League charges that black heroin and opioid problems in Illinois don't get enough attention, pilots will soon face DOT testing for prescription opioids, and more.
Chronicle AM: Kampia Out at MPP, Labor Unions Eye CA Pot Workers, More... (12/26/17)
by psmith, December 26, 2017, 05:58pm, (Issue #1003)
Rob Kampia is no longer employed by the Marijuana Policy Project, labor unions are eyeing California's cannabis workforce as a recruiting bonanza, and more.
Chronicle AM: Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment Reauthorized For Now, More... (12/22/17)
by psmith, December 22, 2017, 06:20pm, (Issue #1003)
Congress reauthorizes the federal ban on funding to prosecute medical marijuana in states where it is legal, Massachusetts regulators approve draft rules for the legal marijuana industry, and more.
Chronicle AM: BC Pilot Program Will Provide Free Opioids to Entrenched Users, More... (12/21/17)
by psmith, December 21, 2017, 06:55pm, (Issue #1003)
Austin mellows out on pot policy, the VA lets doctors talk about -- but not recommend -- medical marijuana to patients, British Columbia is set to begin a pilot project of giving medical-grade opioids to chronic users, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, December 20, 2017, 06:01pm, (Issue #1002)
A Tennessee deputy goes down for bribing a drug dealer and then trying to kill him, a former South Carolina narcotics commander gets nailed for stealing money from the department, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, December 20, 2017, 05:34pm, (Issue #1002)
A leading Senate Republican calls for removing obstacles to medical marijuana research, a Florida judge decides to take up a case over the state's ban on smoking medical marijuana, and more.
Chronicle AM: NJ, PA Move to Increase Opioid Sentences, Canada Legal Pot Delayed?, More... (12/20/17)
by psmith, December 20, 2017, 05:11pm, (Issue #1002)
Mid-Atlantic state politicos are moving toward harsher sentences for some opioid offenses, Canada's July 1 marijuana legalization date may get bumped back, California's Humboldt County rejects safe injection sites, and more.
The Three States Best Positioned to Legalize Marijuana in 2018 [FEATURE]
by psmith, December 20, 2017, 02:52pm, (Issue #1002)
Next year should see more legal marijuana states and also the first state to legalize it at the statehouse.
Chronicle AM: Wyden Signs On to Booker Pot Bill, Ithaca Safe Injection Site Talks, More... (12/19/17)
by psmith, December 19, 2017, 05:56pm, (Issue #1002)
Cory Booker's federal marijuana bill finally finds another sponsor, Kentucky's ag commissioner pronounces himself "dumbfounded" at the DEA's recalcitrant position on industrial hemp, and more.
Chronicle AM: ND MJ Initiative Can Seek Signatures, Sen. Hatch Decries MedMJ Obstacles, More... (12/18/17)
by psmith, December 18, 2017, 04:05pm, (Issue #1002)
A Republican grandee complains about obstacles to medical marijuana research, a Florida judge will take up the state's ban on smoking medical marijuana, a North Dakota pot legalization initiative is approved for signature gathering, and more.
Chronicle AM: CA Licenses First Legal Marijuana Shops, US ODs at Record High, More... (12/15/17)
by psmith, December 15, 2017, 05:42pm, (Issue #1002)
California starts rolling out recreational marijuana business licenses, Maryland approves more dispensaries, Michigan starts accepting dispensary applications, the Mexican Senate approves a bill letting the military keep playing a policing role, and more.
Chronicle AM: Norway Moves Toward Drug Decrim, WHO Gives Thumbs Up to CBD, More... (12/14/17)
by psmith, December 14, 2017, 05:58pm, (Issue #1002)
Norway moves down the path toward drug decriminalization, a New Hampshire legislative committee votes down a legalization bill, the WHO gives a thumbs up to CBD, and more.
How Bigoted Pennsylvania Drug Warriors Turned This New York Man's Life into a Living Hell [FEATURE]
by psmith, December 14, 2017, 01:16pm, (Issue #1001)
And now, they -- or, more precisely -- the taxpayers, will pay up.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, December 13, 2017, 05:00pm, (Issue #1001)
The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment stays alive (for now) in the stopgap spending bill, Honolulu's police chief backs away from seizing patients' guns, and more.
Chronicle AM: WI Dem Governor Contender Rips Walker on Food Stamp Drug Tests, More... (12/13/17)
by psmith, December 13, 2017, 04:46pm, (Issue #1001)
The Hartford, CT, city council says legalize it, a Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial canddate attacks Scott Walker over food stamp drug testing, Colombia meets coca eradication goals, and more.
Chronicle AM: First Look at Ohio Legalization Initiative, HSBC Gets Off Probation, More... (12/12/17)
by psmith, December 12, 2017, 05:42pm, (Issue #1001)
The folks behind Ohio's 2015 "monopoly" marijuana legalization are back with details of their proposed "free market" 2018 initiative, Denver gets its first marijuana social club application, the Justice Department ends its deferred prosecution agreement with HSBC bank over drug cartel money laundering, and more.
Chronicle AM: Ohio Legalization Initiative Planned, Canada Regulation Faces Speed Bump, More... (12/11/17)
by psmith, December 11, 2017, 05:38pm, (Issue #1001)
California is getting ready for the legal marijuana industry, some Ohio operators want another crack at a legalization initiative, Canadian Tories are threatening to retard the passage of the legalization bills there, and more.
Chronicle AM: Sessions Meets With Anti-Marijuana Activists, MA Considers Cannabis Clubs, More... (12/8/17)
by psmith, December 08, 2017, 06:02pm, (Issue #1001)
The attorney general hunkers down with marijuana foes, the federal ban on going after medical marijuana where its legal gets a reprieve, Hawaii cops back away from their plan to seize patients' guns, and more.
Chronicle AM: San Francisco, LA Pass Legal Weed Rules, Sales Begin Next Month, More... (12/7/17)
by psmith, December 07, 2017, 05:58pm, (Issue #1001)
California's big cities clear the way for legal weed sales, California's small marijuana farmers worry about big grower competition, Delaware cops want pot people's guns, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, December 06, 2017, 11:31pm, (Issue #1000)
An NYPD counterterrorism officer gets caught trying to smuggle smack, a Virginia cop gets nailed for downloading dirty photos from a drug suspect's phone, a Homeland Security officer heads to prison after getting caught taking bribes from a Cali cartel capo, and more.
Looking Back: The Biggest International Drug Policy Stories of the Past 20 Years [FEATURE]
by psmith, December 06, 2017, 11:26pm, (Issue #1000)
With a thousand issues of Drug War Chronicle under our belts, we look back on the biggest international drug and drug policy stories of the past 20 years.
Looking Back: The Biggest Domestic Drug Policy Stories of the Past 20 Years [FEATURE]
by psmith, December 06, 2017, 11:14pm, (Issue #1000)
As Drug War Chronicle marks the publication of its 1,000th issue, we reflect on what has changed and what hasn't in the past couple of decades. This piece recounts our domestic drug policy evolution in the US. A companion piece looks at the international picture.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, December 06, 2017, 10:48pm, (Issue #1000)
The US surgeon general has something to say about medical marijuana, Maryland sees its first medical marijuana sales, and more.
Chronicle AM: North American Pot Sales to Top $10 Billion This Year, Report Says, More... (12/6/17)
by psmith, December 06, 2017, 04:50pm, (Issue #1000)
There's more money in legal weed than even the analysts thought, BC will let 19-year-olds buy pot, Peruvian coca planting was up last year, and more.
Chronicle AM: OR Magic Mushroom Init Coming in 2020, MI MedMJ Rules Set, More... (12/5/17)
by psmith, December 05, 2017, 06:14pm, (Issue #1000)
A proposed Oregon initiative would legalize psilocbyin for medicinal use, Michigan regulators release emergency medical marijuana rules in the nick of time, Wisconsin takes another step toward drug testing welfare and job training participants, and more.
Chronicle AM: MD Sees First MedMJ Sale, PA Pays for False Drugged Driving Arrest, More... (12/4/17)
by psmith, December 04, 2017, 05:55pm, (Issue #1000)
Lots of medical marijuana news today, plus Pennsylvania has to pay out for a bogus drugged driving arrest that saw a man jailed for five months, and more.
Chronicle AM: MA Drops 6,000 More Tainted Drug Cases, German MJ Petition Scores, More... (12/1/17)
by psmith, December 01, 2017, 05:42pm, (Issue #1000)
Washington state ponders allowing home marijuana cultivation, Michigan legalizers are drawing organized opposition, Ohio's medical marijuana program takes another step forward, and more.
Chronicle AM: Move to Save Farr-Rohracher, Canada Pot Jitters, More... (11/30/17)
by psmith, November 30, 2017, 05:53pm, (Issue #999)
Canadians are getting a bit nervous as marijuana legalization looms, members of Congress make a move to ensure that protection for medical marijuana states remains, Honolulu cops decide to review their no guns for patients policy after it gets some attention, and more.
Jailed for Smoking Cigarettes? A Tennessee Judge's Outrageous Abuse of the Drug Court System
by psmith, November 29, 2017, 08:15pm, (Issue #999)
When did cigarettes become a controlled substance?
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, November 29, 2017, 06:57pm, (Issue #999)
A North Carolina cop's case of sticky fingers gets him in trouble, a former Seattle cop pleads to participating in a major marijuana smuggling ring, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, November 29, 2017, 06:26pm, (Issue #999)
Honolulu Police tell medical marijuana patients to turn in their guns, Elizabeth Warren presses Trump's HHS nominee on on medical marijuana and opioids, Iowa licenses its first CBD manufacturer, and more.
Chronicle AM: Sessions Hints at Marijuana Enforcement Changes, ND Legalization Init Filed, More... (11/29/17)
by psmith, November 29, 2017, 05:54pm, (Issue #999)
The attorney general hints at changes in federal marijuana enforcement policy, Sen. Elizabeth Warren challenges Trump's HHS nominee on medical marijuana and opioids, North Dakota activists file a legalization initiative, and more.
Chronicle AM: Canada MJ Bill Passes House, HI Cops Want MedMJ Patients' Guns, More... (11/28/17)
by psmith, November 28, 2017, 05:57pm, (Issue #999)
In a national first, Honolulu cops are proactively targeting medical marijuana patients to demand they turn in any firearms, Canada marijuana legalization takes a big step forward, Philadelphia begins paying out for its dirty, corrupt narcs, and more.
Chronicle AM: Good NY Marijuana Poll, CT Governor Candidates to Talk Pot Tomorrow, More... (11/27/17)
by psmith, November 27, 2017, 05:37pm, (Issue #999)
A new New York poll has support for marijuana legalization at 62%, Michigan Libertarians protest a roadside drug testing program, Alberta will let hotels allow pot use in guest rooms, and more.
Chronicle AM: Bush AG Criticizes Sessions' War on Weed, Scary AZ Pot Poll, More... (11/22/17)
by psmith, November 22, 2017, 05:56pm, (Issue #999)
Former GOP Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has no use for Jeff Sessions' would-be war on weed, a new poll has disheartening but uncertain findings for Arizona legalizers, the Detroit city council wants to undo the will of the voters on medical marijuana dispensaries, and more.
California's Rules and Regulations for the Legal Marijuana Market: Highlights
by psmith, November 22, 2017, 02:06pm, (Issue #998)
Legal marijuana sales are coming to California on January 1. Here are some of the highlights from newly released regulations to govern the markets.
Pennsylvania Cops Abuse Elderly Couple in Raid on Marijuana Plants That Weren't [FEATURE]
by psmith, November 22, 2017, 01:50pm, (Issue #998)
They were growing hibiscus plants.
Chronicle AM: Kampia Out as MPP Head, Denver Bans Kratom Sales, More... (11/21/17)
by psmith, November 21, 2017, 05:37pm, (Issue #998)
A key Republican senator has authored an appropriations bill that would not bar DC from allowing marijuana sales, long-time MPP head Rob Kampia steps down, Denver bans kratom sales, and more.
Chronicle AM: US Bombs Taliban Drug Hubs, MI Campaign Turns in Signatures, More... (11/20/17)
by psmith, November 20, 2017, 05:54pm, (Issue #998)
Michigan could vote to legalize marijuana next November, Wyoming moves to definitively criminalize marijuana edibles and infusions, the US bombs Taliban heroin production facilities in Afghanistan, and more.
Chronicle AM: First Marijuana Overdose Death Reports are Bogus, Canada Legalization Plans, More... (11/17/17)
by psmith, November 17, 2017, 06:52pm, (Issue #998)
The reports of the first marijuana overdose death are unscientific hype, Canada's provinces try varying paths toward dealing with legal marijuana, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, November 16, 2017, 06:48pm, (Issue #997)
A body cam catches an LAPD cop planting a bag of cocaine on a suspect, a Philadelphia cop gets nailed in a multi-cop drug dealing conspiracy, a Houston cop gets nailed for not turning in seized cocaine, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, November 16, 2017, 06:18pm, (Issue #997)
A leading Kentucky politican creates a panel to draft a medical marijuana bill, New York approves medical marijuana for PTSD, Montana released new proposed rules for the industry, and more.
Chronicle AM: GA County Pays Big Time for School Drug Raid, Afghan Opium Crop Up, More... (11/16/17)
by psmith, November 16, 2017, 05:51pm, (Issue #997)
California gets ready for legal marijuana, Michigan gets ready to put a legalization initiative on the ballot, a Georgia county pays big time for a raid on school students, Afghan opium production nearly doubles, and more.
Chronicle AM: NH Panel Votes Down Legalization Bill, Kratom Battle Heats Up, More... (11/15/17)
by psmith, November 15, 2017, 05:48pm, (Issue #997)
Michigan Democratic gubernatorial candidates get behind legal weed, a New Hampshire House committee doesn't, Arizona gets sued over high medical marijuana permit fees, the kratom wars heat up, and more.
Chronicle AM: Sessions on State-Legal Pot, Trump and Duterte Buddy Up, More... (11/14/17)
by psmith, November 14, 2017, 05:50pm, (Issue #997)
The US attorney general concedes that Obama-era pot policy is still in effect, New York approves medical marijuana for PTSD, the Bolivian high court upholds a coca expansion law, Trump buddies up with drug war criminal Duterte, and more.
You Won't Believe Which Middle East Theocrat Has Okayed Psychedelics Treatment
by psmith, November 11, 2017, 06:47pm, (Issue #996)
It's not exactly the Islamic Republic of Acid, but still...
Drug-Induced Homicide Charges Draconian and Ineffective, Study Finds [FEATURE]
by psmith, November 11, 2017, 06:17pm, (Issue #996)
In this new report, the Drug Policy Alliance exposes the cruelty and futility of the increased resort to such charges.
Chronicle AM: ME MedMJ Crackdown, Duterte Faces Heat Over Human Rights Abuses, More... (11/10/17)
by psmith, November 10, 2017, 04:42pm, (Issue #996)
The DEA will enact an emergency ban on fentanyl analogs, Maine officials try to tighten up the medical marijuana market, NGOs and individuals target Filipino President Duterte ahead of the ASEAN Summit, and more.
Chronicle AM: Mexican Military's Drug War Abuses, Norway Reduces LSD Penalties, More... (11/9/17)
by psmith, November 09, 2017, 02:54pm, (Issue #996)
The man behind Florida's medical marijuana initiatives is considering a run for governor and now wants to legalize pot, a battle over medical marijuana is looming in Indiana, a new report says the Mexican military is getting away with murder in its US-backed drug war, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, November 08, 2017, 04:48pm, (Issue #996)
A Hackensack narc bails to avoid problems over illegal searches, a Tennessee cop gets nailed for pain pills, and more prison guards break bad.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, November 08, 2017, 04:15pm, (Issue #996)
The FDA cracks down on claims marijuana cures cancer, Michigan's dispensaries catch a break and Detroit's dispensaries win on Election Day, a South Dakota initiative hands in signatures, and more.
Chronicle AM: NJ Elects MJ-Friendly Gov, Canada NDP Head Calls for Drug Decrim, More... (11/8/17)
by psmith, November 08, 2017, 03:55pm, (Issue #996)
Election day brought good news for marijuana reformers in New Jersey, Detroit, and an Ohio town; Canada's NDP leader calls for drug decriminalization, and more.
Chronicle AM: CA Magic Mushroom Initiative Approved for Signature Gathering, More... (11/7/17)
by psmith, November 07, 2017, 04:24pm, (Issue #996)
The Maine legislature fails to override the governor's veto of the pot regulation bill, a California initiative to legalize magic mushrooms gets the okay for signature gathering, North Dakotans will wait another year for their medical marijuana, and more.
Chronicle AM: ME Lawmakers Try to Save MJ Reg Bill from Veto, Denver SIF Advances, More... (11/6/17)
by psmith, November 06, 2017, 04:30pm, (Issue #996)
Maine legislature will attempt to override the governor's veto of a marijuana regulation bill, a plan for a safe injection site in Denver advances, a Michigan roadside drug testing pilot program gets underway this we, and more.
Chronicle AM: Belize Decriminalizes Ten Grams, SF Ponders Smoking in Shops, More... (11/3/17)
by psmith, November 03, 2017, 03:23pm, (Issue #996)
It's all marijuana news today, with San Francisco considering allowing smoking at pot shops, an American Legion poll finding very strong support for medical marijuana among veteans, Belize decriminalizing up to 10 grams, and more.
Chronicle AM: DPA Decries Resort to Drug Courts, OSU Creates Drug Policy Center, More... (11/02/17)
by psmith, November 02, 2017, 02:13pm, (Issue #995)
The Drug Policy Alliance takes aim at some of the opioid commission's recommendations, Michigan dispensaries can stay open during the shift to the new regime, Ohio State creates a Koch-funded drug policy center, and more.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, November 01, 2017, 04:12pm, (Issue #995)
Congresspeople want the VA to research medical marijuana, New Jersey expands its list of qualifying conditions, and more.
Chronicle AM: Trump Opioid Commission Calls for More Drug Courts, More... (11/1/17)
by psmith, November 01, 2017, 04:02pm, (Issue #995)
President Trump's opioid commission issues its recommendations, El Paso becomes the latest Texas locale to ease marijuana possession penalties, would-be Arkansas medical marijuana providers file suit over an application process that excluded them, and more.
Chronicle AM: Germany's Merkel May Agree to Legalization as Part of Coalition, More... (10/31/17)
by psmith, October 31, 2017, 04:13pm, (Issue #995)
Marijuana decriminalization takes center stage in Virginia drug policy debates, Germany's Angela Merkel may agree to legalize marijuana in a bid to build a governing coalition, and more.
Two NYPD Cops Charged with Raping Teen After Busting Her for Marijuana
by psmith, October 31, 2017, 02:21pm, (Issue #995)
The alleged victim has also filed a $50 million civil lawsuit against NYPD.
Chronicle AM: Second Australia SIJ Coming, DEA Adds Heroin Enforcement Teams, More... (10/30/17)
by psmith, October 30, 2017, 03:45pm, (Issue #995)
The Victoria state government has approved a safe injection site in Melbourne, a new report warns that high taxes on legal marijuana could push people to the black market, New Jersey adds some new qualifying conditions for medical marijuana use, and more.
Chronicle AM: Trump Declares Opioid Emergency, SF SIJ Could Come Soon, More... (10/26/17)
by psmith, October 26, 2017, 04:49pm, (Issue #995)
The president declares the opioid crisis an emegency, but not enough of one to actually need funding; lawmakers go after the DEA over West Virginia pain pill deliveries, a St. Louis alderman files a marijuana legalization measure, the US Sentencing Commission issues a report on mandatory minimums, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, October 25, 2017, 05:37pm, (Issue #995)
Sticky-fingered pill-stealing cops get themselves in trouble in Florida, and more.
Chronicle AM: New Gallup Poll Has Record Support for Marijuana Legalization, More... (10/25/17)
by psmith, October 25, 2017, 04:54pm, (Issue #995)
Nearly two-thirds of Americans now support marijuana legalization, and even more in Connecticut, the House passes a bill increasing funding for drug interdiction, the GAO reports on five years of US drug war spending in Latin America, Afghanistan has a whopping record opium crop, and more.
Chronicle AM: DEA Annual Threat Assessment Released, Trump Opium Event Thursday, More... (10/24/17)
by psmith, October 24, 2017, 04:09pm, (Issue #995)
The White House could announce a national opioid emergency on Thursday, the DEA releases its annual drug threat assessment, the Maine legislature approves a marijuana regulation bill, and more.
Chronicle AM: Iran Restricts Death Penalty in Drug Cases, Belize MJ Decrim Move, More... (10/23/17)
by psmith, October 23, 2017, 04:59pm, (Issue #995)
Iran has approved dramatic changes in the use of the death penalty in drug cases, an Indiana county ends needle exchange and cites the Bible to do so, Jamaica issues its first marijuana business licenses, and more.
Chronicle AM: New Zealand to Vote on MJ Legalization, Peru Congress OKs MedMJ, More... (10/20/17)
by psmith, October 20, 2017, 05:11pm, (Issue #994)
A new doctors' group is calling on the medical community to be open to marijuana legalization, kratom activists file a FOIA on the DEA, New Zealand's new prime minister says she will hold a referendum on marijuana legalization, and more.
Chronicle AM: Washington SIJs Win Court Ruling, Houston DA Goes Deep on Reform, More.. (10/19/17)
by psmith, October 19, 2017, 04:10pm, (Issue #994)
Hemp farming comes a step closer in Wisconsin, safe injection sites win a court battle in suburban Seattle, Houston's DA is proving to be a real criminal justice reformer, and more.
Senate Heavyweights File Sentencing Reform Bill [FEATURE]
by psmith, October 18, 2017, 06:20pm, (Issue #994)
The compromise bill is generally reformist, but includes some objectionable new mandatory minimums, too.
Wine Country Fires Hit Northern California Marijuana Industry Hard
by psmith, October 18, 2017, 06:17pm, (Issue #994)
The flames are dying down in Northern California, but for the region's marijuana farmers, the pain is just beginning.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, October 18, 2017, 05:47pm, (Issue #994)
A Florida narc gets a case of sticky fingers, and a whole bunch of jail and prison guards break bad.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, October 18, 2017, 05:06pm, (Issue #994)
The Justice Department concedes it cannot prosecute the Kettle Falls Five because of congressional bans on spending money to go after medical marijuana states, Arkansas regulators are swamped with grow and sales applications, and more.
Chronicle AM: Dallas Ends Marijuana Possession Arrests, Drug Czar Nominee Names, More... (10/18/17)
by psmith, October 18, 2017, 04:43pm, (Issue #994)
Dallas gives up on arresting pot possessors, the DOJ gives up on prosecuting the Kettle Falls Five, there's a new list of possible drug czar nominees, and more.
Amidst Controversy Over Anthem Protests, NFL Endorses Drug Sentencing Reform [FEATURE]
by psmith, October 18, 2017, 03:14am, (Issue #994)
The National Football League makes a surprising move.
Chronicle AM: Trump Drug Czar Nominee Withdraws, NFL Endorses Sentencing Reform, More... (10/17/17)
by psmith, October 17, 2017, 04:29pm, (Issue #994)
Stories pile up when you spend a week at the drug reform conference: Trump's choice for drug czar is out, the NFL endorses sentencing reform, California's governor signs a sentencing reform bill, and more.
Chronicle AM: Dutch to Pilot Legal Marijuana Grows, OR Marijuana Tax $$$, More... (10/10/17)
by psmith, October 10, 2017, 04:41pm, (Issue #994)
The Dutch finally begin to address their marijuana "back door problem," Canadian Mounties and tribal members clash over a pot shop, California's governor vetoes an opioid task force bill as redundant, and more.
Chronicle AM: Fed Sentencing Reform Bill Filed, Colombia Coca Clashes, More... (10/6/17)
by psmith, October 06, 2017, 05:23pm, (Issue #994)
Leading senators roll out a federal sentencing reform bill, Jeff Sessions ramps up the Safe Neighborhoods program, the VA doubles down against medical marijuana, more clashes erupt in Colombia's coca producing areas, and more.
Chronicle AM: MA Advocates Push for No Pot Tax $$$ for Towns That Ban Pot Ops, More... (10/5/17)
by psmith, October 05, 2017, 04:50pm, (Issue #993)
It's all marijuana today, with Washington state considering personal grows, Delaware pondering legalization, Massachusetts activists trying to put the screws to towns that ban stores, and more.
Federal Bill Would Reverse Perverse Incentives for Mass Incarceration [FEATURE]
by psmith, October 04, 2017, 06:01pm, (Issue #993)
For more than two decades, federal Justice grants have incentivized states to increase their prison populations. Now, it's time to do the opposite.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, October 04, 2017, 05:56pm, (Issue #993)
We've only got a couple this week, but they're both pretty juicy and involve federal law enforcement officials.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, October 04, 2017, 05:22pm, (Issue #993)
Florida is slow getting out of the gate with cultivation licenses, a Georgia lawmaker is pushing to makes the state's CBD law workable, Michigan lawmakers are moving to keep dispensaries open during a year-end switch over, and more.
Chronicle AM: Alaska Towns Reject Marijuana Bans, DEA Names Acting Head, More...(10/4/17)
by psmith, October 04, 2017, 04:59pm, (Issue #993)
The DEA names an in-house acting administrator, the Massachusetts high court takes up the question of whether judges can order addicts to remain drug-free, Canada advances on looming marijuana legalization, and more.
Chronicle AM: Atlanta A Step Closer to MJ Decrim, Drug Treatment Privacy Threat, More... (10/3/17)
by psmith, October 03, 2017, 04:11pm, (Issue #993)
Atlanta is one step away from decriminalizing marijuana possession, patient advocacy and health care groups unite behind a campaign to protect the privacy of drug treatment patients, and more.
Chronicle AM: Trump DEA Pick Has Issues, FL MedMJ Licenses Delayed, More... (10/2/17)
by psmith, October 02, 2017, 04:32pm, (Issue #993)
The man Trump will reportedly name to head the DEA has some racial profiling issues in his past, the Global Commission on Drugs issued recommendations on dealing with the opioid crisis, the 6th Circuit slaps down the DEA in an asset forfeiture case, and more.
Chronicle AM: Quebec To Have Gov't Pot Shops; Seattle, WA State Sue Pharma Cos, More... (9/29/17)
by psmith, September 29, 2017, 04:28pm, (Issue #993)
Nevada sets legal marijuana sales records, Quebec will go with government marijuana shops, Seattle and the state of Washington file lawsuits over the opioid crisis, and more.
Chronicle AM: Houston Quits Trying "Trace Amount" Drug Cases, US Chides Colombia, More... (9/28/17)
by psmith, September 28, 2017, 04:12pm, (Issue #993)
San Antonio quits arresting small-time pot violators, Houston quits prosecuting folks caught with trace amounts of drugs, Vermont begins pondering how to do pot legalization, the US chides Colombia on coca and the FARC, and more.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, September 27, 2017, 09:03pm, (Issue #992)
Busy, busy: A long-time fugitive rogue Chicago cop gets cop, a DHS agent gets nailed for taking big bucks to help a Cali Cartel operative make an indictment go away, a Vermont cop plied a woman addict with drugs in order to get laid, and more.
Study Finds Marijuana Legalization Doesn't Drive Increased Use, But Vice Versa
by psmith, September 27, 2017, 05:38pm, (Issue #992)
A new study regurgitates some old findings, but the point remains worth making.
Medical Marijuana Update
by psmith, September 27, 2017, 04:37pm, (Issue #992)
It was a pretty quiet week on the medical marijuana front, with all the action taking place in the courts. A Florida farmer sues over grower licenses, a Montana dispensary operator sues over a local ban, and more.
Chronicle AM: Citing Trump, DEA Head Quits; Atlanta Moves Toward MJ Decrim, More... (9/27/17)
by psmith, September 27, 2017, 04:14pm, (Issue #992)
DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg is outta here, Atlanta moves closer to pot decriminalization, San Francisco goes slow on legal pot sales, Florida's governor wants to restrict opioid prescriptions, and more.
