psmith

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Stories by psmith

Southwest Asia: Afghan Poppy Crop Sets New Record, US Ambassador Says

by psmith, July 17, 2007, 09:29pm, (Issue #494)

The 2007 Afghan opium poppy crop has set another record, the US ambassador conceded this week. All the more reason to embark on forced eradication, he said.

When Oversight Means Oversight: Waxman Goes After Walters for Politicizing His Office

by psmith, July 17, 2007, 02:47pm

"Oversight" is a funny word. It has two meanings, one the opposite of the other. "Oversight" can mean watching over, supervising, or reviewing an action, a policy, or a process.

Criticism of Fumigation Grows in Colombia as Cocaine Trade Is Undiminished

from World Politics Review, July 16, 2007

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Virginia Pain Doctor [Bill Hurwitz] Gets Nearly Five-Year Term

from Associated Press, July 14, 2007

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Judge Rules Canada's Pot Possession Laws Unconstitutional

from CBC News, July 13, 2007

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Rudy Hates Pot Smokers (Especially Black and Brown Ones) More Than He Likes Effective Policing

by psmith, July 13, 2007, 03:36pm

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has gotten a lot of criticism this week for his comments rejecting medical marijuana and suggesting that its advocates are actually stalking horses for marijua

Drug Testing: Tennessee Supreme Court Holds Off-Duty Marijuana Use No Reason to Deny Workman's Comp Claim

by psmith, July 12, 2007, 11:40pm, (Issue #493)

The Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that merely because a worker admitted to smoking marijuana the night before he suffered a workplace injury was no reason to deny him workman's compensation.

Marijuana: California Superior Court Upholds Santa Barbara's "Lowest Enforcement Priority" Law

by psmith, July 12, 2007, 11:38pm, (Issue #493)

A California Superior Court judge has thrown out an effort by the city of Santa Barbara to undo the city's voter-mandated policy making adult marijuana possession offenses the lowest law enforcement priority.

The Drug Debate: American Mayors Urge "A New Bottom Line" and a Public Health Approach for Drug Policy

by psmith, July 12, 2007, 11:38pm, (Issue #493)

The US Conference of Mayors last month adopted a resolution calling the war on drugs a failure and urging "a new bottom line" on drug policy.

Medical Marijuana: Rudy Giuliani Just Says No

by psmith, July 12, 2007, 11:35pm, (Issue #493)

Republican presidential nomination contender Rudy Giuliani has rejected medical marijuana, claiming it is a a stalking horse for legalization.

This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, July 12, 2007, 11:35pm, (Issue #493)

The allure of Oxycontin (and its profits) snags two cops, a deputy can't keep his paws off the meth, and a South Carolina cop gets charged with drug dealing. Just another week in the drug war.

Drug War Chronicle Book Review: "High Society: How Substance Abuse Ravages America and What to Do About It," by Joseph Califano (2007, Public Affairs Press, 270 pp., $26.95 HB)

by psmith, July 12, 2007, 10:03pm, (Issue #493)

Joe Califano's "High Society" is a strange brew of legitimate concerns, hype, distortions, and what look to us to be misguided policy pronouncements. We review it this issue.

Feature: Medical Marijuana -- A Progress Report

by psmith, July 12, 2007, 04:46pm, (Issue #493)

Eleven years ago, no Americans had the protection of a state medical marijuana law. Now, some 50 million do, but that means some 250 million don't. While progress has been made, it has been slow, and there is plenty more to do.

Legalizing Pot Makes Sense

from National Post (Canada), July 11, 2007

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Home State Blues, or What's an Itinerant Activist To Do?

by psmith, July 10, 2007, 12:59pm

Your itinerant Drug War Chronicle has been bouncing around North America for the last few years, spending significant amounts of time in Washington state, British Columbia, Mexico, Northern California

Feature: Supreme Court Uses "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" Case to Limit Students' Speech Rights

by psmith, June 28, 2007, 08:06pm, (Issue #492)

In the "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" case, the Supreme Court has upheld the right of schools to prohibit speech advocating illegal drug use, but has also held the schools may not bar speech advocating political positions.

Feature: UN Releases Annual Drug Report, Countries Mark International Day Against Drugs With Bonfires, Propaganda Exercises, Death Sentences

by psmith, June 28, 2007, 05:02pm, (Issue #492)

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Tuesday released its annual world drug report and marked the International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking. Both actions are drawing criticism.

Marijuana: No More Automatic Arrest for Possession in Texas

by psmith, June 27, 2007, 11:34pm, (Issue #492)

As of September 1, police in Texas will have the option of simply issuing a summons instead of arresting people caught with up to a quarter-pound of marijuana. Texas marijuana laws remain unchanged, but at least you might not go to jail.

Latin America: House Votes to Shift Andean Initiative Anti-Drug Funding to Development

by psmith, June 27, 2007, 10:51pm, (Issue #492)

The US House of Representatives last Friday voted to cut military anti-drug aid to Colombia and subject aerial spraying of coca crops to more restrictions. Now the measure heads for the Senate.

Incarceration: Jail and Prison Population at All-Time High (Again) -- Last Year Saw Biggest Increase Since 2000

by psmith, June 27, 2007, 09:03pm, (Issue #492)

The number of people behind bars reached another all-time high last year and it increased at the fastest rate since 2000. Drug prohibition contributes mightily.

Europe: Scottish Police Chief Says Time to Consider Prescribing Hard Drugs

by psmith, June 27, 2007, 07:52pm, (Issue #492)

A leading Scottish police chief says it is time to consider prescribing hard drugs to users in a bid to get a grip on acquisitive crime. Perhaps the Scottish new prime minister of Britain will lend an ear to the idea.

Let's Celebrate UN Anti-Drug Day...By Killing People

by psmith, June 27, 2007, 02:28pm

Yesterday was the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) annual International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Latin America: Mexico Purges Federal Police Chiefs in Drug Corruption Review

by psmith, June 26, 2007, 05:01pm, (Issue #492)

Mexico has purged its federal police chiefs in all 31 states and the Federal District to ensure police are fighting the drug traffic, not abetting it.

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, June 26, 2007, 04:35pm, (Issue #492)

Busy, busy. A Virginia police chief gets caught selling speed, a New Jersey State Trooper gets arrested for stealing and re-selling seized drugs, a New Jersey prison guard gets nailed trying to smuggle prescription drugs into the prison, a former Schenectady narc pleads guilty to ripping off cocaine from the evidence locker, a former Border Patrol agent is going to prison for stealing a bale of pot he was supposed to be guarding, and a corrupt Milwaukee cop wants back pay.

The Latest Imprisonment Numbers Are Out; No Surprises

by psmith, June 26, 2007, 03:28pm

The Bureau of Justice Statistics will tomorrow officially release its latest annual report on the number of prisoners in America.

High Court Bolsters Sentencing Guidelines

from Christian Science Monitor, June 22, 2007

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Plane Crash, Missing Person Search Hinder Pot Crop

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 01:59pm

Marijuana growing must be ubiquitous these days.

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 11:43am, (Issue #491)

A Puerto Rican narc gets caught robbing an armored car, a Mississippi cop gets nailed for selling and using speed, and a Toledo cop who liked to party too much cops a plea.

Search and Seizure: Supreme Court Rules Passengers Can Challenge Police Stops

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 11:42am, (Issue #491)

Passengers in vehicles stopped by police are effectively "seized" and may challenge the constitutionality of that seizure, the Supreme Court ruled in an unanimous opinion Monday.

Middle East: Iran Hangs Four for Drug Trafficking

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 11:42am, (Issue #491)

Iran executed four convicted drug traffickers on Saturday. That makes at least 102 executions in Iran so far this year.

Middle East: Dubai Sentences Two More Westerners To Prison Over Infinitesimal Amounts of Drugs

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 11:41am, (Issue #491)

The Dubai courts continue their harsh treatment of people possessing even tiny amounts of illicit drugs. This week, they sent a Canadian working for an Afghan anti-drug program to prison for four years for traces of hashish that he may have picked up in the course of his work.

Medical Marijuana: Rhode Island Legislature Overrides Veto to Make Law Permanent

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 11:10am, (Issue #491)

Rhode Island's medical marijuana law is here to stay. The legislature this week voted decisively to override a gubernatorial veto of a bill that would make it permanent.

Medical Marijuana: Connecticut Governor Vetoes Bill

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 11:10am, (Issue #491)

A medical marijuana bill passes both houses of the Connecticut legislature, but Gov. Jodi Rell has now vetoed it.

Methamphetamine: With Meth Labs Plunging to Near Zero, Nevada Moves to Track Cold Remedies

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 10:55am, (Issue #491)

Nevada's governor has signed an anti-meth lab bill that further restricts the purchase of over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies. Problem is, nobody is cooking meth in Nevada anymore.

Feature: North Dakota Farmers Sue DEA Over Hemp Growing Ban

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 10:53am, (Issue #491)

A pair of North Dakota farmers have been granted state permits to grow hemp, but the DEA has refused to act on their federal license applications. Now the farmers are going to federal court to ask that the agency be told to butt out.

Feature: Move to Undo Higher Education Act Drug Provision Passes Senate Committee

by psmith, June 22, 2007, 10:43am, (Issue #491)

A key Senate committee voted Wednesday to remove the infamous "drug question" from the federal financial aid form. With a measure calling for outright repeal expected to pass the House, it could be the beginning of the end for Souder's Folly.

Feature: ONDCP Kicks Off Annual Summer Marijuana Scare Campaign With Report Linking Drugs to Gangs, Violence

by psmith, June 21, 2007, 05:23pm, (Issue #491)

With the summer season now underway, the drug czar's office has released a scary new report linking youth marijuana and other drug use to gang membership and violence. Critics say there is less there than meets the eye.

North Dakota Farmers File Lawsuit Against DEA Over Hemp Ban

by psmith, June 18, 2007, 04:13pm

This afternoon, I particpated in a tele-news conference held in Bismarck, North Dakota, to announce the filing of a federal lawsuit by two North Dakota farmers (including a Republican state representa

Advanced Drug Testing: Creepy Science, Creepy Scientists

by psmith, June 17, 2007, 03:09pm

A German electronic newsletter about scientific innovations advises that a Russian

Doctor or Drug Pusher?

from New York Times Magazine, June 16, 2007

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Middle East: Dubai Customs Busts Canadian UN Afghan Drug Worker

by psmith, June 14, 2007, 11:32pm, (Issue #490)

Strict drug law enforcement at the Dubai airport has snagged yet another Westerner -- this time, a Canadian working for the UN anti-drug agency in Afghanistan.

South Pacific: Northern Mariana Islands in Tizzy Over Marijuana Decriminalization Proposal

by psmith, June 14, 2007, 11:32pm, (Issue #490)

Trouble in paradise? The hint of a proposal for marijuana decriminalization from the top law enforcement official of the Northern Mariana Islands has blown up a typhoon of criticism.

Chronicle Book Review: "Shroom: A Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom," by Andy Letcher (2007, Ecco/HarperCollins Publishers, 360 pp, $25.95 HB.)

by psmith, June 14, 2007, 11:31pm, (Issue #490)

With "Shrooms," British historian (and psychedelic folk band member) Andy Letcher has written a fine revisionist history of the magic mushroom. Modern myco-cultists will be disappointed with his findings, but the ride is entirely enjoyable.

Good-Bye: One Woman Drug War Victim Dies, Another is About To

by psmith, June 14, 2007, 11:29pm, (Issue #490)

We say good-bye this week to two women victims of the drug war, Veronica Flournoy, who went from drug war prisoner to reformer, and Crystal Ferguson, whose arrest for testing positive for cocaine at childbirth led eventually to a victory at the Supreme Court

Sentencing: Supreme Court to Decide Crack Sentencing Case

by psmith, June 14, 2007, 11:27pm, (Issue #490)

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a Virginia man sentenced under the harsh federal crack cocaine laws. This is the third case having to do with federal sentencing the court has taken in recent months.

Law Enforcement: Almost No Drug Warrants in Atlanta Since Police Gunned Down Old Woman in Botched Drug Raid

by psmith, June 14, 2007, 11:25pm, (Issue #490)

Atlanta police have virtually stopped seeking drug search warrants in the six months since narcs executing a fraudulent "no-knock" warrant shot and killed a 92-year-old woman.

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, June 14, 2007, 11:25pm, (Issue #490)

Yet another prison guard goes down, and a Georgia narc gets caught sleeping with his snitches.

Feature: Is Mexico's Drug War "Calderón's Iraq"?

by psmith, June 14, 2007, 10:57pm, (Issue #490)

Shortly after taking office late last year, Mexican President Felipe Calderón called on the army to take on the drug traffickers. Six months in, the death toll is mounting on all sides, but the drugs just keep coming.

Medical Marijuana: New York Bill Passes General Assembly, But Now Senate Balks

by psmith, June 13, 2007, 11:34pm, (Issue #490)

A medical marijuana bill has passed the New York General Assembly and the governor has indicated he would sign it, but now, the Republican-dominated state Senate is balking.

Bush Seeks to Re-Impose Mandatory Minimums

from CBS News, June 13, 2007

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Latest Entry in the Annals of Excess Department

by psmith, June 13, 2007, 09:51pm

This is not directly drug war related, but this is such an asinine abuse of both police and prosecutorial power that I thought I needed to share it.

Mexico is Bleeding

by psmith, June 11, 2007, 10:13pm

I can't avoid writing about Mexico again this week.

Why do we let cops be our "drug experts"?

by psmith, June 10, 2007, 02:06pm

We see this at all levels, from the local DARE officer misinforming the kids to national law enforcement associations lobbying for more funding to top cops explaining why marijuana is not a medicine.

Death Penalty: Two More Drug Offenders Sentenced in Vietnam, One Executed in Saudi Arabia

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:40pm, (Issue #489)

The nations of Southeast Asia and the Middle East continue to inflict the death penalty on drug offenders. This week, two Vietnamese peasants got the ultimate sanction and a Saudi got beheaded.

Marijuana: Mendocino County Supervisors Say Legalize It

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:40pm, (Issue #489)

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors has sent a letter to lawmakers urging the legalization of marijuana. It was a belated response to a ballot measure passed by local voters six years ago.

Medical Marijuana: Rhode Island Governor Vetoes Bill, Override Expected

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:40pm, (Issue #489)

Gov. Donald Carcieri has vetoed a bill that would make Rhode Island's medical marijuana law permanent, but legislative leaders are vowing to override it -- as they did the last time.

Middle East: Don't Take Your Doobies to Dubai

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:38pm, (Issue #489)

Travelers beware! Having even the smallest detectable amount of hash or marijuana on you when traveling to Dubai can mean you'll be spending years in prison.

Latin America: Colombia Coca Production Up Again Despite Massive Eradication Efforts

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:38pm, (Issue #489)

The US government reported Monday that coca cultivation had increased in Colombia again last year -- despite a massive aerial herbicide spraying campaign and $700 million in US aid. The announcement comes as congressional Democrats attempt to cut anti-drug aid to Colombia.

Racial Profiling: It's Getting Worse in Missouri

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:37pm, (Issue #489)

Driving While Black continues to be problematic in Missouri -- and it's getting worse.

Elected Officials: Baltimore Councilman Calls for Drug Legalization

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:37pm, (Issue #489)

Frustrated by endless drug war and associated crime and violence, a Baltimore city council member says it's time to talk about drug legalization.

Medical Marijuana: Connecticut Bill Passes Legislature

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:36pm, (Issue #489)

The Connecticut legislature has passed a medical marijuana bill. Now it's up to Gov. Jodi Rell (R) to sign it, veto it, or just get out of the way. If she does nothing, the bill becomes law.

This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:36pm, (Issue #489)

Well, thank goodness for crooked prison guards! If it wasn't for them, all we would have is blank space here this week.

Feature: Fireworks at Book Forum in Washington as "Lies, Damn Lies, and Drug War Statistics" Authors Confront ONDCP Official

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:34pm, (Issue #489)

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) came under withering criticism at an event hosted by the Cato Institute last Thursday -- and hit back. Here's a taste.

Feature: Canadian Mom Searching for Missing Daughter Denied Entry to US Over 21-Year-Old Drug Conviction

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:32pm, (Issue #489)

Canadian Glendene Grant's daughter went missing in Las Vegas last year. Now, US officials won't let her entry the country to look for her because she has a two-decades old drug conviction.

Feature: Congress Moves to End Ban on DC Needle Exchange Funding

by psmith, June 07, 2007, 11:31pm, (Issue #489)

In 1998, ideologically driven congressional Republicans barred the District of Colombia from using even its own money to fund needle exchange programs. Now, congressional Democrats are moving to end that ban.

More Border Blues--Canadian Mom Searching for Missing Daughter Denied Entry

by psmith, June 05, 2007, 03:48pm

Just two weeks ago, in an article titled Border Blues, we wrote about how both the Canadian and the US

Everyone Profits at Helmand's Drug Bazaar--The poppy harvest is in and everyone from the Taliban to local government officials is cooperating to get the opium crop to market.

from ISN Security Watch, June 05, 2007

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Mexico's President is Half Right

by psmith, June 03, 2007, 02:46pm

Mexican President Felipe Calderon told Deutsche Press-Agentur this weekend that America's drug habit is the cause of Mexico's drug prohibition-related violence.

Mexican President Blames US for Drug War

from Press TV, June 03, 2007

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Northern Province Says No to Opium

from Institute for War and Peace Reporting, June 02, 2007

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Feature: Battle Royal Looms as Canadian Government Set to Unveil Tough Anti-Drug Strategy

by psmith, May 31, 2007, 10:25pm, (Issue #488)

The Harper government in Canada is about to unveil its new national drug strategy -- it's bad -- and opponents are gathering forces.

Feature: Ed Rosenthal Convicted Again in Pyrrhic Victory for Feds

by psmith, May 31, 2007, 08:52pm, (Issue #488)

Federal prosecutors managed to win another conviction against Ed Rosenthal after he was prevented from mounting a medical marijuana defense, but he won't do another day in jail, and his continuing persecution has sparked a novel form of civil disobedience in the courtroom.

Search and Seizure: California Federal Court Throws Out Warrantless Cell Phone Searches

by psmith, May 31, 2007, 06:07pm, (Issue #488)

Police need a search warrant to peruse the contents of a cell phone, even if its owner has been arrested or is being booked, a federal court in San Francisco held.

Law Enforcement: US Senate Passes Bill to Restore Drug Task Force Grants

by psmith, May 31, 2007, 06:04pm, (Issue #488)

Even the Bush administration wanted to get rid of the federal grant program that funds multi-agency drug task forces at the state and local level. But spurred by powerful law enforcement interests, the Senate has voted to restore funding.

Europe: New Restrictions on Some Dutch Cannabis Coffee Shops

by psmith, May 31, 2007, 03:50pm, (Issue #488)

The screws are tightening on Holland's famous cannabis coffee shops. Rotterdam is cutting their number by nearly half, while Maastricht coffee shop owners are instituting a fingerprinting and ID scan scheme to try to avoid the heat.

Medical Marijuana: Rhode Island Bill Passes With Veto-Proof Majorities

by psmith, May 31, 2007, 03:43pm, (Issue #488)

A bill making Rhode Island's medical marijuana law permanent has passed both houses of the legislature with veto-proof majorities. Although Gov. Donald Carcieri is threatening a veto, it doesn't appear he will be able to stop it.

A New Activist's Tactic Emerges in the Rosenthal Trial

by psmith, May 31, 2007, 02:04pm

One of the feature stories I'm working on this week is the Ed Rosenthal re-trial on federal marijuana production and distribution charges, which ended yesterday with a split verdict.

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, May 30, 2007, 11:25pm, (Issue #488)

Marijuana gone missing from the evidence room, a sheriff pleads guilty, a cop gets arrested for leaking an investigation, and a trooper gets oral sex, but loses his job. Just another week of prohibition-related police misbehavior.

Search and Seizure: Minnesota Supreme Court Okays Drug Dog Sniff Outside Apartment Door

by psmith, May 30, 2007, 10:21pm, (Issue #488)

The Minnesota Supreme Court has upheld the use of drug dogs to sniff the exterior of residences based on the "articulable suspicion" -- not the higher level of proof required by probable cause.

Southeast Asia: More Death Sentences for Drug Offenses

by psmith, May 30, 2007, 09:47pm, (Issue #488)

The Southeast Asian version of the drug war keeps producing more death sentences, with nine handed out Tuesday in Indonesia and seven more the same day in Vietnam.

Ponder This Graph for a Moment, Please

by psmith, May 29, 2007, 01:21pm

(graph from WOLA/AIN memo, link below) This graph shows what about $10 billion in US taxpayer dollars has accomplished.

Why the US is Losing Its War on Cocaine

from The Independent (UK), May 28, 2007

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Presidential Politics: Democrat Mike Gravel is Latest to Say Legalize

by psmith, May 24, 2007, 09:52pm, (Issue #487)

Former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel made a splash at the first Democratic presidential debate last month in South Carolina. That's drawing attention to his drug policy platform and recent statements supporting the regulation and control of drugs.

Medical Marijuana: Rhode Island Bill Awaits Expected Veto, Override

by psmith, May 24, 2007, 09:01pm, (Issue #487)

After final procedural votes this week, the Rhode Island legislature has sent a bill making the state's medical marijuana law permanent to Gov. Donald Carcieri. He's threatening to veto it, but the legislature has the votes to override as it did last year.

Medical Marijuana: MPP, Michigan Activists Launch Initiative Campaign

by psmith, May 24, 2007, 08:41pm, (Issue #487)

Signature-gathering is set to begin in force for a medical marijuana initiative campaign getting underway in Michigan.

Feature: Border Blues -- Canada, US Both Bar People Who Used Drugs -- Ever

by psmith, May 24, 2007, 08:07pm, (Issue #487)

Planning to cross the US-Canadian border? No matter which direction you're going, they don't want you if you ever used drugs.

Feature: With UMass Researcher One Decision Away From Approval to Grow Marijuana, Supporters Turn Up the Heat on the DEA

by psmith, May 24, 2007, 02:27pm, (Issue #487)

With a DEA administrative law judge ruling in favor of a Massachusetts agronomist's request to grow marijuana for research purposes, supporters are turning up the heat on the DEA to heed that ruling.

Latin America: UN Drug Office Blames Central American Crime and Violence on Drugs, Not Prohibition

by psmith, May 23, 2007, 11:09pm, (Issue #487)

A new report from the UN drug office warns that Central America is being submerged in drugs and crime. It recommends heightening prohibitionist efforts.

In Memoriam: Medical Marijuana Researcher, Advocate Dr. Tod Mikuriya Dead at 73

by psmith, May 23, 2007, 10:10pm, (Issue #487)

The medical marijuana movement has lost a pioneering researcher and advocate. Dr. Tod Mikuriya is dead at age 73.

Medical Marijuana: Connecticut Bill Passes House, Heads for Senate

by psmith, May 23, 2007, 09:20pm, (Issue #487)

Despite opposition by law enforcement and one opponent's virtual legislative crusade, medical marijuana passed the Connecticut House of Representatives by a wide margin.

Medical Marijuana: Minnesota Bill Dies Without House Vote as Legislature Adjourns

by psmith, May 23, 2007, 08:42pm, (Issue #487)

A bill that would have added Minnesota to the list of medical marijuana states has died after the House adjourned without a final floor vote. But it has already passed the Senate, and under the state's two-year session, it won't have to again next year.

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, May 22, 2007, 11:13pm, (Issue #487)

The beat goes on: State troopers running Oxycontin rings, problem ex-cops running Oxycontin rings, and another conviction in the infamous Dallas "pool chalk" scandal.

Middle East: Opium Poppies Flower Again in Iraq

by psmith, May 22, 2007, 10:32pm, (Issue #487)

Opium poppies flourished along the Euphrates River when the Sumerians ruled. Now, amidst civil war and chaos, they are returning to Iraq.

Europe: Finnish Left Party's Youth Organization Calls for Marijuana Legalization

by psmith, May 22, 2007, 04:18pm, (Issue #487)

The youth affiliate of Finland's Left Alliance Party is calling for the legalization of marijuana use and home cultivation.

Remedial Psychedelic Ethics 101: Don't Dose People

by psmith, May 21, 2007, 10:30pm

You wouldn’t think people who are prominent members of the psychedelic community would need a reminder about elementary decency, but, sadly, that appears to be the case.

More Reefer Madness Yellow Journalism in Australia

by psmith, May 19, 2007, 03:48pm

More Australian Reefer Madness Journalism Yesterday, we published a newsbrief about the Australian med

Drug War Chronicle Book Review: "The Heroin Solution" by Arnold Trebach (2nd ed., 2006, Unlimited Publishing, 330 pp., $19.99 pb.)

by psmith, May 17, 2007, 08:55pm, (Issue #486)

Arnold Trebach wrote "The Heroin Solution" in 1982. That it is still relevant and relevatory is a sad commentary on how far we've come since then. We review it on the occasion of its republication.

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