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Friday, July 03, 2009


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Ecstasy
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Higher Education Act (HEA) Reform
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International Reform
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Methamphetamines
Mexico
Narco-Funded Terrorism
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Nixon
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Pain Management
Peru
Police Shootings & Botched Raids
Prop 36
Racial Profiling
Recommended Reading
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South America
Thailand
Treatment Alternatives to Incarceration
Tulia
United Kingdom Moves Toward Reform
United Nations: News and Reports


The drug war lies on a foundation of myth. Learn the truth. Get the facts. Updated regularly, Drug War Facts is the premier information source on drug policies, offering up-to-date information with full citations to aid in further research. Individual sections as well as full edition available at DrugWarFacts.org. Most recently updated Nov. 5, 2008.

Spread the word! Put a Drug War Facts banner on YOUR website. Also check out these CSDP banners for your site.

Download the 6th edition of Drug War Facts (note: this is a 1Meg file). Also available in print.)


Pot And The President

Nixon White House Tapes -- March 24, 1972, 3:02-3:39 pm -- Oval Office Conversation No. 693-1 -- press conference
Unknown reporter: "Mr. President, uh, do you have a comment sir on the, uh, recommendation of your commission on drugs that the use of marijuana in the home be, uh, no longer, uh, considered a crime?"
Pres. Nixon: "Um, I met with Mr. Shafer, uh, I've read the report, uh, eh, it is a report that deserves consideration and will receive it. However, as to one aspect of the report I am in disagreement. I was before I read it and reading it did not change my mind. Uh, I, uh, oppose the legalization of marijuana, and that includes the sale, its possession, and its use. I do not believe you can have effective criminal justice, uh, based on the philosophy, uh that something is half legal and half illegal. That is my position, despite what the commission has recommended."

Crime. Hard drugs. An unpopular war abroad. And so an American president declares war on marijuana. The past really does repeat itself. Nixon's Drug War has lessons for the present.


The Drug Truth Network broadcasts from the studios of KPFT in Houston, TX, to more than 69 affiliate stations in the US and Canada. DTN's flagship program, Cultural Baggage, airs every Wednesday at 11:30am Central time. DrugTruth's Century of Lies is broadcast Tuesdays at 11:30am Central time. In addition, DTN produces daily 3-minute newsfeeds, the 4:20 Drug War News. Past shows are available in the DTN archive. Learn the truth about the war on drugs, check out the Drug Truth Network.

Subscribe to the Cultural Baggage, the Century of Lies, and the 4:20 News podcasts. Point your podcast software to these URLs:
http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=views/latest_cb/feed
http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=views/latest_col/feed
http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=views/latest_420/feed


US drug 'war' in Mexico results in many real casualties as Mexican citizens literally caught in crossfire. Officials in police, military, even president's office implicated in drug-trafficking, corruption, and violence. Click here for more about the US drug war in Mexico.


Canadian Drug Policy Reform

Canadians urge their government to avoid undertaking a US-style 'drug war.' Research on heroin maintenance for hardcore addicts in Canada: North American Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI) sparks controversy. Should the US stop pushing counterproductive policies and start learning from its northern neighbor?


Marijuana, or cannabis, is used by millions of people around the US and the world. It is relatively less dangerous than alcohol, yet it is prohibited in the US. Learn more about marijuana and its effects by clicking here. Also visit Drug War Facts: Marijuana for more information.


Pain management: where healthcare and drug control policies intersect. Check out ManagingPain.org, the Common Sense project specifically addressing pain management, diversion, and related issues.


Families, Students Organize Against Repressive Anti-Drug Measures

How free is student speech? The Supreme Court will decide. Drug testing at schools? Federal research shows it doesn't work. Police raids at high schools? Students organize to uphold their rights. For news and information about the impact of the drug war on families, students, and youth. Also, check out Drug War Facts: Families.


Common Sense RSS News Feeds & DrugTruth Podcasts

Common Sense for Drug Policy now offers an RSS news feed. Keep up to date with news and information about drug control policy by subscribing to this free service.

Also, CSDP and the DrugTruth Network are collaborating to provide podcasts of the DTN's Cultural Baggage program, a half-hour news program focusing on the drug war. To learn how to subscribe to these services, click here.


ONDCP Watch

ONDCP's drug control strategy & budget reports ignore billions in federal spending on enforcement side, including $3 billion for incarceration of federal drug prisoners. Click here for news & information about the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the federal drug strategy.

Reformers point out there are effective alternatives in an 8-point plan to control drug abuse and the drug markets. A PDF copy of "Eight Steps" can be downloaded by clicking here.


Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Heroin Addiction Treatment

In the US, methadone clinics face heightened restrictions in several states, localities in spite of their record of success. Internationally, countries discuss expansion of access to methadone, buprenorphine and heroin maintenance. Meanwhile research shows that access to opiate agonist therapy helps reduces HIV transmission among injection drug users. Click here for more news about heroin and methadone maintenance treatment.


Methamphetamine

Federal, state authorities move against some domestic methamphetamine production and trafficking yet laws seem to be backfiring as use remains high and imported product floods market. Click here for more news about methamphetamine in the US. Also, check out Drug War Facts: Methamphetamine for more background info.

Check out this PDF of CSDP's PSA, Is It Sound Policy To Jail Expectant Mothers?


Current US drug policy is focused on ineffective supply reduction and law enforcement approaches. Reformers point out even short of full-on legalization there are effective drug policy alternatives in an 8-point plan to control drug abuse and the drug markets. A PDF copy of "Eight Steps" can be downloaded by clicking here.


Drug War In Asia

Afghan opium production at record highs. Amnesty International, other human rights groups and AIDS activists denounce Thai drug war. Click here for the latest news about the US drug war in Asia.


Overzealous Enforcement & Fatal Errors

Police raids on the wrong properties, innocent citizens victimized by overzealous enforcement, suspects shot by over-eager agents, innocent citizens denounced by paid informants, lives lost or threatened because of official mistakes; these stories demand a second look. Click here to find out more.


Syringe exchanges and safe injection facilities work to reduce spread of HIV/AIDS. Review data from the US Centers for Disease Control, reports from Health Canada and the Dogwood Center, and more. Click here for the latest news and information about syringe exchanges.


New Research

Federal spin on drug war unravels on examination. Research shows decriminalizing marijuana saves money, police time. Click here for more info and links to source materials. Also check out CSDP's research section for additional materials.


Initiatives Move Drug Policy Reform Forward

Citizens, fed up with inaction, are enacting reforms to drug control policies by direct vote. Several states and localities have already passed ballot measures legalizing medical marijuana, setting rational drug enforcement priorities, and mandating treatment instead of incarceration. Click here to find out more.


Marijuana is medicine for millions of patients around the US. Federal opposition persists in spite of successful medical marijuana programs in several states. States, cities moving to allow medical use by those in need. Click here for the latest news and information about medical marijuana.


Drug policy reform continues to generate controversy but moves slowly ahead in United Kingdom. Click here for the latest news about UK drug reform.


Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies that reduce negative consequences of drug use, incorporating a spectrum of strategies from safer use, to managed use to abstinence. Some aspects of harm reduction such as needle exchanges, safe injection sites, and heroin maintenance can generate controversy yet are effective drug control strategies. Click here for more info. Also, check out this CSDP public service ad, US Meddling In Global AIDS Crisis: "A Triumph of Ideology Over Science."


International Drug Policy Reform

UN issues World Drug Report 2006. Policies in many European nations move toward reform, harm reduction and decriminalization. Drug warrior nations find repressive policies backfire. Click to find out more. Also check out Drug War Facts: International Policies & Trends.


Focus On Ecstasy

Feds approve research on medical use of ecstasy to treat PTSD. Scientists admit 'killer' ecstasy claim was false. RAVE Act used to stop NORML benefit in Montana. Racine backs down, dismisses charges against 440 rave-goers. Activists protest federal RAVE Act. Click here to find out more.


States Push For Legal Hemp

Federal court rejects DEA ban on hemp foods. Several states endorse legal hemp production; Find out more by clicking here .


Research proves ONDCP ad campaign consistently fails to have positive impact and may be counterproductive.


The Experts Directory

The Directory of Drug Policy Experts was created by the Partnership for Responsible Drug Information (PRDI). Recognizing its value, Common Sense secured permission from PRDI to post the Directory on its site and to periodically update it. By consenting to be listed, the experts do not imply any endorsement of CSDP or its positions or proposals. In turn, individuals are listed herein based solely on the basis of their expertise. To check out the Directory, click here.


NarcoTerror -- The Convergence Of Prohibition And Terrorism

Heroin resurgence in post-war Afghanistan. Experts now fear that opium production spreading to neighboring Pakistan. Click here to find out more.

Check out this Common Sense public service ad which asks, "Is the funding of terrorism another unintended consequence of drug prohibition?" and this ad, "Now That We're In A Real War..."





Just Released

10 minute DVD: "Protestant, Catholic and Jewish Clergy Speak Out Against The War On Drugs." This important new documentary is also available on DVD directly from the Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative.


US Drug War In South America

Reports show significant increases in Colombian coca production, meanwhile purity up, prices down. White House pushes to send more troops and military aid to Colombia. US digs itself deeper into conflict as unrest, drug production and trafficking problems grow in other South American countries. Click here for more about the US drug war in South America.


Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

One of the fastest-growing organizations working for drug legalization today is Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Learn more about LEAP and why they're now fighting to end the drug war. Check out the new LEAP video produced by CSDP chair Mike Gray. In the words of retired anchorman Walter Cronkite: "Anyone concerned about the failure of our $69 billion-a-year War on Drugs should watch this 12-minute program. You will meet front line, ranking police officers who give us a devastating report on why it cannot work. It is a must-see for any journalist or public official dealing with this issue."


Official Corruption

Official Corruption: an inevitable byproduct of the war on drugs? That's been the experience of many US cities as well as globally. Click here for more info.


Cities & Counties Organizing Against The Drug War

From Syracuse, NY to King County, WA, citizens are organizing against the war on drugs, forming broad coalitions and getting local governments involved in exploring alternatives.


Mandatory Minimums

Mandatory minimum sentences condemn many nonviolent drug offenders to unjustly long prison sentences. Without rehabilitation and treatment for offenders, prisons become breeding grounds of resentment and crime. Click here for the latest news about mandatory minimum sentences.
Schedule information for Journey for Justice available by visiting the Journey for Justice site.

See Drug War Facts: Mandatory Minimums and Drug War Facts: Prisons for more information. Also, check out this Common Sense public service advertisement on prison crowding and mandatory sentencing.


Afghan Drug War

European drug policy group calls for Afghan opium to be legalized, turned to legitimate medical uses. Afghanistan once again the world's largest producer of opium. Bad bedfellows: Some US-backed warlords engage in trafficking, may hinder development efforts. Current policies are failing yet more drastic measures still being considered in effort to control illicit heroin market.


Treatment Alternatives To Incarceration

Treatment alternatives to incarceration include intensive probation, drug courts, and the Prop36/DTEF model. Growing in popularity as prison populations swell, research proves rehabilitation and treatment work. Click here for more.


Higher Education Act Reform

Support grows for repeal of punitive drug provision of Higher Education Act. Law currently denies federal aid to people with previous drug convictions. Support grows for legislation to repeal HEA drug provision.
Also, check out Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Coalition for Higher Education Act Reform for more info and to get active on this issue.


Drug War Distortions

Countering The Lies:
Methamphetamines: The Facts. Marijuana and mental illness? Does more prison equal less crime? Is the 'Gateway Theory' true? Are marijuana users going to emergency rooms in record numbers? Do syringe exchanges encourage drug use? Several favorite drug warrior assertions are investigated, explained and refuted in Drug War Distortions.


Profiling & Racial Bias In The War On Drugs

Far too often, the drug war targets communities of color. From Tulia, TX, to New York, to Georgia and Kentucky and points in between, a few in authority create a huge problem for society by clamping down hard on the already-disenfranchised. Local community, churches and activists organize protests, demand action. Click here for news and information on racially biased drug control policies.


Reform Of New York's Rockefeller Laws

Baby steps toward reform: NY begins overhaul of Rockefeller Laws, yet bad policies continue to plague NY legal system & citizens. Broad coalition for reform includes activists, families of inmates, hiphop culture figures, and many others.


UN Drug Policy News, Research and Reports

UN AIDS organization stands up to US pressure, endorses needle exchanges in report while UN Office on Drugs and Crime succumbs, abandons support for successful anti-AIDS efforts and harm reduction concepts.


"Chronic Pain & Opioids: Debunking The Myths"

Chronic pain is a progressive disease of the nervous system. Chronic pain victims often benefit from supplementation with pharmaceutical opioids. Read more about this often-misunderstood and misreported subject in "Chronic Pain & Opioids: Debunking the Myths," by Frank B. Fisher, MD. Copies are also available in PDF.


Vital Information For Families

One of the most important online addiction resources available today: Addict in the Family by Dr. Andrew Byrne. Use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs cuts across all political, social and economic lines. Learn what to do if you discover you have an addict in the family. Also, read a review of 'Addict' from DRCNet's Week Online by clicking here.


DARE Revamps Program

Research confirms DARE is a failure. Proven alternatives are available. DARE program leaders concede critics are right, DARE is a failure, unveil new program.

For additional information, check out the Winter 2002 issue of ReconsiDer Quarterly. Also, read this paper by Rodney Skager, Professor Emeritus of the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California-Los Angeles, titled "On Reinventing Drug Education, Especially for Adolescents," , prepared for the 2nd International Conference on Drugs & Young People, April 4-6, 2001 in Melbourne, Australia. Another article of interest is this piece by Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse (MAMA) founder Sandee Burbank, "Dare To Tell Your Kids The Truth - Quandaries Of A Thinking Parent." Also, check out Drug War Facts: Adolescents / Education & Prevention of Substance Abuse for more information.


Recommended Reading: The Reformer's Bookshelf

Recommended Reading: Here are some great books on drug policy which should be part of anyone's library.


Eight Steps To Effective Drug Control: Reformers Present Ideas For New Federal Drug Strategy

We can no longer afford to pour $20 billion annually into a discredited drug strategy that has made our country less healthy and less safe. Experience and research in the USA and around the world shows that there are effective alternatives. This isn't just about saving money -- it's about protecting kids, saving families and preserving our long cherished American values. (Also for convenience, a PDF copy of "Eight Steps" can be downloaded by clicking here. And you can download a PDF of the CSDP news release on the Eight Step plan by clicking here.

Comparing Addictive Qualities of Popular Drugs

Top Stories on the Web

"Narcotics are moved by markets, not the 'war on drugs'," Money Week, July 3, 2009

"State officials announce new addiction treatment initiative," WCAX (VT), July 3, 2009

"Bentley driver's slaying in L.A. might have cartel link," Los Angeles Times, July 3, 2009

"Q+A: Opium and Afghanistan's insurgency," Reuters, July 3, 2009

"Extra troops fail to staunch Mexico bloodshed," AP, July 3, 2009

"Drug-cartel links haunt an election south of border," ,Wall Street Journal, July 3, 2009

"Powerful hallucinogen legal - for anyone - to buy," , KOB-TV (Albuquerque, NM), July 3, 2009

"Honor our hemp-raising patriots," Daily Kos, July 2, 2009

"Pot-based biotech firm hires investor relations firm," Silicon Beat, July 2, 2009

"Drugs policy needs shaking up: Report," Dutch News, July 2, 2009

"Police call in drug enforcement agents to probe Michael Jackson's death," Daily Mail (UK), July 2, 2009

"Marijuana should be allowed; Sri Lanka Indigenous Medicine Minister says," NIDAHASA News (Sri Lanka), July 2, 2009

"Waynesboro police: Psychedelic mushroom bust largest ever," Culpeper (VA) Star-Exponent, July 2, 2009

"Painkillers at a crossroads as FDA decision looms," Philadelphia (PA) Inquirer, July 2, 2009

"Chronic city: court says patients can collectively grow medical marijuana," SF Weekly, July 1, 2009

"Medical marijuana backers wary as ID cards readied," Riverside (CA) Press-Enterprise, July 1, 2009

"Medicinal cannabis bill voted down," 3 News (New Zealand), July 1, 2009

"Obama could send 1,500 National Guard troops to Mexican border," Christian Science Monitor, July 1, 2009

"Medical marijuana milestone: Zip ties sold," Ukiah (CA) Daily Journal, July 1, 2009

"Deposed Honduran [President] accused of drug ties," AP, July 1, 2009

"'Rachel's Law' provides uniform standards for police informants," Hernando (FL) Today, July 1, 2009

"Panel recommends ban on 2 popular painkillers," New York Times, July 1, 2009

"State legislators table medicinal marijuana bill," Delmarva Daily Times, July 1, 2009

"Police bust 21 students in university drug sweep," 24-7 Press Release / FindLaw PR, July 1, 2009

"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Veterans for Medical Marijuana Access," The Examiner, July 1, 2009

"City moves against pot dispensaries, prompting anger," Los Angeles (CA) Times, June 30, 2009

"Face-to-face with Afghanistan's opium addiction," Australian Broadcasting Corporation, June 30, 2009

"Tentacles of drug trafficking extend widely in Costa Rica," Latin American Herald Tribune, June 30, 2009

"This is your war on drugs," Mother Jones, June 30, 2009

"Medical marijuana goes mainstream," San Jose (CA) Mercury, June 30, 2009

"New drug crisis strategy," Sarasota (FL) Herald-Tribune, June 30, 2009

"Mexico frees 3 mayors for alleged drug ties," AP, June 30, 2009

"Group wants Lynch to veto medical pot bill," Nashua (NH) Telegraph, June 30, 2009

"Two Judges target penalty disparity for crack and powder cocaine offenses," Washington Post, June 29, 2009

"Two killed, 93 'corrupt cops' held in Mexico's drug war," RTTNews, June 29, 2009

"Herger fights for funding for drug enforcement on federal lands," American Chronicle, June 29, 2009

"The illegal quarter: Salvia Divinorum also banned in North Carolina," WebWire, June 29, 2009

"Michael Jackson probably OD'd -- just like thousands of Americans who fall victim to our overdose epidemic," Alternet, June 29, 2009

"Mass. prison system overcrowded; Patrick aims to fix it," MetroWest Daily News (Framingham, MA), June 29, 2009

"House subcommittee OKs pot on D.C. ballot," Washington Examiner, June 28, 2009

"Standoff over troop presence on border," Concord (NH) Monitor, June 28, 2009

"Good news from Colombia drug war masks increased production from Peru and Bolivia," St. Petersburg (FL) Times, June 28, 2009

"Traffickers assembling navy of drug-toting subs," Miami (FL) Herald, June 28, 2009

"US-built brides is windfall - for illegal Afghan drug trade," Fort Worth (TX) Star-Telegram, June 28, 2009

"UN pushes harm reduction model," Edmonton (Alberta) Sun, June 28, 2009

"Thinking outside the cellblock: Salt Lake County aims to free more jail space by more counseling," Salt Lake (UT) Tribune, June 27, 2009

"Holbrooke: US changing Afghan drug policy," AP, June 27, 2009

"Hoping for change in Guinea-Bissau," BBC, June 27, 2009

"Defendant can cross-examine forensic experts, Supreme Court rules," Los Angeles Times, June 26, 2009

"Our View: Build on success of needle exchange," Delaware Online, June 26, 2009

"Submarines: Outlawed," Strategy Page, June 26, 2009

"Doctors to aid efforts of drug rehab centers," The International Herald-Tribune (Greece and Cyprus), June 26, 2009

"Cocaine Wars Head South," Tico Times (Costa Rica), June 26, 2009

"NH gov still wary of medical marijuana," Examiner, June 26, 2009

"Medicinal cannabis bill," Scoop Independent News (New Zealand), June 26, 2009

"Cubs' Soto tested positive for marijuana at WBC," AP, June 25, 2009

"Supreme Court rejects school strip search," Reuters, June 25, 2009

"Cops return stolen marijuana," KDVR-TV (Boulder, CO), June 25, 2009

"Surprise plea bargains end mega medical marijuana case," Oroville (CA) Mercury-Register, June 25, 2009

"Americans are living and dying in a militarized police state; Examiner, June 25, 2009

"After lawmakers' OK, marijuana bill goes to Lynch," Nashua (NH) Telegraph, June 25, 2009

"Holder seeks support for cocaine-sentencing parity," Philadelphia (PA) Inquirer, June 25, 2009

"Op-Ed: A misguided 'war on drugs'," New York Times, June 25, 2009

"Education Dept. to simplify aid forms, seeks other changes," Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, June 25, 2009

"China executes 10 traffickers ahead of anti-drugs day," Monsters and Critics, June 25, 2009

"Violent crime soaring as cocaine costs rise," Edmonton Sun (Canada), June 25, 2009

"Methadone clinic sues DuBois," Courier-Express (DuBois, ID), June 25, 2009

"Afghan farmers ditch opium for saffron," Asia Times, June 25, 2009

"Legislature passes medical marijuana bill," AP / WMUR-TV (Manchester, NH), June 24, 2009

"UN backs drug decriminalization in World Drug Report," Huffington Post, June 24, 2009

"Solano to allow medical marijuana ID cards," San Francisco Chronicle (CA), June 24, 2009

"Mandatory sentences don't work," MetroWest Daily News (MA), June 24, 2009

"Medicinal marijuana dispensaries open in Wash.," Seattle Times (WA), June 24, 2009

"Change sought in Florida prison system," Miami Herald, June 24, 2009

"Maverick mayoral candidate wants to build pot industry in Flint," Michigan Live, June 24, 2009

"Pot dispensary moratorium approved in Santa Cruz," San Jose (CA) Mercury, June 24, 2009

"Special Report: Reporting, and surviving, in Ciudad Juarez," Committee to Protect Journalists, June 24, 2009

"County supervisors OK issuance of pot ID cards," San Diego Union-Tribune, June 24, 2009

"Canada top ecstasy producer: report," The Globe and Mail (Candada), June 24, 2009

"San Bernardino County gets ready for medical marijuana," Riverside (CA) Press-Enterprise, June 23, 2009

"In Colombia, drug war targets 'narcosubs'," Christian Science Monitor, June 23, 2009

"Marijuana bill restrictions," The Times of Trenton (NJ), June 23, 2009

"Mexican cartel battle shifts," El Paso (TX) Times, June 23, 2009

"Mayor sues over dog-killing raid," Washington Times, June 23, 2009

"Barney Frank introduces marijuana legislation," Huffington Post, June 23, 2009

"Groups want end to drug offense executions," United Press International (London), June 23, 2009

"APD Officer Loses Gun, Fails Drug Test," CBS Atlanta (GA), June 23, 2009

"San Bernardino County Health Department to present proposed fees for medical marijuana ID cards," Inland Valley (CA) Daily Bulletin, June 22, 2009

"Rhode Island will license medical marijuana shops," AlterNet, June 22, 2009

"Medical pot bill is a sign of times," News Journal (DE), June 22, 2009

"Drug use in Pakistan," Pak Tribune (Pakistan), June 22, 2009

"Actress Kim backing marijuana under fire," The Korea Times, June 22, 2009

"Drug cartels in Mexico killing street dealers," AP, June 22, 2009

"Troops called in as latest salvo in drug war," Sun Times (Canada), June 22, 2009

"Crossfire towns," Christian Science Monitor, June 21, 2009

"Guns from America fuel Jamaica's gang wars," AP, June 21, 2009

"State rules marijuana smoke is a carcinogen, may require dispensaries to post warnings," San Jose (CA) Mercury News, June 20, 2009

"Designated immigration agents authorized to participate in drug enforcement," Los Angeles Times, June 19, 2009

"R.I.'s vote to allow chronically ill to buy marijuana puts new focus on Connecticut," Hartford (CT) Courant, June 19, 2009

"Sentencing laws must change," Denver (CO) Daily News, June 19, 2009

"First, determine what works best in school drug programs," News Journal (DE), June 19, 2009

"N.C. state panel debates medical marijuana," Myrtle Beach Sun News, June 19, 2009

"Once hush-hush, drug war plays big in Mexico vote," AP, June 19, 2009

"7 mayors involved in drug war," Straits News, June 19, 2009

"Budget omits grants for drug programs," USA Today, June 18, 2009

"Ambiguity in new marijuana law is cited," Detroit (MI) Free Press, June 18, 2009

"NC House Panel to consider medical marijuana bill," WFMY News 2 (NC), June 18, 2009

"Immigration agents to get more powers in drug war," Dallas (TX) Morning News, June 18, 2009

"Suppressed report raises questions about drug policy," Vancouver (Canada) Sun, June 18, 2009

"Rhode Island allows medical marijuana sales," AP / Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, MA), June 17, 2009

"Order to testify in pot case puts doctors on the spot," Detroit (MI) News, June 17, 2009

"A ray of hope for prisons," Asheville Citizen-Times, June 17, 2009

"Drug war moves cultivation inside," News-Journal (FL), June 17, 2009

"Marijuana can bring in some serious revenue," Jamaica Observer, June 17, 2009

"Care centers can dispense medical marijuana," Providence Journal, June 16, 2009

"More are asking: Is it time to legalize pot?," Seattle (WA) Times, June 16, 2009

"County in rare group as a certified drug-free workplace," News-Enterprise (KY), June 16, 2009

"Drug abuse at an all-time high," Wigan Evening Post, June 16, 2009

"Legal pot in California in 2010? 'Oaksterdam' provides the model," AlterNet, June 15, 2009

"Drug czar Kerlikowske leads shift in drug policy," NPR, June 15, 2009

"Group seeks drug legalization in Oklahoma," Oklahoman, June 15, 2009

"Criminalizing marijuana carries a high cost," Daily Evergreen, June 15, 2009

"Medical marijuana," (DC) Examiner, June 15, 2009

"Parents worry about spread of little-known, legal hallucinogen that's big on YouTube," Wichita (KS) Eagle, June 15, 2009

"Why are some things legal and others not?," Times & Transcript (Canada), June 15, 2009

"Mexico drug war: New cartel infiltrated Michoacan state, officials say," Chicago (IL) Tribune, June 15, 2009

"Unlikely heroin confession," Chicago (IL) Tribune, June 14, 2009

"Drugs won the war," New York (NY) Times, June 13, 2009

"Hey progressives: Why don't you care about the drug war like you care about other issues?," AlterNet, June 12, 2009

"Prison term for a seller of medical marijuana," NY Times, June 12, 2009

"Pot legalization group targets Vegas," Las Vegas Sun, June 12, 2009

"US drug czar calls for end to 'war on drugs' rhetoric," La Estrella (Panama), June 12, 2009

"Mandatory minimums won't make Canadian streets safer," Sault Star (Canada), June 12, 2009

"Cocaine war fails sniff test," Calgary (Canada) Sun, June 12, 2009

"Pot dispensary owner sentenced to a year and a day in prison," LA (CA) Times, June 11, 2009

"Inject new thinking into America's drug woes," Roanoke (VA) Times, June 11, 2009

"Backers of legal pot eye ballot," San Francisco (CA) Chronicle, June 11, 2009

"Half of men arrested test positive for illegal drugs," Opposing Views, June 11, 2009

"PDEA taps 3 NGOs to champion war against illegal drugs," Philippine Information Agency, June 11, 2009

"Drug control: Stakeholders brainstorm," Leadership (Nigeria), June 11, 2009

"Ex-bar head: Public favors treatment over jail for addicts," Boston (MA) Herald, June 10, 2009

"2009 Drug Market Analyses for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas available on line," PR Newswire, June 10, 2009

"Federal judge suggests leniency for medical marijuana sentencing Thursday," CommonDreams.org, June 10, 2009

"Medical marijuana collective files complaint against Palm Springs," The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA), June 10, 2009

"Los Angeles closes marijuana dispensary loophole," (DC) Examiner, June 10, 2009

"Drug war in U.S. waged with fanfare, but no victory in sight," The (FL) Ledger, June 10, 2009

"Hailey nominates members for marijuana oversight committee," Southern Idaho Business, June 10, 2009

"Nation joins forces with Cambodia in drug war," Viet Nam News, June 10, 2009

"It's police vs. police in Mexican drug war," The Star (Canada), June 10, 2009

"RI lawmakers OK medical marijuana bill by wide margin," Providence (RI) Journal, June 9, 2009

"Marijuana laws keep demand, price high, STU professor says," Daily Gleaner (CA), June 9, 2009

"A modest proposal for medical marijuana," TriCity Herald (WA), June 9, 2009

"State targets doctor shopping," News-Journal (FL), June 9, 2009

"Inmate pleased with Rockefeller reforms," Capital News 9, June 9, 2009

"Croatian supreme court allows marijuana for stressed-out war veteran," Sofia Echo, June 9, 2009

"Using drones in the drug war," TIME, June 8, 2009

"Schwarzenegger's call to consider marijuana legalization to boost taxes is 'irresponsible,' says Chairman of DARE Board," Medical News Today, June 8, 2009

"Drug habits see a major shift," BBC, June 8, 2009

"Project attacks meth use in Colo. with startling ads," Denver (CO) Post, June 8, 2009

"Confessions of a pragmatic dope smoker," Philadelphia (PA) Daily News, June 8, 2009

"Sophisticated north-south networks smuggle coke into Canada," Vancouver (Canada) Sun, June 8, 2009

"Clash between drug gang and Mexican army kills 17," Reuters, June 7, 2009

"New Jersey wrestles with medical marijuana legislation," Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger, June 7, 2009

"Canada's mail-order pot dealer taunts US," AP / San Francisco (CA) Chronicle, June 7, 2009

"Don't expect DEA raids on NM medical marijuana dispensaries," New Mexico Independent, June 6, 2009

"Los Angeles medical marijuana dispensaries could face closure," LA (CA) Times, June 6, 2009

"US plan to fight drug cartels lacks agency leaders," AP, June 6, 2009

"Anti-drug plan set for Mexican border," Washington (DC) Post, June 6, 2009

"Interview: US drug czar calls for end to 'war on drugs'," Reuters, June 5, 2009

"Meth education program developed for elementary students," Ukiah (CA) Daily Journal, June 5, 2009

"Assembly should OK medical marijuana," Courier-Post (NJ), June 5, 2009

"Tighter medical-marijuana bill clears panel," The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 5, 2009

"Peru cocaine labs polluting rivers, government says," Latin American Herald Tribune, June 5, 2009

"Everybody knows who really runs Mexico," Toronto (Canada) Star, June 5, 2009

"NJ Assembly committee passes bill to allow medical marijuana," Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger, June 4, 2009

"New beginning for Md. drug policy?," Baltimore (MD) Sun, June 4, 2009

"A fight against the War on Drugs," Utica (NY) Observer Dispatch, June 4, 2009

"Supreme Court recognizes marijuana's medical benefit," Croatian Times (Croatia), June 4, 2009

"Drug addicts jump 20 percent," Shanghai (China) Daily, June 4, 2009

"Historic capital explodes in violence," Toronto (Canada) Star, June 4, 2009

"'River' of US guns also flows north of the border," Christian Science Monitor, June 3, 2009

"Air Force recruiter charged with selling drugs," Providence (RI) Journal, June 3, 2009

"RI lawmakers poised to approve pot bill," AP / Cape Cod (MA) Times, June 3, 2009

"Medical marijuana bill clears Senate panel," WBOC-TV (Dover, DE), June 3, 2009

"L.A.'s medical pot dispensary moratorium led to a boom instead," Los Angeles (CA) Times, June 3, 2009

"Pharmacy robberies growing trend," AP, June 3, 2009

"U.S. accepts blame in narco-war," Toronto (Canada) Star, June 3, 2009

"Less is more in debate about prison population," NRC Handelsblad (Netherlands), June 3, 2009

"Legalize and regulate drug use," Toronto (Canada) Star, June 3, 2009

"Board shoots down medical marijuana," DesMoines (IA) Register, June 2, 2009

"The wrong approach to slowing teenage drug use," Denver (CO) Post, June 2, 2009

"Colombia finds 2 drug-smuggling subs," Latin American Herald Tribune, June 2, 2009

"Troops seize state, local police stations in northern Mexico," Latin American Herald Tribune, June 2, 2009

"Helping heroin addicts," Winnipeg (Canada) Free Press, June 2, 2009

"Officials to examine statewide drug issue," Berkshire Eagle (MA), June 1, 2009

"Bill would regulate medical marijuana," Holland (MI) Sentinel, June 1, 2009

"Heroin market back to the bad old days," ABC News, June 1, 2009

"Medical marijuana a longshot for Ohio," Toledo (OH) Blade, June 1, 2009

"Court challenge aims to legalize all cannabis use," National Post (Canada), June 1, 2009

"Canada's 'Prince of Pot' at war with US drug war," AP, May 31, 2009

"Elderly women charged with running drug business from Santiago home," Manchester (England) Guardian, May 31, 2009

"Medical marijuana users defend benefits of plant," Muskegon (MI) Chronicle, May 31, 2009

"Frye wants medical pot task force back," San Diego (CA) Union-Tribune, May 30, 2009

"Marijuana could bea financial boom for Lodi and San Joaquin County, supporter of legalization says," Lodi (CA) News-Sentinel, May 30, 2009

"War without borders: In heartland death, traces of heroin's spread," New York (NY) Times, May 30, 2009

"DA's plan would help some with DWIs clear record," Houston (TX) Chronicle, May 30, 2009

"Drug courts offer a path out of darkness," Herald-Times (SC), May 29, 2009

"Drug law changes upset GOP lawmakers," Buffalo (NY) News, May 29, 2009

"87% of arrested men on drugs," Chicago (IL) Sun-Times, May 29, 2009

"Union rejects random drug tests," The Republican (MA), May 29, 2009

"Del. bill would legalize pot," Delmarva (DE) Daily Times, May 29, 2009

"Governments' drug-abuse costs hit $468 billion, study says," NY Times, May 28, 2009

"Entrepreneurs blazing trail with medicinal marijuana," Chicago (IL) Tribune, May 28, 2009

"Study finds half of men arrested test positive for drugs," USA Today, May 28, 2009

"Illinois Senate approves medical marijuana bill," AP, May 28, 2009

"Medical marijuana bill introduced," Delaware Online, May 28, 2009

"Mexican officials sweat as drug-war tactics shift," Seattle (WA) Times, May 28, 2009

"Medical marijuana measure wins Illinois Senate approval," Chicago (IL) Tribune, May 27, 2009

"Step up effort on prison race disparity," DesMoines (IA) Register, May 27, 2009

"Marijuana grower loses to robbers, then police," Seattle (WA) Times, May 27, 2009

"Doing business in the time of Mexican drug chaos," Wall Street Journal, May 27, 2009

"10 mayors, other Mexico officials detained," Los Angeles Times, May 27, 2009

"U.S. big customer for Mexican drugs," Winston-Salem (NC) Journal, May 27, 2009

"New drug czar says war on drugs a national health issue," Oregonian, May 26, 2009

"The big question on legalized drugs," Trentonian (NJ), May 26, 2009

"Drivers chime in on drug policy," News Journal (DE), May 26, 2009

"Medical-marijuana patients await county's rollout of ID cards," Union Tribune (CA), May 26, 2009

"Quiet burbs draw cartels," Atlanta Journal Constitution, May 26, 2009

"Washington Post shamelessly promotes U.S. drug policy in Columbia," Colombia Journal, May 26, 2009

"Medical pot users need more than doctor's note," Detroit (MI) Free Press, May 25, 2009

"Poll finds readers support, by big margin, legal marijuana," Arizona Daily Star, May 25, 2009

"Clearlake begins drafting regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries, collectives," Lake Country News, May 25, 2009

"Buying cocaine is giving money to war," Toronto (Canada) Star, May 25, 2009

"Ghana's war on narcotic drugs," Ghana News, May 25, 2009

"Club backs medical marijuana," Battle Creek (MI) Enquirer, May 22, 2009

"How to fight a drug war," Times Union (NY), May 22, 2009

"Sprouting like weeds," LA Independent, May 22, 2009

"Selig claims drug policy is working," News & Observer (NC), May 22, 2009

"Afghan, U.S. forces kill 34 militants in drug raids," Reuters, May 22, 2009

"RI House approves 3 stores for medical marijuana," Boston (MA) Herald, May 21, 2009

"Marijuana's tipping point," Sacramento (CA) News & Review, May 21, 2009

"Willie Aikens fights to reverse disparity in cocaine laws," (NY) Daily News, May 21, 2009

"U.S. drug czar sets sights on abuse of prescriptions," Tennessean, May 21, 2009

"UN official praises Iran for 'holding back a flood of heroin'," Indian Express, May 21, 2009

"Time for drug treatment to rattle its saber," Washington Post, May 20, 2009

"Reputed up-and-coming Mexico drug cartel figure held," Los Angeles Times, May 20, 2009

"Autumn of the Capo: The diary of a drug lord," TIME, May 20, 2009

"Religious, medical defenses go up in smoke as pot farmer sentenced to 10 years in prison," Law.com, May 20, 2009

"Pakistan, Afghanistan unable to fight drug trafficking," Tehran Times (Iran), May 20, 2009

"Success of Richmond addiction treatment program draws attention of Obama nominee," Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch, May 19, 2009

"Pro-pot group pushes $5 fine," Times Call (CO), May 19, 2009

"Court rejects 2 California counties' appeal of medical-marijuana law," Seattle (WA) Times, May 19, 2009

"Difficulty lingers with medical marijuana," Honolulu Star Bulletin, May 19, 2009

"Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan try to form drug dealing network in Russia," Interfax- Religion, May 19, 2009

"Mexican police accused in drug war," St. Petersburg (Russia) Times, May 19, 2009

"High Court won't hear county's marijuana challenge," San Diego (CA) Union-Tribune, May 18, 2009

"Lake County pot grower sentenced to 10 years in prison," Santa Rosa (CA) Press Democrat, May 18, 2009

"Will Obama end the drug war?," AlterNet, May 18, 2009

"Should marijuana be legally prescribed as a pain reliever in New York?," Post-Standard (NY), May 18, 2009

"Lawmakers want drug-war funding for North Country," Press Republican (NY), May 18, 2009

"'Phoney' UK drug war criticised ," BBC News, May 18, 2009

"Paying with our sins," New York (NY) Times, May 17, 2009

"Legalize it? Medical evidence on marijuana blows both ways," Sacramento (CA) Bee, May 17, 2009

"City eyes medical marijuana business," The Mirror (Royal Oak, MI), May 17, 2009

"Island senator is behind push for medical marijuana," Staten Island (NY) Advance, May 17, 2009

"Mexican drug gang frees 53 in raid at Cieneguillas jail," The Times (London, England), May 17, 2009

"Drug barons threaten political power in Nigeria, other African nations," The Punch (Lagos, Nigeria), May 17, 2009

"Medical marijuana backers file notice of ballot effort," Arizona Capitol Times (Phoenix, AZ), May 15, 2009

"Drug war epicenter: In Juárez, President Felipe Calderón draws line against cartels," El Paso (TX) Times, May 15, 2009

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