Drug War Chronicle #800 - September 12, 2013

The times they are a-changing, if Tuesdays Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on marijuana policy is any indication. Only one senator suffered from Reefer Madness; the others wanted to figure out how to make things work.

Colorado is first out of the gate with final rules for legal marijuana commerce, with the first shops expected to open around New Year's Day, but Washington state isn't far behind.

Now more than ever, StoptheDrugWar.org needs your financial support to continue to provide this crucial informational tool that builds and empowers the movement. We have a special new offer for those donating $50 or more, which this post provides some updated information about.

A bill that would turn felony drug possession cases into "wobblers," meaning they could be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors, is one housekeeping vote away from heading to the governor's desk.

Private plane pilots across the country are reporting that they are being subjected to warrantless drug searches by Customs and local police, even when they haven't left the country. And especially if they've been flying in marijuana-friendly states.

Buds on the bayou? Louisiana voters support marijuana legalization, according to a new poll.

Arizona US Senator John McCain said Thursday night he was open to legalizing marijuana. It is "the will of the people," he said.

Comments in the Senate Judiciary Committee provided hope that medical marijuana's banking problems may be ending, California communities continue to tussle over the issue, and a New Jersey bill is signed into law. There's more, too.

A clamor is growing for congressional hearings on the DEA. Recent revelations of the DEA's use of NSA and AT&T spy data provided the catalyst, but concern has been festering for years.

An unarmed alleged meth dealer was gunned down by undercover California cops in a restaurant parking lot after they said he threatened them. The dead man's family would like some answers. Good luck with that.

A Texas trooper who shot and killed two Guatemalan immigrants from a helicopter as he pursued what he thought was a drug load has been cleared of any criminal misdoing. But at least Texas authorities have had to revise their policy on the use of deadly force from the air.

The year's 28th drug war killing occurred Monday night during a drug raid in Harbor Hills, Texas.

More jail guards in trouble, and a Georgia cop gets nailed for helping meth dealers.

An annual student competition is taking on drug policy this year. The first of two papers for students entering is due October 30th.

Interns are making an important difference fighting the good fight with us at StoptheDrugWar.org.