Drug War Chronicle

Comprehensive coverage of the War on Drugs since 1997

In a time of global pandemic, small-time drug busts are increasingly seen as a luxury we can't afford. (Creative Commons)

Faced with Coronavirus, Big Cities Begin to Forego Drug Arrests, Prosecutions [FEATURE]

The coronavirus pandemic is pushing police and prosecutors to forego small-time drug busts and prosecutions as a means of preserving the public health.
COVID-19 is in the nation's jails and prisons.

MO and OK Inits Could Fall Victim to Pandemic, COVID-19 Spreads Behind Bars, More... (3/30/20)

The coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on state-level marijuana legalization initiatives, Pennsylvania says needle exchanges are "life-sustaining" during the pandemic, Vancouver moves to allow "safe supply" of regulated drugs during the crisis, and more.
psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms (Greenoid/Flickr)

OR Inits Seek Signatures Online, French Cannabis Prices Rise Fast, More... (3/27/20)

Mexico is unlikely to meet an April 30 deadline to legalize marijuana as its Senate is suspended due to the COVID-19 crisis, Oregon drug decriminalization and therapeutic psilocybin initiatives now are seeking signatures online, and more.
The US escalates its feud with Venezuela by indicting President Nicholas Maduro for "narco-terrorism. (Creative Commons)

US Indicts Venezuela's Maduro for "Narco-Terrorism," A Call to End Marijuana Arrests, Jailings, More... (3/26/20)

The US indicts a leftist Latin American leader for drug trafficking (but not a rightist one), a Michigan prosecutor gets nailed for embezzling asset forfeiture funds, and more.
Amsterdam cannabis cafe. It's open for carryout after the government had to reverse a pandemic-inspired ban.

Denver Pot Shop Closure Reversed, Amsterdam Cannabis Cafes Reopen, MedMj Businesses Essential More... (3/25/20)

Marijuana retail outlets stay open in Denver and Amsterdam after pandemic-inspired efforts to shut them down inspire long lines, drug reform and public health groups urge governors to keep medical marijuana dispensaries open, and more.
borden-dupont-circle-cropped_4.jpg

Editorial: Drug Policy During the Crisis

In this time of crisis, drug policy reform isn't on hold, it's just adapting.
Meth and fentanyl from Mexico are about to get more expensive thanks to the coronavirus crisis. (Warner Robbins, GA, PD)

Mexico Illicit Drug Prices Rising, OR Regulators Allow Curbside Pot Sales, More... (3/24/20)

States grapple with marijuana sales during a time of crisis, Ghana legalizes hemp and CBD, Mexican traffickers facing chemical shortages are raising prices, and more.
The coronavirus pandemic is having an impact on drug policy issues. (Creative Commons)

Baltimore & Philadelphia to End Drug Arrests Due to COVID-19, SAMSHA Eases Opioid Treatment Rules, More... (3/23/20)

Baltimore and Philadelphia stop drug arrests in a bid to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, SAMSHA eases opioid maintenance treatment rules for the same reason, and more.
We're Here

Thank you for visiting our web site. Phil (writer of the Drug War Chronicle) newsletter is off this week, while he and his partner set up a new
Psilocybin molecule. An Oregon initiative would allow for its therapeutic use. (Creative Commons)

Vets' MedMJ Bills Advance in House, OR Psilocybin Init Looking Good on Signatures, More... (3/12/20)

The Pine Ridge Reservation votes to legalize weed, a pair of veterans' medical marijuana bills move in the House, signature gathering for the Oregon Psychedelic Service Act initiative is looking good, and more.

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