Drug War Chronicle

An initiative in the District of Columbia seeks to legalize marijuana this November, and StoptheDrugWar.org has joined the team.

A Texas police officer has died after being shot Friday in a pre-dawn SWAT drug raid. The last time that happened, a grand jury refused to indict the shooter.

Elderly senators grumble about new-fangled rules allowing legal marijuana businesses to use the financial system, there are more legalization polls, an Oklahoma US Senate candidate is talking marijuana reform, there is medical marijuana initiative news, Minnesota passes asset forfeiture reform and the governor signs it, and more.

An Birmingham, Alabama, man becomes the 15th person to die in US domestic drug law enforcement operations so far this year after a deputy shot him as he drove off from an interrupted drug deal. Police said he tried to run them over.

A Louisiana congressman is threatening to try to undo DC decriminalization law after a House hearing today.

A new designed law proponents say is designed to help babies will actually hurt drug-using pregnant women, advocates say. It's bad science and bad policy, they say, and they will keep fighting it.

House Republicans were "concerned" about DC's decrim at a hearing this morning, an Oregon poll shows a majority for legalization, harm reduction measures move in three states, an Oklahoma medical marijuana initiative is about to start signature-gathering, and more.

Another poll has marijuana legalization at the tipping point, a Colorado bill to form credit co-ops for pot businesses passes, an Illinois bill to let kids with epilepsy use medical marijuana is moving, a New York naloxone bill passes, Pittsburgh needle exchanges get some breathing room, and more.

Journalist (and New Mexico goat farmer) Doug Fine has written the handbook to America's next hemp revolution. It's pretty inspiring, and a fun read, too. Check out our review of Hemp Bound.

Signature-gathering for an initiative to legalize marijuana in Washington, DC on this November ballot is ongoing through July 6. If you are in the area and have ten hours a week or more, you are eligible to apply for a paid position. The campaign is also seeking volunteers.