Drug War Chronicle

In a major policy speech to the American Bar Association Monday, Attorney General Eric Holder announced sentencing reform measures he is ordering the Justice Department to undertake, especially backing away from the use of mandatory minimum sentencing for low-level nonviolent drug offenders.

New Zealand forgot to kneejerk when confronted with new synthetic drugs. Instead of banning them, it has instead moved to regulate them. Other countries are paying attention to the innovative response.

One Arkansas medical marijuana initiative has been approved for signature-gathering, while a second still must win ballot title approval. But it looks like there will be two initiative campaigns there this year.

An attempted drug bust turned fatal on Indianapolis's East Side Thursday night. A suspect fled, resisted, was tased, and then died.

A federal prosecutor in Miami seems to have real problems practicing her profession within the rules of the game, particularly if drugs are involved.

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

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.

Veteran investigative journalist Radley Balko has delivered a masterwork on the rise of American's militarized police. "Rise of the Warrior Cop" is a must-read for those of us wondering how we got in this sorry mess and how we can ever get out.

Illinois joins the ranks of the medical marijuana states; meanwhile, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are moving to put their medical marijuana programs in place, and there's more news, too.

A pair of Indiana prison guards get in trouble over weed in separate incidents, a Florida deputy is apparently having way too much fun, and an Alabama cop gets nailed in a cocaine sting.