State & Local Executive Branches

San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon (wikimedia.org)

SF DA and San Diego Police Chief File Defelonization Initiative

San Francisco's district attorney and San Diego's police chief have filed an initiative that would defelonize most drug possession and other nonviolent crimes. But will they try to get it on the ballot in 2014?

Hash is medicine, and the cops have to give it back, the Oregon appeals court ruled. (wikimedia.org)

Chronicle AM -- December 20, 2013

A pair of state appeals courts slap down cops who take people's medicine and won't give it back, there are problems with Kansas' drug testing law, Peru is buying shining new toys to prosecute its drug war, and more.

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Chronicle AM -- December 19, 2013

Today we have a plethora of pot polls, hope on banking, an important decision by Washington state regulators, and hints of change to come from Canada's Tories, among other news.

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Welfare Drug Testing Bill Passes Michigan Senate

The Michigan Senate wound up its 2013 session by a passing a welfare drug testing bill. The House already passed one. Both will be alive when the legislative session starts up next year.

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Medical Marijuana Update

Oregon's plan to regulate dispensaries statewide moves ahead, Washington state looks like it will let medical marijuana patients keep their personal grows, a new national certification program is announced, and more.

Uruguayan President Jose Mujica has some harsh words for his critics and finds some support, too.

Chronicle AM -- December 16, 2013

Uruguay's president defends marijuana legalization there and finds an ally, marijuana bills are popping up in some surprising countries, the Justice Department says we have a federal prison crisis, and much more.

A move is on to end the federal ban on funding needle exchanges.

Chronicle AM -- December 12, 2013

A push is on to end the federal ban on needle exchange funding, a secret federal panel meets to discuss marijuana banking issues, UN anti-drug bureaucrats are still unhappy with Uruguay, more bodies show up in Mexico, and more.

Scrooge goes to Lansing. Bah, humbug! (wikimedia.org)

Michigan Senate Republicans Scapegoat Poor With Welfare Drug Test Bill

In one of its last acts of the legislative session, the Michigan Senate passed a bill mandating drug testing for selected welfare applicants and recipients. It was a straight party-line vote.

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Medical Marijuana Update

A busy Tuesday in California, herbal medicine experts make a call, New Jersey's third dispensary opens, Florida's Supreme Court hears a challenge to an initiative, and more.

Denver City Council Set to Deliver Symbolic Slap in the Face to Marijuana-Friendly Voters

The Denver city council is poised to give final approval today to an ordinance that would prevent people from smoking pot on their own property if they are visible to the public.

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