State & Local Executive Branches

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.

MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_110.jpg

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.

MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_109.jpg

Medical Marijuana Update

Arkansas Baptists reject medical marijuana, and so do some California communities. New Jersey's governor mouths off, and Illinois and Massachusetts communities move to regulate soon-to-arrive medical marijuana businesses.

Naloxone can reverse opioid drug overdoses. Now, a pilot program is getting underway in Vermont.

Chronicle AM -- December 3, 2013

Denver's city council calls off ban on "front porch" marijuana smoking, New Jersey's governor claims medical marijuana is a ploy, Vermont rolls out a naloxone pilot project, Colombia's FARC want decriminalization, and more.

MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_108.jpg

Medical Marijuana Update

Massachusetts and Illinois prepare for medical marijuana dispensaries, action is picking up in state legislatures, and Americans for Safe Access issues a report on state compliance with federal enforcement priorities.

NYPD practices stop-and-frisk techniques (nyc.gov/nypd)

New York AG Report Slams NYPD Stop-and-Frisk

New York's attorney general has examined the stop-and-frisk tactics of the NYPD in a new report. Only a miniscule fraction of stops result in an arrest for a serious crime, he found.

Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) filed a bill to protect the gun rights of legal marijuana users.

Chronicle AM -- November 18, 2013

A bill to protect the guns rights of legal marijuana users has been filed, hempsters hit the halls of Congress, a new medical marijuana bill is filed in Pennsylvania, and more.

Crackdowns on pain pills are leading the way to comeback for heroin. (wikipedia.org)

Chronicle AM -- November 19, 2013

Hmmm, on the same day the DEA warns that "marijuana availability seems to be on the increase," hundreds of people apply for licenses to sell pot in Washington state. Times are changing, and somebody needs to let the DEA know. And there's more news, too.

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