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MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_98.jpg
MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_98.jpg

Medical Marijuana Update

Comments in the Senate Judiciary Committee provided hope that medical marijuana's banking problems may be ending, California communities continue to tussle over the issue, and a New Jersey bill is signed into law. There's more, too.
DEA Headquarters-divison-banner_2.jpg
DEA Headquarters-divison-banner_2.jpg

Broad Coalition Seeks Capitol Hill Hearings on DEA

A clamor is growing for congressional hearings on the DEA. Recent revelations of the DEA's use of NSA and AT&T spy data provided the catalyst, but concern has been festering for years.
Sen. Patrick Leahy
Sen. Patrick Leahy

Leahy Blocks Release of Some Mexican Drug War Aid

Citing the failure of the US and Mexican governments to respond to requests to elaborate a strategic vision for Mexican drug war assistance, Sen. Patrick Leahy has put a hold on $95 million in Plan Merida spending.
Forest Service, National Guard members clean up marijuana grow site (ngcounterdrug.ng.mil)
Forest Service, National Guard members clean up marijuana grow site (ngcounterdrug.ng.mil)

Federal Bill Would Up Penalties for Marijuana "Trespass Grows"

A new federal bill would heighten penalties for "trespass grows" of marijuana on public or private land if they cause environmental damage. Or, we could just legalize it.
Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) saw his hemp amendment pass the House, only to die along with the farm bill. (wikimedia.org)
Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) saw his hemp amendment pass the House, only to die along with the farm bill. (wikimedia.org)

Good, Bad Drug Measures Die Along with Farm Bill

An amendment to allow limited hemp production passed the House, but the Farm Bill it was attached to was surprisingly defeated. On the upside, that also killed an amendment that would have let states drug test food stamp recipients.