Congress

It's less than a week to Election Day. Here's what we're watching and our analysis of what's likely to happen.

The House of Representatives is poised to pass two drug war bills, one banning synthetic marijuana and stimulants, the other criminalizing planning to do something abroad that would violate US drug laws if done here.

NORML's 41st annual national conference took place in Los Angeles over the weekend. Discussion of pending marijuana legalization initiatives dominated the event.

The Republican platform section on crime lays out the party's official positions, and while they stay "tough on crime," there are also some hints of evolving positions.

A couple of dozen House members have introduced a bill aimed at reducing the steadily climbing toll from drug overdoses, most of them from prescription opioid pain relievers, by providing federal support for state and local prevention and education programs, including expanded use of naloxone.

In a bipartisan effort, four US senators are cosponsoring a bill that would differentiate hemp from marijuana under the Controlled Substance Act.

California US Rep. Sam Farr (D) has again introduced a bill that would allow medical marijuana defendants to mount a defense in federal court. The Truth in Trials Act already has 18 cosponsors.

Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday she may be open to making changes in federal law surrounding medical marijuana. That's her strongest statement yet on the issue.