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News Brief

Kansas state capitol, Topeka (wikimedia.org)
Kansas state capitol, Topeka (wikimedia.org)

Drug Sentencing Reform Bill Passes in Kansas

A bill awaiting the Kansas governor's signature would increase judges' discretion in sentencing small-time drug offenders, although it increases penalties for some major drug offenses.
MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_31.jpg
MMJ leaf and stethoscope KY ODCP_31.jpg

Medical Marijuana Update

The national battle over medical marijuana is heating up, Connecticut is about to become the 17th medical marijuana state, and state and local battles continue. And so do the DEA raids. Busy, busy, busy.
320px-2003-07_Traffic_stop_on_Gregson_St_1.jpg
320px-2003-07_Traffic_stop_on_Gregson_St_1.jpg

Colorado Per Se Drugged Driving Bill Dies

A bill that would label drivers impaired if they have more than five nanograms of THC per milliliter in their blood even if they are not actually impaired has passed the Colorado Senate and a House committee, but the clock ran out on it Wednesday.
Charlottesville City Council (City of Charlotteville)
Charlottesville City Council (City of Charlotteville)

Charlottesville Says Decriminalize or Regulate Marijuana

The city council in the Virginia college town of Charlottesville had adopted a resolution calling on the state to consider decriminalizing or regulating marijuana, but balked at adding lowest law enforcement priority language.
cannabis cafe in Amsterdam (wikimedia.org)
cannabis cafe in Amsterdam (wikimedia.org)

Dutch "Weed Pass" Plan Hitting Bumps

The Dutch move to bar foreigners from cannabis cafes on the southern border has been met by coffee shop closures in protest, legal action, and police who seem to have better things to do. Meanwhile, the drug tourists are simply driving deeper into the country.
Dea_color_logo.jpg
Dea_color_logo.jpg

DEA Forgets Student in Cell, Pols Want Answers

DEA agents arrested a San Diego college student in a drug bust, then forgot about him, leaving him in a holding cell for five days. Now, the California congressional delegation wants answers, and his lawyer wants the DEA to pay big bucks.
Nancy Pelosi had Obama's ear after he won the White House in 2008. Will he listen to her now? (wikimedia.org)
Nancy Pelosi had Obama's ear after he won the White House in 2008. Will he listen to her now? (wikimedia.org)

Pelosi Condemns Medical Marijuana Crackdown

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has joined the chorus of critics condemning the Obama administration's crackdown on medical marijuana businesses. Will that catch the president's attention?