Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
We have cops and prison guards getting into drug war trouble from coast to coast this week, from San Diego to Chicago and from Florida to Maryland.
News Brief
Marijuana: It's Official -- Fayetteville Lowest Law Enforcement Priority Initiative Makes November Ballot
It's official -- An initiative making adult marijuana possession offenses the lowest law enforcement priority in Fayetteville, Arkansas, will be on the November 4 ballot. But local prosecutors and law enforcement officials say it doesn't matter.
Medical Marijuana: PTSD Victim Sues West Virginia Pain Management Center for Dismissing Him Because He Smokes Marijuana for Relief
Medical marijuana users all too frequently run into problems with medical practitioners who consider them nothing more than drug abusers. Now, a West Virginia victim of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is suing the doctor and clinic that dismissed him because he used pot to alleviate his symptoms.
Marijuana: SAFER Takes on the NFL, Cites "Hypocrisy" of Player's Huge Fine for Marijuana Possession
The marijuana reform group SAFER is accusing the NFL of hypocrisy over a huge fine imposed on one player for minor marijuana possession while the league makes hundreds of millions from alcohol advertising. It has an online petition you can sign.
Presidential Politics: Both Major Party Tickets Include Former Drug Users
With the nomination of Sarah Palin as the Republican vice-presidential candidate, both major party tickets now include acknowledged former drug users. But there is little sign either party is going to do anything groundbreaking on drug policy reform.
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
A cop with a pain pill habit gets in trouble. So does yet another jail guard.
Drug Use: Prescription Pills Up, Cocaine and Meth Down, Marijuana Holds Steady
The annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health is out. While some drugs are less popular than last year, others are more popular, and overall use levels remain largely unchanged.
Latin America: Mexican Drug Violence Taking Toll on Pres. Calderón's Popularity
Mexican President Felipe Calderón called out the army to put the hurt on drug trafficking organizations. But with a rising prohibition-related death toll, as well as public impatience with common crime, his policies may be putting a bigger hurt on himself.
Australia: Drug Researcher Says Ecstasy Safer Than Binge Drinking, Causes Flap
A leading Australian drug researcher has dared to suggest young people might be better off taking small doses of ecstasy rather than getting stinking drunk on a regular basis, and that has excited cries of blasphemy!
Medical Marijuana: Los Angeles City Council Extends Moratorium
The Los Angeles City Council has extended its year-old moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries for another six months.