Medical Marijuana: First Kansas Bill Introduced
The first medical marijuana bill in Kansas history was introduced this week. It would provide a medical defense for persons arrested for possession.
News Brief
Sentencing: US Attorney General Raises Specter of Violent Crime Jump If Crack Prisoners Released, Warns He Could Try to Block It
US Attorney General lashed out against early release for federal crack cocaine offenders twice last week, resorting to demagogic claims and warning he may try to block it.
Law Enforcement: Nebraska Man Files Complaint Over Bogus South Dakota Bust
Eric Sage got pulled over on his motorcycle as he left South Dakota after the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally last summer and ended up being charged with possession of paraphernalia even though he didn't possess any paraphernalia. He fought the charges and faced threats from prosecutors if he didn't plead. Finally, the prosecutors gave up, but Sage still wants justice.
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
A Texas probation officer gets busted, a Baltimore cop gets caught beating on a suspected drug buyer, a Virginia cop gets popped for meth, a slew of prison guards get busted in Florida, and another in New Mexico. Just another week in the drug war.
Europe: German Police Use Grow Shop Customer Lists in Massive Marijuana Garden Busts
Police across Germany engaged in massive raids on marijuana grows Monday. Some of the busts were based on information from grow shop customer lists.
Death Penalty: More Drug Executions in Saudi Arabia, More Death Sentences in Vietnam, But a Rare Sign of Leniency in China
Saudi Arabia executed more drug offenders this week, and Vietnam sentenced more to death. But in a rare move, China commuted the death sentences of two Ugandan women.
Latin America: Chávez Endorses Coca -- Again
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez' embrace of coca continued last weekend as he publicly chewed the leaf and thanked Bolivian President Evo Morales for bringing him some more. Coca isn't cocaine, Chávez pointed out.
Marijuana: New Hampshire Decriminalization Bill Wins Support at Hearing
A bill that would decriminalize the possession of up to 1.25 ounces of marijuana got a first hearing in the New Hampshire legislature this week. Two law enforcement officials spoke out in favor of it.
Harm Reduction: San Antonio Police Arrest Needle Exchangers, DA Ups the Ante
Last year, the Texas legislature approved a pilot needle exchange program in Bexar County (San Antonio), but a recalcitrant District Attorney has blocked it. Now, after San Antonio police arrested needle exchangers this week, the same DA is trying to hammer them.
Medical Marijuana: Employers Can Fire Users, California Supreme Court Rules
The California Supreme Court has ruled that employers may fire medical marijuana users. The backlash is just getting underway.