Medical Marijuana

Nevada is the latest state to see a marijuana legalization bill in the wake of last November's victories in Colorado and Washington.

Recalcitrant law enforcement and opposition from the governor's mansion is scuttling medical marijuana in Minnesota this year, even though it has broad popular support. But there's always next year.

There is action in various state houses, Michiganders continue to tussle over their medical marijuana law, and there's an investigation going on in Maine.

As Attorney General Eric Holder prepared to appear before a congressional committee Wednesday, former drug warriors Tuesday called on him to enforce federal marijuana laws. The International Narcotics Control Board chimed in with criticism of legalization, too.

Legislatures are in session across the land, and that's reflected in our update this week. Bills are moving, generally, but not, always in the right direction. Meanwhile, Arkansas looks ahead to 2014, and Oakland wants back in the Harborside case.

Support for marijuana legalization is at the highest levels ever recorded by the venerable Field poll, but not high enough to make potential initiative campaigners or contributors relaxed.

From the village board to the halls of Congress, medical marijuana is popping up all over. And there's action at various state houses, too.

Martin Lee has produced an excellent comprehensive history of marijuana, and Jim Rendon pays homage to those outlaw growers and breeders who bring us things like OG Kush and Granddaddy Purps. We review their books.

A North Carolina House committee has not only failed to approve a medical marijuana bill, it has acted to ensure that the topic cannot be raised again this session.

Most of the action was at statehouses this week, but there was also news from the Harborside Health Center battle in California and an announcement that the nation's capital will soon have its first dispensary.