California Bill to Tax, Regulate MarijuanaCalifornia could become the first state to tax and regulate marijuana. With the state facing the worst budget deficit in generations, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano introduced a bill earlier this week to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol.> Click to Continue  Medical Marijuana Passes Senate in New JerseyRecently, the first-ever floor vote on medical marijuana in New Jersey was successful, passing in the state Senate by a vote of 22 - 16. This important DPA Network-sponsored legislation will help to relieve the suffering and improve the quality of life for seriously ill people in New Jersey.> Click to Continue Latin American Leaders Call for Drug DecriminalizationA commission, co-chaired by former presidents Fernando Henrique Cardoso (Brazil), César Gaviria (Colombia) and Ernesto Zedillo (Mexico), recently released a report which represents a major leap forward in the global drug policy debate.> Click to Continue Obama's Drug Czar: Gil KerlikowskePresident Obama selected Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske to be his drug czar. While weâre disappointed that President Obama has selected another law enforcement official instead of a major public health advocate, weâre cautiously optimistic that this nominee will support the presidentâs drug policy reform agenda.> Click to Continue  Fighting Salvia Ban in MarylandSalvia divinorum is an hallucinogenic herb which is currently legal to use in Maryland, but a bill in the state Senate would, if passed, classify salvia as a Schedule I substance and impose misdemeanor and felony penalties, including prison terms of up to 20 years for selling it. Policymakers in Maryland have an opportunity to choose reason over prohibition this legislative season. > Click to Continue |
