Will the U.S. Join the Debate? By Daniel Robelo, AlterNet The question of whether legalizing drugs would help reduce the killings in Mexico has made front page news this week and is causing unprecedented debate around the world. Last week, former Mexican President Vicente Fox called on his country “to […]
Could Pot Drive Turnout In Key Elections?
By Ryan Grim Putting the question of marijuana legalization on state ballots in 2012 may be one of the most effective ways for a dispirited Democratic Party to get reluctant voters out to the polls. The wild card in the coming midterms and in 2012 will be the “surge” voters […]
Congress Passes Cocaine Sentencing Disparity Reform
Congress Passes Historic Legislation to Reduce Crack/Powder Cocaine Sentencing Disparity By Jasmine Tyler, Deputy Director of National Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance Today, the House passed legislation reducing the two-decades-old sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses. The Senate passed an identical bill in March and the legislation is now […]
These Buds Are for You
Legal marijuana would be a boon for California consumers. By Jacob Sullum A group called Public Safety First warns that “the pre-tax price of marijuana could substantially decline” and “consumption of marijuana would increase” if Californians vote to legalize the drug in November. Well, yes, that’s sort of the idea. […]
National Commission to Reform the Criminal Justice System
U.S. House Unanimously Passes Legislation Creating National Commission to Reduce Incarceration and Reform the Criminal Justice System Commission Would Likely Analyze Over-Incarceration, Failed Drug War Policies, Racial Disparities, and More Drug Policy Alliance Urges Senate to Quickly Follow House’s Lead For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Contact: Bill Piper […]
The Beatles Call For The Legalisation Of Marijuana
9.00am, Monday 24 July 1967 (43 years ago) A full-page advertisement appeared in The Times newspaper on this day, signed by 64 of the most prominent members of British society, which called for the legalisation of marijuana. Among the signatories were The Beatles and Brian Epstein. The advertisement was instigated […]
Comedic Immunity
A Canadian newspaper chain has taken exception to Cheech and Chong criticizing Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his regressive cannabis policies. CHEECH AND CHONG, JUST SAY SO LONG It’s not an exhaustive list, but here are some things Canada needs, followed by something that this country does not need. Canada […]
The Link Between Marijuana and Schizophrenia
By Maia Szalavitz Since the days of Reefer Madness, scientists have sought to understand the complex connection between marijuana and psychosis. Cannabis can cause short-term psychotic experiences, such as hallucinations and paranoia, even in healthy people, but researchers have also long noted a link between marijuana use and the chronic […]