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Monday, January 05, 2009


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Conferences & Events
Corruption
DARE Admits Failure
Drug Control Alternatives
Ecstasy
Families Targeted by Drug War
Federal Drug Control Strategy
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Heroin & Heroin Addiction Treatment
Higher Education Act (HEA) Reform
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International Reform
Laos
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Marijuana
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Methamphetamines
Mexico
Narco-Funded Terrorism
New Mexico
Nixon
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Pain Management
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Police Shootings & Botched Raids
Prop 36
Racial Profiling
Recommended Reading
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South America
Thailand
Treatment Alternatives to Incarceration
Tulia
United Kingdom Moves Toward Reform
United Nations: News and Reports


The drug war lies on a foundation of myth. Learn the truth. Get the facts. Updated regularly, Drug War Facts is the premier information source on drug policies, offering up-to-date information with full citations to aid in further research. Individual sections as well as full edition available at DrugWarFacts.org. Most recently updated Nov. 5, 2008.

Spread the word! Put a Drug War Facts banner on YOUR website. Also check out these CSDP banners for your site.

Download the 6th edition of Drug War Facts (note: this is a 1Meg file). Also available in print.)


Pot And The President

Nixon White House Tapes -- March 24, 1972, 3:02-3:39 pm -- Oval Office Conversation No. 693-1 -- press conference
Unknown reporter: "Mr. President, uh, do you have a comment sir on the, uh, recommendation of your commission on drugs that the use of marijuana in the home be, uh, no longer, uh, considered a crime?"
Pres. Nixon: "Um, I met with Mr. Shafer, uh, I've read the report, uh, eh, it is a report that deserves consideration and will receive it. However, as to one aspect of the report I am in disagreement. I was before I read it and reading it did not change my mind. Uh, I, uh, oppose the legalization of marijuana, and that includes the sale, its possession, and its use. I do not believe you can have effective criminal justice, uh, based on the philosophy, uh that something is half legal and half illegal. That is my position, despite what the commission has recommended."

Crime. Hard drugs. An unpopular war abroad. And so an American president declares war on marijuana. The past really does repeat itself. Nixon's Drug War has lessons for the present.


The Drug Truth Network broadcasts from the studios of KPFT in Houston, TX, to more than 69 affiliate stations in the US and Canada. DTN's flagship program, Cultural Baggage, airs every Wednesday at 11:30am Central time. DrugTruth's Century of Lies is broadcast Tuesdays at 11:30am Central time. In addition, DTN produces daily 3-minute newsfeeds, the 4:20 Drug War News. Past shows are available in the DTN archive. Learn the truth about the war on drugs, check out the Drug Truth Network.

Subscribe to the Cultural Baggage, the Century of Lies, and the 4:20 News podcasts. Point your podcast software to these URLs:
http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=views/latest_cb/feed
http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=views/latest_col/feed
http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=views/latest_420/feed


US drug 'war' in Mexico results in many real casualties as Mexican citizens literally caught in crossfire. Officials in police, military, even president's office implicated in drug-trafficking, corruption, and violence. Click here for more about the US drug war in Mexico.


Canadian Drug Policy Reform

Canadians urge their government to avoid undertaking a US-style 'drug war.' Research on heroin maintenance for hardcore addicts in Canada: North American Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI) sparks controversy. Should the US stop pushing counterproductive policies and start learning from its northern neighbor?


Marijuana, or cannabis, is used by millions of people around the US and the world. It is relatively less dangerous than alcohol, yet it is prohibited in the US. Learn more about marijuana and its effects by clicking here. Also visit Drug War Facts: Marijuana for more information.


Pain management: where healthcare and drug control policies intersect. Check out ManagingPain.org, the Common Sense project specifically addressing pain management, diversion, and related issues.


Families, Students Organize Against Repressive Anti-Drug Measures

How free is student speech? The Supreme Court will decide. Drug testing at schools? Federal research shows it doesn't work. Police raids at high schools? Students organize to uphold their rights. For news and information about the impact of the drug war on families, students, and youth. Also, check out Drug War Facts: Families.


Common Sense RSS News Feeds & DrugTruth Podcasts

Common Sense for Drug Policy now offers an RSS news feed. Keep up to date with news and information about drug control policy by subscribing to this free service.

Also, CSDP and the DrugTruth Network are collaborating to provide podcasts of the DTN's Cultural Baggage program, a half-hour news program focusing on the drug war. To learn how to subscribe to these services, click here.


ONDCP Watch

ONDCP's drug control strategy & budget reports ignore billions in federal spending on enforcement side, including $3 billion for incarceration of federal drug prisoners. Click here for news & information about the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and the federal drug strategy.

Reformers point out there are effective alternatives in an 8-point plan to control drug abuse and the drug markets. A PDF copy of "Eight Steps" can be downloaded by clicking here.


Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Heroin Addiction Treatment

In the US, methadone clinics face heightened restrictions in several states, localities in spite of their record of success. Internationally, countries discuss expansion of access to methadone, buprenorphine and heroin maintenance. Meanwhile research shows that access to opiate agonist therapy helps reduces HIV transmission among injection drug users. Click here for more news about heroin and methadone maintenance treatment.


Methamphetamine

Federal, state authorities move against some domestic methamphetamine production and trafficking yet laws seem to be backfiring as use remains high and imported product floods market. Click here for more news about methamphetamine in the US. Also, check out Drug War Facts: Methamphetamine for more background info.

Check out this PDF of CSDP's PSA, Is It Sound Policy To Jail Expectant Mothers?


Current US drug policy is focused on ineffective supply reduction and law enforcement approaches. Reformers point out even short of full-on legalization there are effective drug policy alternatives in an 8-point plan to control drug abuse and the drug markets. A PDF copy of "Eight Steps" can be downloaded by clicking here.


Drug War In Asia

Afghan opium production at record highs. Amnesty International, other human rights groups and AIDS activists denounce Thai drug war. Click here for the latest news about the US drug war in Asia.


Overzealous Enforcement & Fatal Errors

Police raids on the wrong properties, innocent citizens victimized by overzealous enforcement, suspects shot by over-eager agents, innocent citizens denounced by paid informants, lives lost or threatened because of official mistakes; these stories demand a second look. Click here to find out more.


Syringe exchanges and safe injection facilities work to reduce spread of HIV/AIDS. Review data from the US Centers for Disease Control, reports from Health Canada and the Dogwood Center, and more. Click here for the latest news and information about syringe exchanges.


New Research

Federal spin on drug war unravels on examination. Research shows decriminalizing marijuana saves money, police time. Click here for more info and links to source materials. Also check out CSDP's research section for additional materials.


Initiatives Move Drug Policy Reform Forward

Citizens, fed up with inaction, are enacting reforms to drug control policies by direct vote. Several states and localities have already passed ballot measures legalizing medical marijuana, setting rational drug enforcement priorities, and mandating treatment instead of incarceration. Click here to find out more.


Marijuana is medicine for millions of patients around the US. Federal opposition persists in spite of successful medical marijuana programs in several states. States, cities moving to allow medical use by those in need. Click here for the latest news and information about medical marijuana.


Drug policy reform continues to generate controversy but moves slowly ahead in United Kingdom. Click here for the latest news about UK drug reform.


Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies that reduce negative consequences of drug use, incorporating a spectrum of strategies from safer use, to managed use to abstinence. Some aspects of harm reduction such as needle exchanges, safe injection sites, and heroin maintenance can generate controversy yet are effective drug control strategies. Click here for more info. Also, check out this CSDP public service ad, US Meddling In Global AIDS Crisis: "A Triumph of Ideology Over Science."


International Drug Policy Reform

UN issues World Drug Report 2006. Policies in many European nations move toward reform, harm reduction and decriminalization. Drug warrior nations find repressive policies backfire. Click to find out more. Also check out Drug War Facts: International Policies & Trends.


Focus On Ecstasy

Feds approve research on medical use of ecstasy to treat PTSD. Scientists admit 'killer' ecstasy claim was false. RAVE Act used to stop NORML benefit in Montana. Racine backs down, dismisses charges against 440 rave-goers. Activists protest federal RAVE Act. Click here to find out more.


States Push For Legal Hemp

Federal court rejects DEA ban on hemp foods. Several states endorse legal hemp production; Find out more by clicking here .


Research proves ONDCP ad campaign consistently fails to have positive impact and may be counterproductive.


The Experts Directory

The Directory of Drug Policy Experts was created by the Partnership for Responsible Drug Information (PRDI). Recognizing its value, Common Sense secured permission from PRDI to post the Directory on its site and to periodically update it. By consenting to be listed, the experts do not imply any endorsement of CSDP or its positions or proposals. In turn, individuals are listed herein based solely on the basis of their expertise. To check out the Directory, click here.


NarcoTerror -- The Convergence Of Prohibition And Terrorism

Heroin resurgence in post-war Afghanistan. Experts now fear that opium production spreading to neighboring Pakistan. Click here to find out more.

Check out this Common Sense public service ad which asks, "Is the funding of terrorism another unintended consequence of drug prohibition?" and this ad, "Now That We're In A Real War..."




Upcoming Events

March 2-4th, 2009

3rd Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy at UNODC in Vienna.

April 20-23rd, 2009

International Harm Reduction Association 2009 Conference: 20th International Conference.


Just Released

10 minute DVD: "Protestant, Catholic and Jewish Clergy Speak Out Against The War On Drugs." This important new documentary is also available on DVD directly from the Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative.


US Drug War In South America

Reports show significant increases in Colombian coca production, meanwhile purity up, prices down. White House pushes to send more troops and military aid to Colombia. US digs itself deeper into conflict as unrest, drug production and trafficking problems grow in other South American countries. Click here for more about the US drug war in South America.


Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

One of the fastest-growing organizations working for drug legalization today is Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Learn more about LEAP and why they're now fighting to end the drug war. Check out the new LEAP video produced by CSDP chair Mike Gray. In the words of retired anchorman Walter Cronkite: "Anyone concerned about the failure of our $69 billion-a-year War on Drugs should watch this 12-minute program. You will meet front line, ranking police officers who give us a devastating report on why it cannot work. It is a must-see for any journalist or public official dealing with this issue."


Official Corruption

Official Corruption: an inevitable byproduct of the war on drugs? That's been the experience of many US cities as well as globally. Click here for more info.


Cities & Counties Organizing Against The Drug War

From Syracuse, NY to King County, WA, citizens are organizing against the war on drugs, forming broad coalitions and getting local governments involved in exploring alternatives.


Mandatory Minimums

Mandatory minimum sentences condemn many nonviolent drug offenders to unjustly long prison sentences. Without rehabilitation and treatment for offenders, prisons become breeding grounds of resentment and crime. Click here for the latest news about mandatory minimum sentences.
Schedule information for Journey for Justice available by visiting the Journey for Justice site.

See Drug War Facts: Mandatory Minimums and Drug War Facts: Prisons for more information. Also, check out this Common Sense public service advertisement on prison crowding and mandatory sentencing.


Afghan Drug War

European drug policy group calls for Afghan opium to be legalized, turned to legitimate medical uses. Afghanistan once again the world's largest producer of opium. Bad bedfellows: Some US-backed warlords engage in trafficking, may hinder development efforts. Current policies are failing yet more drastic measures still being considered in effort to control illicit heroin market.


Treatment Alternatives To Incarceration

Treatment alternatives to incarceration include intensive probation, drug courts, and the Prop36/DTEF model. Growing in popularity as prison populations swell, research proves rehabilitation and treatment work. Click here for more.


Higher Education Act Reform

Support grows for repeal of punitive drug provision of Higher Education Act. Law currently denies federal aid to people with previous drug convictions. Support grows for legislation to repeal HEA drug provision.
Also, check out Students for Sensible Drug Policy and the Coalition for Higher Education Act Reform for more info and to get active on this issue.


Drug War Distortions

Countering The Lies:
Methamphetamines: The Facts. Marijuana and mental illness? Does more prison equal less crime? Is the 'Gateway Theory' true? Are marijuana users going to emergency rooms in record numbers? Do syringe exchanges encourage drug use? Several favorite drug warrior assertions are investigated, explained and refuted in Drug War Distortions.


Profiling & Racial Bias In The War On Drugs

Far too often, the drug war targets communities of color. From Tulia, TX, to New York, to Georgia and Kentucky and points in between, a few in authority create a huge problem for society by clamping down hard on the already-disenfranchised. Local community, churches and activists organize protests, demand action. Click here for news and information on racially biased drug control policies.


Reform Of New York's Rockefeller Laws

Baby steps toward reform: NY begins overhaul of Rockefeller Laws, yet bad policies continue to plague NY legal system & citizens. Broad coalition for reform includes activists, families of inmates, hiphop culture figures, and many others.


UN Drug Policy News, Research and Reports

UN AIDS organization stands up to US pressure, endorses needle exchanges in report while UN Office on Drugs and Crime succumbs, abandons support for successful anti-AIDS efforts and harm reduction concepts.


"Chronic Pain & Opioids: Debunking The Myths"

Chronic pain is a progressive disease of the nervous system. Chronic pain victims often benefit from supplementation with pharmaceutical opioids. Read more about this often-misunderstood and misreported subject in "Chronic Pain & Opioids: Debunking the Myths," by Frank B. Fisher, MD. Copies are also available in PDF.


Vital Information For Families

One of the most important online addiction resources available today: Addict in the Family by Dr. Andrew Byrne. Use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs cuts across all political, social and economic lines. Learn what to do if you discover you have an addict in the family. Also, read a review of 'Addict' from DRCNet's Week Online by clicking here.


DARE Revamps Program

Research confirms DARE is a failure. Proven alternatives are available. DARE program leaders concede critics are right, DARE is a failure, unveil new program.

For additional information, check out the Winter 2002 issue of ReconsiDer Quarterly. Also, read this paper by Rodney Skager, Professor Emeritus of the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California-Los Angeles, titled "On Reinventing Drug Education, Especially for Adolescents," , prepared for the 2nd International Conference on Drugs & Young People, April 4-6, 2001 in Melbourne, Australia. Another article of interest is this piece by Mothers Against Misuse and Abuse (MAMA) founder Sandee Burbank, "Dare To Tell Your Kids The Truth - Quandaries Of A Thinking Parent." Also, check out Drug War Facts: Adolescents / Education & Prevention of Substance Abuse for more information.


Recommended Reading: The Reformer's Bookshelf

Recommended Reading: Here are some great books on drug policy which should be part of anyone's library.


Eight Steps To Effective Drug Control: Reformers Present Ideas For New Federal Drug Strategy

We can no longer afford to pour $20 billion annually into a discredited drug strategy that has made our country less healthy and less safe. Experience and research in the USA and around the world shows that there are effective alternatives. This isn't just about saving money -- it's about protecting kids, saving families and preserving our long cherished American values. (Also for convenience, a PDF copy of "Eight Steps" can be downloaded by clicking here. And you can download a PDF of the CSDP news release on the Eight Step plan by clicking here.

Comparing Addictive Qualities of Popular Drugs

Top Stories On The Web

"Medical marijuana rules called a burden on police," Detroit (MI) Free Press, Jan. 5, 2008

"Medical marijuana causing controversy" WLNS (MI), Jan. 5, 2009

"McHenry County hoping for 2009 launch of drug court" Daily Herald (IL), Jan. 5, 2009

"B'bang rehab center going broke" Phnom Penh Post (Cambodia), Jan. 5, 2009

"More than 300 drivers tested positive for drugs in 2008" Herald Sun (Australia), Jan. 5, 2009

"Khat – is it more coffee or cocaine?" LA (CA) Times, Jan. 3, 2009

"Troops lured by drug trade, report warns," Toronto (Canada) Star, Jan. 2, 2009

"Obama faces Mexican drug war," Washington Times, Jan. 2, 2009

"Afghanistan now a narco-mafia state, ex-minister says," American-Statesman (TX), Jan. 2, 2009

"Drug law strict on cops, but not on prosecutors," Philippine Star, Jan. 2, 2009

"Alberta limits sales in war on smoking," Calgary (Canada) Herald, Jan. 2, 2009

"Elite canine unit making inroads in war on drugs," The (South Africa) Herald, Jan. 2, 2009

"Medical marijuana user to sue SB County," Contra Costa Times (CA), Jan. 1, 2009

"U.S. government crisis: Mexico drug cartels: Are they number#1 organized crime threat in America?," New Criminologist (UK), Dec. 31, 2008

"Cause for concern," Hernando Today (FL), Dec. 31, 2008

"Physicians divided on medical marijuana use," Hammonton (NJ) News, Dec. 31, 2008

"Medical pot cards to be issued," The Record (CA), Dec. 31, 2008

"Mistrust bedevils war on Mexican drug cartels," Los Angeles Times, Dec. 31, 2008

"Farmers in the midst of poppy cultivation dilemma," Reuters AlertNet, Dec. 31, 2008

"Federal judge blocks teacher drug testing," Citizen Times (NC), Dec. 30, 2008

"Wisconsin narcotics director David Spakowicz sees shift in trends," Post-Crescent (WI), Dec. 30, 2008

"Substance abuse prompts 1.7 million E.R. visits," About (NY), Dec. 30, 2008

"Compassionate, but still illegal," Times of Trenton (NJ), Dec. 30, 2008

"Strategies for Mexico's drug war," Los Angeles (CA) Times, Dec. 30, 2008

"In Sinaloa, 'narcos...in every corner of life'," San Francisco (CA) Chronicle, Dec. 30, 2008

"Prescription drugs are easily obtained and increasingly abused," Idaho Statesman, Dec. 29, 2008

"Drug war doesn't protect children," USA Today, Dec. 29, 2008

"Largest online debate over drugs in sports debuts with statements from over 200 celebrity...," Reuters, Dec. 29, 2008

"Fighting what seems like an unwinnable war," Sun Sentinel (FL), Dec. 29, 2008

"Sharing needles and the damage done," Globe and Mail (Canada), Dec. 29, 2008

"B.C. town embroiled in drug war," Chronicle Herald (Canada), Dec. 29, 2008

"In Sinaloa, the drug trade has infiltrated 'every corner of life'," LA (CA) Times, Dec. 28, 2008

"Mexican guard 'linked to cartel'," BBC News, Dec. 28, 2008

"Drug-injection facility still sparks debate in San Francisco," Oakland (CA) Tribune, Dec. 28, 2008

"Net cast over drug growers," The Age (Australia), Dec. 28, 2008

"High-profile extradition didn't hobble drug cartel," San Antonio (TX) Express, Dec. 27, 2008

"Abduction illuminates criminality in Mexico," Washington Post, Dec. 27, 2008

"International insights into Mexico's 'Drug War'," Guadalajara (Mexico) Reporter, Dec. 27, 2008

"Confessions of a Mexican narco foot-soldier," TIME, Dec. 26, 2008

"Making a simple law about marijuana too complicated," The Enterprise (Brockton, MA), Dec. 26, 2008

"The Taliban-heroin connection," Family Security Matters, Dec. 26, 2008

"Drug worker talks about her work with addicts in Ely," Ely (UK), Dec. 26, 2008

"Ten killed across Mexico in Christmas Eve drug violence," AFP, Dec. 26, 2008

"Police arrest 8 members of Colombia drug cartel," Latin American Herald Tribune, Dec. 26, 2008

"Afghanistan works to eradicate poppy trade," ABC7 News, Dec. 25, 2008

"Detroit clinic meets special needs of ex-offenders," AP / Chicago (IL) Tribune, Dec. 25, 2008

"Needle/syringe programmes and opioid substitution therapy should be widely available in prisons to help prevent HIV transmission," Medical News Today, Dec. 24, 2008

"If Obama is pro-science and honest, he'll put the kibosh on the drug war," AlterNet, Dec. 23, 2008

"Why Obama really might decriminalize marijuana," Esquire, Dec. 23, 2008

"Maui County, UPW set to sign drug-testing pact," Honolulu Advertiser, Dec. 23, 2008

"Drugs trade threatens to corrode Ghana's image," International Herald Tribune, Dec. 23, 2008

"Struggling to cope with soaring addiction at home," Globe and Mail (Canada), Dec. 23, 2008

"Even jury hiring is frozen," LA (CA) Times, Dec. 22, 2008

"Drug crackdown has little effect on money laundering," Los Angeles Times, Dec. 22, 2008

"Crack cocaine users have faster HIV disease progression," Aids Map (UK), Dec. 22, 2008

"Pill poppers," Topeka (KS) Capital-Journal, Dec. 22, 2008

"Drug war, killings spread fear in Mexico," USA Today, Dec. 22, 2008

"Legalising opium is the only way to save Afghanistan," First Post (UK), Dec. 22, 2008

"Soldiers decapitated in new round of Mexico drug war," Reuters, Dec. 22, 2008

"Allow marijuana for medical use in NJ," The Courier Post (Cherry Hill, NJ), Dec. 21, 2008

"A sobering look at the drug war," Dallas (TX) Morning News, Dec. 21, 2008

"Substance abuse sends Idaho doctors into treatment," The (Boise) Idaho Statesman, Dec. 20, 2008

"FBI agents paid overtime for cocktail parties," The Washington (DC) Times, Dec. 19, 2008

"Keeping up with crime Software helps identify hot spots," Daily Record (AR), Dec. 19, 2008

"Police, schools to probe tales of 'pill parties' in Urbandale," DesMoines (IA) Register, Dec. 19, 2008

"Mexican drug cartels growing problem for U.S.," The Philadelphia Trumpet, Dec. 19, 2008

"Drug smuggling takes off with direct China-Taiwan flights," Reuters, Dec. 19, 2008

"New target for Mexico's drug cartels: schools," Christian Science Monitor, Dec. 18, 2008

"A safe prescription," Times of Trenton (NJ), Dec. 18, 2008

"US hunts Caribbean drugs but odds favor smugglers," Kansas City (MO) Star, Dec. 18, 2008

"Could Obama's pro-marijuana Commerce Secretary spell a golden era for pot reform?," AlterNet, Dec. 18, 2008

"Feds raid pot farms; local man arrested," The Union (CA), Dec. 18, 2008

"People moderating own alcohol, smoking and drug usage: report," The West Australian, Dec. 18, 2008

"Sacramento County board backs ID cards for medical pot users," Sacramento (CA) Bee, Dec. 17, 2008

"The war on drugs is a war on common sense," Charleston (SC) City Paper, Dec. 17, 2008

"Corzine says he would sign medical marijuana legislation," Press of Atlantic City (NJ), Dec. 17, 2008

"Marijuana 'epidemic' shows Japan's drug allergy," Reuters, Dec. 17, 2008

"Pay firms to give ex-addicts jobs, review says," Scotsman (UK), Dec. 17, 2008

"Colombia eradicates 550,000 acres of coca in 2008," Latin American Herald Tribune, Dec. 17, 2008

"Mexico drug gang likely behind US kidnapping," Reuters, Dec. 16, 2008

"Less cocaine on U.S. streets, report says," Los Angeles (CA) Times, Dec. 16, 2008

"Moved by patients, committee clears medical marijuana," Star-Ledger (NJ), Dec. 16, 2008

"Sacramento supervisors urged to OK pot cards for patients," Sacramento (CA) Bee, Dec. 16, 2008

"Measures protect police: Juárez enacts changes as 4 officers slain," El Paso (TX) Times, Dec. 16, 2008

"Cocaine traffickers hide 2.8 tons of drugs in bird droppings," Telegraph (UK), Dec. 16, 2008

"Canada has hand in Mexican bloodshed," Windsor Star (Canada), Dec. 16, 2008

"Teacher drug testing unresolved as talks near on new contract," Honolulu Advertiser, Dec. 15, 2008

"New Jersey Senate committee to consider legalizing medical marijuana," Press of Atlantic City (NJ), Dec. 15, 2008

"Town expands drug testing of employees," Salem (MA) News, Dec. 15, 2008

"Chavez 'ready to work with Obama on drugs war'," RIA Novosti (Russia), Dec. 15, 2008

"Fears drug campaign cuts no ice with teens," The Age (Melbourne, Australia), Dec. 15, 2008

"Customs seized £2.3m of drugs in Wales in last two years...but Government is slashing border staff," Daily Post (UK), Dec. 15, 2008

"Medical marijuana pondered in Jersey," Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger, Dec. 14, 2008

"Revellers swabbed for drug abuse," BBC News, Dec. 14, 2008

"Methadone 'does not reduce crime'," BBC News Dec. 14, 2008

"Marijuana ID cards coming on Monday," Ventura County (CA) Sun, Dec. 13, 2008

"Desert Hot Springs medical marijuana plans up in smoke," The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA), Dec. 13, 2008

"Suburbia needs to talk honestly about drugs," Hartford (CT) Courant, Dec. 12, 2008

"Marijuana legalization tops list of questions for Obama in online poll," Salem-News (OR), Dec. 12, 2008

"U-M report suggests drop in drug use," Detroit (MI) Free Press, Dec. 12, 2008

"Advocates optimistic about needle-exchange program approval in Bexar County, Texas," Medical News Today, Dec. 12, 2008

"Feds to help fight Valley's drug trade," Merced Sun-Star (CA), Dec. 12, 2008

"In Mexico, assassins of increasing skill," Washington Post, Dec. 12, 2008

"War on drugs in RI: Demonizing the most vulnerable," Jakarta (Indonesia) Post, Dec. 12, 2008

"Mexicans question President Calderón's drug war," Inland News Today, Dec. 12, 2008

"US teen marijuana use decline faltering: survey," Reuters, Dec. 11, 2008

"Bush asserts declining teen drug use; reports vary," AP, Dec. 11, 2008

"Prohibition never has worked," Wausau (WI) Daily Herald, Dec. 11, 2008

"Prison debt paid, jobs not available," Today's Sunbeam (NJ), Dec. 11, 2008

"Obama's smoking drama," AlterNet, Dec. 11, 2008

"Should teachers be drug-tested?," Houston (TX) Chronicle, Dec. 11, 2008

"Prescription pot," Detroit (MI) Metro Times, Dec. 11, 2008

"China's paradoxical policies on HIV and drug use threaten health, experts argue," Science Daily, Dec. 11, 2008

"Getting paid with raids," Baltimore (MD) Sun, Dec. 10, 2008

"Students' concerns for drug policy," (Virginia Tech) Collegiate Times, Dec. 10, 2008

"Marijuana law under review," Times Herald (MI), Dec. 10, 2008

"Drug-free Asean by 2015 target to curb gateway drugs abuse," Bernama (Malaysia), Dec. 10, 2008

"Drug producers, smugglers under pressure?," IRIN News, Dec. 10, 2008

"Mexican drug war a threat to U.S.," Concord (NH) Monitor, Dec. 10, 2008

"Temple airs medical marijuana plan," Bangor Daily News (ME), Dec. 9, 2008

"Battle for the bottle," Times Record News (TX), Dec. 9, 2008

"75 years since Prohibition," (U of MD) Diamondback, Dec. 9, 2008

"Obama sends mixed messages on marijuana," Sacramento (CA) Bee, Dec. 9, 2008

"Iran fights scourge of drug addicts," The National (Iran), Dec. 9, 2008

"Death toll in Mexico's drug war surges," Los Angeles Times, Dec. 9, 2008

"Too many drug incidents recorded at local prison," The Transcontinental (Australia), Dec. 9, 2008

"Culture, drug use: A cyclical dance," Battle Creek (MI) Inquirer, Dec. 8, 2008

"Medical marijuana is worth study," Sheboygan (WI) Press, Dec. 8, 2008

"Canadian Ecstasy smugglers use Vermont, New York as conduit," Times Argus (VT), Dec. 8, 2008

"Kit tightens leash on kids," Toronto (Canada) Sun;, Dec. 8, 2008

"Arseus to distribute medical cannabis in Germany," Reuters, Dec. 8, 2008

"U.S. releases first part of aid package to Mexico," Caller-Times (TX), Dec. 8, 2008

"Mexico's drug war," Los Angeles Times, Dec. 8, 2008

"Clearing the air on medical marijuana," South Bend (IN) Tribune, Dec. 6, 2008

"Briton jailed in US immigration crackdown for 'third of a joint'," The Telegraph (London, England), Dec. 6, 2008

"Not drug czar: Ramstad reportedly wants to be top mental health, substance abuse official," The Minnesota Independent (Minneapolis, MN), Dec. 5, 2008

"Let's end drug prohibition," The Wall Street Journal, Dec. 5, 2008

"Michiganders go to clinic seeking pot to dull pain Southfield," Detroit (MI) Free Press, Dec. 5, 2008

"A day to remember: Prohibition isn't forever," Daily News Tribune (MA), Dec. 5, 2008

"Afghan war on narcotics," Al Jazeera, Dec. 5, 2008

"Booze wars in Chester nightclubs," Chester (UK) Chronicle, Dec. 5, 2008

"Law enforcement group urges legalized drugs to aid economy," Baltimore (MD) Examiner, Dec. 4, 2008

"Middletown district mulls prescription drug testing," Independent (NJ), Dec. 4, 2008

"Ancient pot stash found in China," The Seattle (WA) Times, Dec. 4, 2008

"Medical marijuana farm faces uncertain future," City on a Hill Press (CA), Dec. 4, 2008

"The latest weapon in the war on cocaine-a drug mule dog called Pablo," Daily Mail (UK), Dec. 4, 2008

"Analysis: A new U.S. emphasis in Latin America," San Francisco (CA) Chronicle, Dec. 4, 2008

"Mexico drug cartels send a message of chaos, death," Washington Post, Dec. 4, 2008

"As medical marijuana law takes effect, plenty of questions but no prescriptions," The Grand Rapids (MI) Press, Dec. 3, 2008

"Prescription drugs perilous," The Famuan (FL A&M University), Dec. 3, 2008

"Marijuana patients increase," Maui (HI) Weekly, Dec. 3, 2008

"Drug use up almost tenfold in Russia since 1990," RIA Novosti (Russia), Dec. 3, 2008

"Master plan for drug abuse control chalked out," Pakistan Daily Mail, Dec. 3, 2008

"Legalising drugs is the only solution," Wales Online (UK), Dec. 3, 2008

"Legalize drugs, gain $77 billion," Baltimore Sun, Dec. 2, 2008

"UNH changes policy on internal possession," The New Hampshire (U of New Hampshire), Dec. 2, 2008

"US Supreme Court turns down review of medical marijuana case," Lake County (CA) News, Dec. 2, 2008

"Drug treatment advocates in a divided house," Los Angeles Times, Dec. 2, 2008

"Suburban teens on heroin, and we're in denial," Hartford (CT) Courant, Dec. 2, 2008

"Heroin clinic has cut crime on streets," Northern Echo (UK), Dec. 2, 2008

"Tijuana drug violence unabated," Los Angeles Times, Dec. 2, 2008

"Technology helps Arkansas fight meth manufacturers," Government Technology (CA), Dec. 1, 2008

"Marijuana sellers thriving with 'White Rhino,' 'Wonder Woman'," Bloomberg, Dec. 1, 2008

"Prescription drug fraud soars," Citizen-Times (NC), Dec. 1, 2008

"Mexico now extraditing drug suspects to U.S.," San Francisco Chronicle, Dec. 1, 2008

"New York Times misleads on Taliban role in opium trade," Online Journal (FL), Dec. 1, 2008

"Drug deaths, violence plague border in Tijuana," NPR, Dec. 1, 2008

"Swiss approve pioneering legal heroin program," AP, Nov. 30, 2008

"Swiss vote on radical heroin rules," BBC News, Nov. 29, 2008

"Vicious drug turf war turns Mexican border town of Tijuana into a killing zone," The Telegraph (London, England), Nov. 29, 2008

"Drugs on the job a bigger problem than many think," Battle Creek Enquirer (MI), Nov. 28, 2008

"UN: Taliban could clear $500M from 2008 drug trade," AP, Nov. 28, 2008

"Free heroin scheme faces nationwide vote," SwissInfo, Nov. 28, 2008

"Surfing becomes a new wave treatment to cure drug addicts," Times Online (UK), Nov. 28, 2008

"Illicit drugs should be legal, officer says," Times Colonist (Canada), Nov. 28, 2008

"Afghans hope pomegranates will replace poppies," San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 28, 2008

"U.S. war on drugs has failed, report says," Los Angeles Times (CA), Nov. 27, 2008

"Scientists find new way to kill pain," Ivanhoe (FL), Nov. 27, 2008

"Weeding out anti-drug attitudes," The Journal (Queen's University), Nov. 27, 2008

"Aids drug policy led to 330,000 deaths," Irish Independent, Nov. 27, 2008

"Jews, Buddhists pray for end to Mexican drug war," Reuters India, Nov. 27, 2008

"US suspends Bolivian trade deal over drug war," Associated Press, Nov. 27, 2008

"California high court defines caregiver' narrowly in medpot law," Ukiah (CA) Daily Journal, Nov. 26, 2008

"Prescription drug crisis dribbles into public schools," Las Vegas (NV) Sun, Nov. 26, 2008

"Marijuana use reaches record 'high'," New America Media (CA), Nov. 26, 2008

"Thai court sentences two Israelis to death for drug smuggling; Foreign Ministry to intervene," Ha'aretz (Israel), Nov. 26, 2008

"Alternative drug bill ready for public signature," The Messenger (Georgia), Nov. 26, 2008

"Tri-national delegates discuss cross-border drug trafficking," Viet Nam News, Nov. 26, 2008

"Colombian drug lord's ranch becomes dinosaur park-but trade is far from extinct," Guardian, Nov. 26, 2008

"Obama's drug czar pick: Will we ever get past having a War on Drugs?," AlterNet, Nov. 25, 2008

"Wasting drug war resources: The key is cutting demand, not supply," South Coast Today (MA), Nov. 25, 2008

"Court ruling will limit solo pot providers," San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 25, 2008

"Top narcotics officers join N.Y. war vs. craigslist drug ads," New York Daily News, Nov. 25, 2008

"Iran war on drugs to close borders," Press TV (Iran), Nov. 25, 2008

"Argentina and Mexico sign pact to cooperate in Drug War," Latin American Herald Tribune, Nov. 25, 2008

"Should addicts get heroin on prescription?," World Radio Switzerland, Nov. 25, 2008

"War on drugs takes a hit," Russia Today, Nov. 25, 2008

"Violence against journalists grows in Mexico's drug war," Washington (DC) Post, Nov. 25, 2008

"Drug policy conference sparks new tactics, plans," The Diamondback (Univ. of MD - College Park), Nov. 24, 2008

"Medicinal pot caregivers can be prosecuted for selling drugs, court rules," San Jose (CA) Mercury News, Nov. 24, 2008

"SSDP hosts international drug policy conference," Diamondback (UMD), Nov. 21, 2008

"More soldiers seek drug abuse help," Daily Record (NJ), Nov. 21, 2008

"Can't uphold law by keeping pot alive," Coloradoan, Nov. 21, 2008

"Group sues DMV for taking pot patient's license," San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 21, 2008

"Addicts taught to save lives with anti-overdose kits," Edmonton (Canada) Journal, Nov. 21, 2008

"Dutch cannabis cafes under threat," Sky News (UK), Nov. 21, 2008

"Another bloody night in Sinaloa, Mexico," Los Angeles Times, Nov. 21, 2008

"Fighting the narco-insurgency," Desert Valley Times (UT), Nov. 20, 2008

"Marijuana reduces memory impairment," Health NewsTrack, Nov. 20, 2008

"Methadone clinic plan draws more ire and fire," Laconia (NH) Citizen, Nov. 20, 2008

"Cocaine & crime will boom under Akufo Addo-NDC," Ghana News, Nov. 20, 2008

"Mexico's drug war brings blood, fear to tourist paradise Rosarito Beach," Seattle (WA) Times, Nov. 20, 2008

"Up next: free heroin for addicts," Globe and Mail (Canada), Nov. 20, 2008

"United States. Morales says U.S. bugged his phone," Ottawa (Canada) Citizen, Nov. 20, 2008

"Shooting at hospital blamed on drug war," Calgary Herald (Canada), Nov. 20, 2008

"Pot joins the fight against Alzheimer's, memory loss," Scientific American, Nov. 19, 2008

"Pot group sues to stop DMV from revoking licenses," AP / San Jose (CA) Mercury News, Nov. 19, 2008

"Methadone maintenance 4 decades later," Journal of the American Medical Association, Nov. 19, 2008

"Arcata to consider medical marijuana guidelines, new police position," Times-Standard (CA), Nov. 19, 2008

"Legal marijuana poses pot puzzle," Lansing (MI) State Journal, Nov. 19, 2008

"Drug addicts to be banned from Russia," Russia-InfoCenter, Nov. 19, 2008

"Mexican army purges corrupt police near U.S. border," Trend News Agency (Azerbaijan), Nov. 19, 2008

"Feds say S.F. has more pot clubs than Starbucks, but it might not add up," San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 18, 2008

"Web of addiction: The 'gateway' shifts to prescriptions," Herald Times Reporter (WI), Nov. 18, 2008

"Youth drug use down across state; mixed results in Charlotte, DeSoto," Sun Newspapers (FL), Nov. 18, 2008

"Vancouver's radical approach to drugs: Let junkies be junkies," AlterNet, Nov. 18, 2008

"World armies still use psychotropic medications to make fearless machines of their soldiers," Pravada (Russia), Nov. 18, 2008

"Drug cops can bar foreigners," Moscow (Russia) Times, Nov. 18, 2008

"Big Isle police study pot measure," Honolulu Advertiser, Nov. 17, 2008

"Early release for Ohio crack cocaine convictions," Mansfield (OH) News Journal, Nov. 17, 2008

"Changing nonviolent offenders remains an unreached objective," Patriot News (PA), Nov. 17, 2008

"Anti-drug strategy taking place," Northern Daily News (Canada), Nov. 17, 2008

"Teens drawn into 'drug trap'," Calgary Herald (Canada), Nov. 17, 2008

"A global business," The Guardian (Manchester, England), Nov. 16, 2008

"Emerson lays down the law about marijuana," The Boston (MA) Globe, Nov. 16, 2008

"Lawsuit: Police illegally seized medical pot," Maui (Hawai'i) News, Nov. 15, 2008

"Putting the 'War on Drugs' behind bars," The Daily Collegian (MA), Nov. 14, 2008

"Medicine abuse on the rise, data show," Des Moines (IA) Register, Nov. 14, 2008

"Drug-addicted babies cost state millions," Charleston (WV) Gazette, Nov. 14, 2008

"Taboo: Lifestyles with marijuana," The Colonnade (GA), Nov. 14, 2008

"UNODC, Russia discuss efforts to combat drug trafficking from Afghanistan," Xinhua (China), Nov. 14, 2008

"Drug reform in Arkansas," Arkansas Times, Nov. 13, 2008

"NM not alone in lacking marijuana dispensaries," New Mexico Daily Lobo, Nov. 13, 2008

"Selling pot 'in the light'," Chico (CA) News & Review, Nov. 13, 2008

"We can't help addicts by making them criminals," The (UK) Herald, Nov. 13, 2008

"Malawi faces serious drug abuse—minister," (Malawi) Nation Online, Nov. 13, 2008

"Prosecutor says better equipment is needed to fight drugs," Dominican Today, Nov. 13, 2008

"Mexico mass kidnap in spiral of suspected drug crime," AFP, Nov. 13, 2008

"Police chiefs fight steroid-abuse trend," San Diego (CA) Union-Tribune, Nov. 12, 2008

"Urine drug tests for doctors?," ABC News, Nov. 12, 2008

"Substance abuse cuts a wide swath," Battle Creek Enquirer (MI), Nov. 12, 2008

"Medical marijuana advocate takes on sheriff," News Times (OR), Nov. 12, 2008

"Police take aim at drug-impaired drivers," Calgary (Canada) Herald, Nov. 12, 2008

"Wilson warns of cut to drink-drive limit," Belfast (UK) Today, Nov. 12, 2008

"Mexico deadlier than Iraq," World Net Daily (OR), Nov. 11, 2008

"Colombia hails Mexico's drug war," BBC, Nov. 11, 2008

"Afghanistan's plans to combat drugs ineffective," Trend News Agency (Azerbaijan), Nov. 11, 2008

"Compulsory drug testing proposed," News.gov (Hong Kong), Nov. 11, 2008

"Drug wars ongoing problem for Mexico," (Canada) National Post, Nov. 11, 2008

"'Green' card: CU student group teaches state-sanctioned pot use," Colorado Daily (Colorado University - Boulder), Nov. 10, 2008

"Prescription drugs kill 300 percent more Americans than illegal drugs," Natural News, Nov. 10, 2008

"A Salvia divinorum horror story," San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 10, 2008

"Pharmaceuticals in the water: Why medication contamination is a danger to our health and the environment," Natural News, Nov. 10, 2008

"Once Allied army launching pad, Pangsau Pass now a drug route," Press Trust of India, Nov. 10, 2008

"Colombian president says Mexico will win drug war," AP, Nov. 10, 2008

"War on drugs underway," Phuket Gazette (India), Nov. 10, 2008

"Majority agrees that some users unduly punished," The Enterprise (Brockton, MA), Nov. 9, 2008

"Question 2 landslide opens drug policy debate," The Milford (MA) Daily News, Nov. 9, 2008

"Mich. may lead way for Wis. on medical marijuana," AP / Chicago (IL) Tribune, Nov. 8, 2008

"Mexico captures its 'man with the golden gun' in vicious drugs war," The Telegraph (London, England), Nov. 8, 2008

"N.D. farmers appeal to grow hemp," USA Today, Nov. 7, 2008

"Jazz, drugs and agriculture," Times Union (NY), Nov. 7, 2008

"Experts gather to tackle abuse of prescription narcotics," Herald Net (WA), Nov. 7, 2008

"Price of cocaine plummets on streets," Irish Independent, Nov. 7, 2008

"Establishment of drugs court still under discussion in Malta," Malta Independent, Nov. 7, 2008

"Drug war returns," Bangkok Post, Nov. 7, 2008

"High expectations," Slate, Nov. 6, 2008

"Officials look for guidelines on marijuana initiative," The Boston Globe, Nov. 6, 2008

"Gow open to talk on drinking age issue," LaCrosse (WI) Tribune, Nov. 6, 2008

"Govt kicks off new anti-drug campaign," Bangkok (Thailand) Post, Nov. 6, 2008

"New recruits lead fight on drugs and terror," Lincolnshire (UK) Echo, Nov. 6, 2008

"Crash kills Mexico drug-war czar," Orlando (FL) Sentinel, Nov. 6, 2008

"Pot wins in a landslide: A thundering rejection of America's longest war," AlterNet, Nov. 5, 2008

"Drugs war chiefs die in plane crash," The Scotsman (Edinburgh, Scotland), Nov. 5, 2008

"GAO report: Plan Colombia success limited," AP, Nov. 5, 2008

"Voters say yes to marijuana in Massachusetts and Michigan," AlterNet, Nov. 5, 2008

"Voters approve marijuana law change," The Boston Globe, Nov. 5, 2008

"Screening, early intervention program reduces illicit drug use," Emax Health, Nov. 5, 2008

"Inmate denied pot in jail," Leader-Post (Canada), Nov. 5, 2008

"Giade calls for public support," Vanguard (Nigeria), Nov. 5, 2008

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