Mass. Rep Vows to Legalize Pot

Young people use drug at same rate before, after legalization

(NEWSER) - Sobering news for those who argue that legalizing medical marijuana will lead to more stoner kids: Researchers reviewed the habits of some 25,000 youths in Massachusetts, where medical pot isn’t legal, and 13,000 in Rhode Island, where it became so in 2006. Studying data from 1997 to 2009, they found that no matter the state or the year, about 30% of the youngsters indulged in the drug, Time reports. More»

Administration takes long-overdue steps to end Bush-era excesses

(NEWSER) - The Obama administration’s decision to respect state laws on medical marijuana is good policy—and not just because it demonstrates compassion toward cancer and AIDS patients, writes Glenn Greenwald. Despite his critics’ charges of “socialism” and “fascism,” President Obama is showing that his administration, unlike the Bush White House, is willing to stick its neck out for states’ rights. More»

(NEWSER) - Robert Holding believed he was providing a “public service” when he put a little something extra in his milk deliveries. Police nabbed the 72-year-old for selling pot to 17 pensioners in the UK for at least 6 months, the Daily Telegraph reports. Holding’s elderly customers—the oldest is 92—would leave notes on their doorsteps requesting the drugs, to help them manage their aches and pains. More»

In US, Rep. Barney Frank leads lawmakers on marijuana crusade

(NEWSER) - Argentina's president is seeking to legalize drug use and a crack down on dealing and trafficking, CNN reports. President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's plan follows similar moves by European and Latin American nations, where decriminalization has not increased drug use, one expert said. Mexico proposed such a law several years ago, but backed down when Washington reacted harshly. More»

Medical association calls for law change to reclassify pot

(NEWSER) - The second-largest physicians' organization in the nation is taking a stand supporting medical marijuana, declaring that science has proven the drug has therapeutic value. The American College of Physicians is asking federal lawmakers to drop marijuana from a category of drugs considered to have no medicinal value, the Los Angeles Times reports. In a position paper, the association also calls for the protection of doctors and patients in states with laws supporting pot use for health reasons. More»