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Obama Pot Policy a Victory for States' Rights

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

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2009 5:31 PM CDT

(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... Read full story »

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Politics • Crime & Courts • Health

War on Drugs • drugs • medical marijuana • marijuana • decriminalization • states' rights • Obama administration

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Feds Will Back Off Medical Pot Operations

No more crackdowns on outlets that comply with state law

(NEWSER) - The Obama administration will stop cracking down on medical marijuana centers operating legally under state law, according to a new policy expected to be released today. The move is a significant departure from the Bush administration, which continued to bust such operations for breaking federal law. Under the new strategy, federal prosecutors will be told that legal action against such operations is not a good use of their time, reports AP, which was briefed about the change by federal officials. More»

Mass. Rep Vows to Legalize Pot

Barney Frank says public is ready for change

(NEWSER) - Rep. Barney Frank will move to legalize “small amounts” of marijuana, Politico reports, citing Americans who think use of the drug is no big deal. “It's time for the politicians to catch up to the public,” said the Massachusetts Democrat on "Real Time with Bill Maher." But it’ll be tough for him to get a vote on such legislation, the Crypt notes. More»

Legalizing Medical Marijuana Doesn't Up Kids' Pot Use

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»

Next to Decriminalize Marijuana: Chicago?

No more jail time for small amounts, if city councilmen have their way

(NEWSER) - As public support for marijuana legalization grows, Chicago may take things one step closer: The city is looking to decriminalize the stuff, meaning users carrying small amounts would pay tickets instead of winding up in jail, the Chicago Tribune notes. Those carrying less than 10 grams would be slapped with a $200 fine and be required to perform community service, AFP reports. City council members intend to introduce the ordinance next week as a cost-cutting measure that would allow police to focus on bigger threats. More»

Why We Need to Legalize Pot

Our war on marijuana does more harm than good

(NEWSER) - What will happen if we legalize marijuana? Simple: Police will be able to “focus on serious crime instead,” writes George Soros in the Wall Street Journal . The liberal billionaire and philanthropist outlines his reasons for supporting California’s Prop 19 , with the bottom line being that “our marijuana laws are clearly doing more harm than good.” The people benefiting the most from keeping pot illegal, he argues, are “the major criminal organizations in Mexico and elsewhere that earn billions of dollars annually from this illicit trade.” More»

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Obama Pot Policy a Victory for States' Rights

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

War on Drugs • drugs • medical marijuana • marijuana • decriminalization • states' rights • Obama administration

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More Newser Stories

Feds Will Back Off Medical Pot Operations

No more crackdowns on outlets that comply with state law

Mass. Rep Vows to Legalize Pot

Barney Frank says public is ready for change

Legalizing Medical Marijuana Doesn't Up Kids' Pot Use

Young people use drug at same rate before, after legalization

Next to Decriminalize Marijuana: Chicago?

No more jail time for small amounts, if city councilmen have their way

Why We Need to Legalize Pot

Our war on marijuana does more harm than good

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