Author Archives: Pete

The excellent Maia Szalavitz in Time: Why Medical Marijuana Laws Reduce Traffic Deaths A nicely-written and clear article on this study and it’s got a huge circulation. States that legalize medical marijuana see fewer fatal car accidents, according to a … Continue reading →

Was our world made any safer because shortly after these pictures were taken, the women in them were shot in the back of the head?

The recent decision by Governor Gregoire and Governor Chafee (later joined by Vermont’s Governor Shumlin) to formally petition to take marijuana out of Schedule 1 is a pretty big deal, though not necessarily in the way some people think. Now … Continue reading →

I like to think of myself as an effective drug policy reform advocate, but I realize that as an individual, my impact can be limited, so I like to check out what organized groups are doing for drug policy reform. … Continue reading →

Remember Mark Souder? Well, back in 2006, he and Senator Hatch and Senator Biden were desperately trying to introduce some major biological warfare into the drug war – namely, the use of mycoherbicides for drug crop eradication. At that time, … Continue reading →

Federal Marijuana Classification Should Change, Gregoire and Chafee Say – New York Times. It should more than change, but this is another good step. Keep the pressure on the feds – this time from governors. Points: The Blog of the … Continue reading →

Ray Fisman at Slate bring us Narco Economics. A new study that could help Mexico win its war on drug traffickers. This article spends most of its time discussing the interesting concept of “forensic economics” being explored by student Melissa … Continue reading →

Count the Costs is an international organization that focuses on the costs of the war on drugs. They have just released an environmental briefing (pdf) discussing the costs of the war on drugs to the environment. Send this to all … Continue reading →

Denver Post: Report shows fewer traffic fatalities after states pass medical-pot laws The passage of state medical-marijuana laws is associated with a subsequent drop in the rate of traffic fatalities, according to a newly released study by two university professors. … Continue reading →

It’s been discussed a bit in comments, but it’s important to note once again just how horrible Newt would be. Chris Moody Interview with Newt Three Republican presidential candidates have shown an openness to handing over control of drugs and … Continue reading →