Judge rules government supply of marijuana is inadequate (February 2007) The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrative Law judge found that government supplies of marijuana have failed to meet scientific demand, and recommended that the DEA approve a Massachusetts professor's application to grow marijuana for research. The DEA is not bound by this decision; still, the holding will make it harder for the government to continue obstructing marijuana research.
Denver votes to allow marijuana possession (November 2005) Following similar recent elections in Seattle and Oakland, Denver voters passed a measure to remove criminal penalties for adults who possess an ounce or less of marijuana. However, the impact of this vote is limited because Denver police may still enforce state anti-marijuana laws.
"40 Percent of Americans Say Treat Pot Like Booze" (June 2003) A Zogby International poll in June 2003 found that 41 percent of those responding agreed that "the government should treat marijuana more or less the same way it treats alcohol: it should regulate marijuana, control it, tax it, and only make it illegal for children."
Medical Pot Activist Walks Free (June 2003). Marijuana activist and author Ed Rosenthal was convicted on federal charges of conspiracy to cultivate marijuana. The maximum sentence would have been 60 years, but U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer sentenced Rosenthal to just one day in jail and released him with credit for time already served.
Also check out "Why it was wrong to prosecute man for growing medicinal marijuana" by Sherry Colb.
Nevada voters reject decriminalization (November 2002). However, Question 9 received 39% of the vote, proving that there is strong support for making marijuana legally available.
Cannabis use falls in Britain after government softens stance (Oct. 2006) - The Independent reports that use of marijuana in England and Wales has declined since the government stopped arresting users. This trend is evidence that legalization of marijuana will not necessarily cause a dramatic increase in marijuana use.
Mexico prepared to relax its drug laws (Apr. 2006) - Mexico's Congress recently approved a bill decriminalizing possession of small quantities of marijuana and other drugs, but President Vicente Fox refused to sign the bill. Apparently Mexican authorities are beginning to realize that they have better things to do than bother casual drug users, but Fox was not willing to upset the U.S. leaders who oppose drug reform.
Canadian Senate report says pot should be legal. (Sept. 2002) - The Special Committee on Illegal Drugs found that "cannabis is substantially less harmful than alcohol and should be treated not as a criminal issue but as a social and public health issue."