Dear LEAP Supporter:

On Tuesday, December 2, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition kicked off the ‘We Can Do It Again’ project, marking the 75th anniversary of alcohol prohibition’s repeal (December 5) by calling for an end to drug prohibition. At a press conference in Washington, DC, LEAP released a new report explaining how ending the war on drugs will put dangerous traffickers out of business and will help our economy by billions of dollars.

As the new Congress addresses the current economic crisis, we don't want them to believe that we support the status quo. We want Congress to know the war on drugs is a failure. We want them to change drug laws and stop arresting people for nonviolent drug-related crimes. Law Enforcement Against Prohibition is making it easy for our supporters to tell Congress and state law makers what we think.

For the next two weeks, you can send a letter to your members of Congress and state law makers at www.WeCanDoItAgain.com . Please act now. Visit www.WeCanDoItAgain.com, and please post or forward this message to as many people as you can!

As always, thank you for your support of LEAP.

FRESH AIR IN MOVEMENT

Something is going on. A refreshing breeze is cleansing the dusty atmosphere of the debate on drugs. They say that periods of crisis stimulate the earth to elaborate new forms of social organisation... or to refresh the organisation of forms that were invisible during centuries. Are we passing from protest to proposal? Definitively yes.

From 21 to 23 November the workshop on "Drugs and Diplomacy" took place in Murguía, Basque Country, on the subject of the participation of organisations of drug users in the debate on drug policies. This workshop, under the leadership of Xabier Arana of Ekimen, an association of prestigious researchers from the Basque Country, forms part of a study on this issue that ENCOD is carrying out with the support of the Drugs Policy Department of the Basque Country. 24 representatives of 17 different organisations and networks such as GANJAZZ, LA REGADERA, AI LAKET, PANNANGH, COMISIÓN CIUDADANA ANTISIDA DE ÁLAVA, GANJAZZ ART CLUB, PAOTXA, INPUD, LCA, PIC, MDHG, AKZEPT, FAC, FAUDAS, FEDERACIÓN ENLACE and ENERGY CONTROL, met together in an idyllic place to analyse the weaknesses and strengths of user organisations to intervene in the design and application of drug policies, as well as the threats and opportunities that we can be confronted with when doing this. The report, with the conclusions of the research, as well as a videoreport will be presented in the coming months.

Apart from analysing in a very transparent way the situation of the movements for drug policy reform and the strategies to improve our effectiveness, we elaborated in Murguía concrete recommendations for the coming drugs plan of the Basque government and an alternative drugs action plan for the European Union that should replace the current draft elaborated by the European Commission. The recommendations of the Basque Government will be presented in a report at a meeting that will be organised for this purpose, and the alternative action plan will be presented during the coming Civil Society Forum on Drug Policies in the EU.

The workshop in Murguía represents a qualitative improvement in the movement for drug policy reform. On one hand, it is a historic moment for the social movements, especially for those that are formed by people at the grass roots level: we are passing from protest to proposal, and not a theoretical one, but a proposal that has materialised through a process of profound common reflection. On the other hand, the fact that we enjoyed such amenities as simultaneous translation, a comfortable room for the meeting etc., has facilitated the work in large degree.

We are also starting to see that the global objective is transcending local problems (egos, protagonisms, internal struggles, etc.) and global problems as well (sacred and stigmatised substances, urgency versus importance etc.). We are seeing the emergence of a commonly agreed project that becomes more and more clear and necessary.

Although this objective has always been present in the outlook of ENCOD, a coalition that has grown from 20 organisations in 1994 to 150 in 26 different countries today, in Murguía we have been able to conclude that we are all ENCOD, that we all have something to contribute to ENCOD, that there is a true feeling of belonging to the network and collaborating with each other. Something that is obvious but important to remember once in a while.

All this would not have been possible without the concrete help of two persons: Iker Val (of Ganjazz Art Club) and Iker Giraldo Cuadrado (La Regadera), who assumed the idea that was launched in the assembly and have proved able to convert this idea in reality in just 4 months.

The synergies are also coming together in the world of the Cannabis Social Clubs. during the past months the Federation of Cannabis Associations in Spain is working on a consensus document with recommendations on how to create a cannabis consumers club that would dispose of the most fundamental norms (statutes, rules for registering an association, etc.) as well as broader issues such as legal resolutions that are currently in place. This was the first step towards the elaboration of a second document that will be directed at the Spanish government with recommendations on how to regulate the clubs. The third step will be the internal reglementation for the functioning of the clubs, which will facilitate common standards of operation for all associated clubs.

This is not an isolated process, it takes place at a moment when from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean lines are thrown to us in order to maintain the link to the other extreme end of a chain that is more and more diffuse (consumers become growers and in producing countries, growers have been consuming traditionally since remote times). ENCOD is on the brink of signing an agreement with coca grower organisations in Bolivia which will promote initiatives of coca grower communities to obtain economic self-sufficiency in a framework of integrated and sustainable development, legal commercialisation channels for the traditional derivates of the coca leaf will be explored and acts of citizens’ diplomacy will be organised to propose the international depenalization of the coca leaf for international organizations.

For these projects, in early March we will organise a conference in the European Parliament, in collaboration with MEPs, on the issue of the revalorisation of the coca leaf through the legal commercialisation of its derivates in Europe.

We hope to count on the presence of representatives of coca grower organisations in order to present publicly the agreement, which we hope will be signed before that date.

Just as the twinkling of the wings of a butterfly can produce a hurricane, we hope that this fresh air in movement will cross the physical and ideological frontiers and obtain the necessary force [that might] break the wall of prohibition.

By: Virginia Montañés Sánchez (with the help of Peter Webster)

Thanks to José Afuera Gómez, of FAC, for the information on cannabis social clubs in Spain.
P.S.

ENCOD NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT:

Account: 001- 3470861-83 Att. ENCOD vzw - Belgium
Bank: FORTIS, Warandeberg 3, 1000 Brussels
IBAN: BE 14 0013 4708 6183
SWIFT: GEBABEBB

Dear ASA Supporter,

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a landmark decision yesterday in which California state courts found that its medical cannabis law is not preempted by federal law. The Supreme Court’s decision in Garden Grove v. Superior Court means that federal law does not prevent state and local governments from implementing medical cannabis laws adopted by voters or state legislatures. In short: federal law does not override state law on medical cannabis!

Yesterday’s decision follows three years of strategic legal work by Americans for Safe Access (ASA) in a California case involving the return of wrongfully confiscated medicine. ASA needs your help to keep doing important work like this. Please take a moment to make a special contribution to ASA today.

The Court’s decision has broad implications for medical cannabis patients in the 13 states where medical cannabis is legal, and signals a sea change in the impasse between state and federal laws. Better adherence to state medical cannabis laws by local police will result in fewer needless arrests and other problems for patients, allowing for better implementation of medical cannabis laws in all states that have adopted them.

Medical cannabis advocates should be encouraged by opportunities for change in federal policy with a new Presidential Administration and shift in Congress. But until now, federal pre-emption has haunted patients whose state laws allow for medical cannabis use. This decision further clears the way for state implementation and adds new urgency to ASA’s work in the nation’s capitol, where we have been working full-time to change federal policy since 2006.

ASA is working in the courts and in the halls of Congress to protect and expand patients’ rights – and we are making a difference. We have won important victories in court, made significant inroads in Congress, and helped reframe the national debate about medical cannabis. But we need your help to carry on. Please make a contribution to support ASA today.

Thank you,

Steph Sherer
Executive Director
Americans for Safe Access

P.S. Read more about the Supreme Court decision at www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/USSCKha.

Dear friends:

The Georgetown chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy is hosting a debate between MPP assistant director of communications Dan Bernath and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy chief counsel Ed Jurith at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3. The debate will take place at The Georgetown University Law Center in McDonough Hall. The topic of the debate will be medical marijuana.

Attendance is free and open to the public. Attendees must bring a valid photo ID. After the debate, there will be a question and answer session with the audience.

WHAT: Medical marijuana debate between MPP assistant director of communications Dan Bernath and ONDCP chief counsel Ed Jurith
WHEN: 6:30 pm on December 3, 2008
WHERE: The Georgetown University Law Center in McDonough Hall (600 New Jersey Ave NW), room 203

In 1998, 69% of Washington, D.C., voters supported an initiative to allow sick and dying patients to use medical marijuana. However, Congress has prevented the law from being implemented, so seriously ill District residents are still subject to arrest and prosecution for using medical marijuana. If you live in the District, please take a moment now to urge your councilmembers to pass a resolution calling on Congress to respect the will of D.C. voters and allow the medical marijuana law to take effect.

Thank you for supporting MPP. I hope you will be able to attend the debate on Wednesday evening.

Sincerely,

Zane Hurst
Legislative Analyst
Marijuana Policy Project

Dear friends:

With the new presidential administration just two months away, MPP is calling on President-elect Obama to inject some common sense into America's marijuana laws.

Please watch MPP's new video letter to Obama to see what we're asking him to do:

As you know, we emptied our coffers in order to win our successful ballot initiative campaigns to legalize medical marijuana in Michigan and decriminalize marijuana possession in Massachusetts. In order to hit the ground running with the new administration and the new Congress, we need your help to make sure our work in the new year is fully funded. Would you please consider donating $10 or more to our work today? 

We really appreciate anything you can give.

Sincerely,

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

P.S. As I've mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $3.0 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2008. This means that your donation today will be doubled.

PRESS RELEASE
Americans for Safe Access
For Immediate Release: December 1, 2008

U.S. Supreme Court: State Medical Marijuana Laws Not Preempted by Federal Law / Medical marijuana case appealed by the City of Garden Grove was denied review today

Washington, DC -- The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a landmark decision today in which California state courts found that its medical marijuana law was not preempted by federal law. The state appellate court decision from November 28, 2007, ruled that "it is not the job of the local police to enforce the federal drug laws." The case, involving Felix Kha, a medical marijuana patient from Garden Grove, was the result of a wrongful seizure of medical marijuana by local police in June 2005.

Medical marijuana advocates hailed today's decision as a huge victory in clarifying law enforcement's obligation to uphold state law. Advocates assert that better adherence to state medical marijuana laws by local police will result in fewer needless arrests and seizures. In turn, this will allow for better implementation of medical marijuana laws not only in California, but in all states that have adopted such laws.

"It's now settled that state law enforcement officers cannot arrest medical marijuana patients or seize their medicine simply because they prefer the contrary federal law," said Joe Elford, Chief Counsel with Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the medical marijuana advocacy organization that represented the defendant Felix Kha in a case that the City of Garden Grove appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. "Perhaps, in the future local government will think twice about expending significant time and resources to defy a law that is overwhelmingly supported by the people of our state."

California medical marijuana patient Felix Kha was pulled over by the Garden Grove Police Department and cited for possession of marijuana, despite Kha showing the officers proper documentation. The charge against Kha was subsequently dismissed, with the Superior Court of Orange County issuing an order to return Kha's wrongfully seized 8 grams of medical marijuana. The police, backed by the City of Garden Grove, refused to return Kha's medicine and the city appealed. Before the 41-page decision was issued a year ago by California's Fourth District Court of Appeal, the California Attorney General filed a "friend of the court" brief on behalf of Kha's right to possess his medicine. The California Supreme Court then denied review in March.

"The source of local law enforcement's resistance to upholding state law is an outdated, harmful federal policy with regard to medical marijuana," said ASA spokesperson Kris Hermes. "This should send a message to the federal government that it's time to establish a compassionate policy more consistent with the 13 states that have adopted medical marijuana laws."

Further information:

Today's U.S. Supreme Court Order denying review:
http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/Kha_USSC.pdf
Decision by the California Fourth Appellate District Court:
http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/GardenGroveDecision.pdf
Felix Kha's return of property case:
http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/article.php?id=4412

# # #

Drug Truth Network Update: 4:20 Drug War NEWS from 90.1 FM in Houston and dozens of radio affiliates in the US, Canada and Australis & on the web at www.kpft.org.

We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US, Canada and Australia.

4:20 Drug War NEWS 12/01/08 to 12/07/08 now online (3:00 ea:) Select online at www.drugtruth.net

Sun - Kris Krane of SSDP re "No O.D.'s with regulation"

Sat - Bruce Alexander part 2/2

Fri - Bruce K. Alexander, author of "The Globalization of Addiction, A Study in Poverty of The Spirit" 1/2

Thu - Kris Krane of Students for Sensible Drug Policy re crack cocaine vs powder sentencing disparity

Wed - Lisa Ling re National Geographic special on marijuana

Tue - LEAP Report with Terry Nelson: UN Drug Czar off base

Mon - Glenn Greenway with Poppygate Report: "from Bongs to Dongs"

Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed (Now With Transcripts):

- Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD
- Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT, 9:30 AM PT: TBD

Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, and www.audioport.org

Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker:

Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform.

"Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer

Dean Becker
713-849-6869
www.drugtruth.net

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The Unvarnished Truth About the Drug War From the Drug Truth Network:

(To downlad these 29:00 files, click on links below. To simply listen, go to www.drugtruth.net and select the arrow below the shows description.)

Cultural Baggage for 11/26/08 Bruce K. Alexander, author of "The Globalization of Addiction, A Study in Poverty of The Spirit" + Law Enforcement Against Prohibition report from Terry Nelson & The Abolitionists Moment
MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/2150/FDBCB_112608.mp3
TRANSCRIPT: By Friday

Century of Lies for 11/25/08 Kris Krane, president of Students for Sensible Drug Policy discusses recent SSDP conference to celebrate their 10th anniversary + 7 years later, CIA found responsible for shooting missionary's plane from the sky + the Reagans just say "yes" to drugs
MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/2149/COL_112508.mp3
TRANSCRIPT: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=node/2149#comments

PLEASE NOTE: We now have transcripts, potcasts, searchability, CMS, XML, sorts by guest name and by organization.

Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed, listen online at www.kpft.org:

- Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD
- Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD
Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, www.audioport.org

We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US, Canada and Now Australia!!!

Programs produced at Pacifica Radio Station KPFT in Houston. www.kpft.org

Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker: More than 55 Drug Policy Videos online)

Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform.

"Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer

Dean Becker
713-849-6869
www.drugtruth.net

NEWS ADVISORY: November 24, 2008
CONTACT: Tom Angell, LEAP - (202) 557-4979 or media@leap.cc

Cops Say Legalizing Drugs Can Boost Economy by Billions

75th Anniversary of Alcohol Prohibition's End Inspires Modern Effort

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday, December 2, a group of law enforcers who fought on the front lines of the "war on drugs" and witnessed its failures will commemorate the 75th anniversary of alcohol prohibition's repeal by calling for drug legalization. The cops, judges and prosecutors will release a report detailing how many billions of dollars can be used to boost the ailing economy when drug prohibition is ended.

"America's leaders had the good sense to realize that we couldn't afford to keep enforcing the ineffective prohibition of alcohol during the Great Depression," said Terry Nelson, a 30-year veteran federal agent and member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). "Now, cops fighting on the front lines of today's 'war on drugs' are working to make our streets safer and help solve our economic crisis by teaching lawmakers a lesson from history about the failure of prohibition. We can do it again."

WHO: Federal agents, street cops, detectives, corrections officials and a Harvard economist

WHAT: Release of "We Can Do It Again" report on benefits of repealing drug prohibition

WHEN: Tuesday, December 2, 2008 @ 10:00 AM

WHERE: National Press Club; Zenger Room; 529 14th Street, NW; 13th Fl.;

Washington, DC

***phone press conference also available***

"We Can Do It Again: Repealing Today's Failed Prohibition," highlights how the "war on drugs" - just like alcohol prohibition - subsidizes violent gangsters, endangers public health and diminishes public respect for the rule of law. The report also details how the newer prohibition comes with the much graver threat of international cartels and terrorists who profit from illegal drug sales. Yet, it leaves readers on a hopeful note.

"We're starting to see an emerging consensus that drug prohibition just doesn't make sense," said Seattle's retired Police Chief Norm Stamper, a LEAP member. "Three out of four Americans now say the 'war on drugs' has failed, and so do the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Now, it's up to the new administration and Congress to follow through."

More information about LEAP and a copy of the report will be uploaded at http://www.WeCanDoItAgain.com/

# # #

Cal NORML Release - Nov. 24, 2008
Cal Supreme Court Rules Prop 215 Caregivers Must Do More Than Just Supply Marijuana

In a blow to medical marijuana providers, the California Supreme Court ruled that defendants are not entitled to a defense as Prop 215 caregivers if their primary role is only to supply marijuana to patients. The court unanimously overruled an appellate court decision in the case People v Roger Mentch", writing:

"We hold that a defendant whose caregiving consisted principally of supplying marijuana and instructing on its use, and who otherwise only sporadically took some patients to medical appointments, cannot qualify as a primary caregiver under the Act and was not entitled to an instruction on the primary caregiver affirmative defense. We further conclude that nothing in the Legislature's subsequent 2003 Medical Marijuana Program (Health & Saf. Code, § 11362.7 et seq.) alters this conclusion or offers any additional defense on this record."

Full text of the decision may be found at http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S148204.PDF

Prop 215 defines primary caregiver to be the "individual designated by the [patient]... who has consistently assumed responsibility for the housing, health, or safety of that person." According to the Court, these words " imply a caretaking relationship directed at the core survival needs of a seriously ill patient, not just one single pharmaceutical need."

The Court concluded, " a defendant asserting primary caregiver status must prove at a minimum that he or she (1) consistently provided caregiving, (2) independent of any assistance in taking medical marijuana, (3) at or before the time he or she assumed responsibility for assisting with medical marijuana."

The Court's ruling effectively limits the caregiver defense to relatives, personal friends and attendants, nurses, etc. In particular, it excludes its use by medical marijuana "buyers' clubs," retail dispensaries and delivery services.

The remaining legal defense for medical marijuana providers is to organize as patient cooperatives and collectives, which are legal under SB 420.

"The Mentch decision highlights the inadequacy of California's current medical marijuana supply system," said Cal NORML coordinator Dale Gieringer. "The law needs to allow for professional licensed growers , as with other medicinal herbs."

- D. Gieringer Cal NORML

--
Dale Gieringer - dale@canorml.org
California NORML, 2215-R Market St. #278, San
Francisco CA 94114 -(415) 563- 5858 -
www.canorml.org

You Can Make a Difference

Dear friends,

You have an opportunity right now to influence one of the most important choices President-elect Obama will make. The media is reporting that he is considering nominating Republican Congressman James Ramstad (MN/3rd) to be his “drug czar”. It’s easy to understand why. Rep. Ramstad is in recovery from substance abuse (alcohol) and has a long track record in support of increasing access to drug treatment. Ramstad, however, is still mostly wedded to the failed punitive drug war policies of the last 30 thirty years.

For instance, Ramstad has voted against medical marijuana five times. He has voted against making sterile syringes more available to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS three times. Even though his colleagues are increasingly supporting sentencing reform, including eliminating the crack/powder sentencing disparity, he hasn’t stood up on the issue.

In other words, Rep. Ramstad does not appear to be committed to the kind of change President-elect Obama has said he will bring to our nation’s drug policies. 

Obama needs to hear from you, and is making it easy for you to contact him through his website. Will you take a minute today to urge Obama to choose a drug czar who will champion reform?

The Drug Policy Alliance believes our nation’s next drug czar should be chosen based on the following criteria:

1. Are they committed to enacting and supporting evidence-based policies? ONDCP should make decisions based on science, not politics or ideology.
2. Are they committed to reducing the harms associated with both drugs and punitive drug laws? We need a new bottom line for U.S. drug policy.
3. Do they think drug use should be treated as a health issue not a criminal justice issue? To paraphrase former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke, we need a surgeon general not a military general or police officer.
4. Do they welcome and encourage debate and research? We need a drug czar who is open-minded and willing to consider every alternative.
5. Are they committed to reducing the number of nonviolent offenders behind bars? Our country’s next drug czar should be fully committed to major sentencing reform.

Who President-elect Obama chooses as his drug czar will affect everyone. DPA is working over-time to influence that decision but we need your help. Please let Obama know that you want him to nominate a drug czar who supports marijuana law reform, syringe availability and treatment-instead-of-incarceration. 

Sincerely,

Bill Piper
Director, National Affairs
Drug Policy Alliance Network

Drug Truth Network Update: 4:20 Drug War NEWS from 90.1 FM in Houston and dozens of radio affiliates in the US, Canada and Australis & on the web at www.kpft.org.

We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US, Canada and Australia.

4:20 Drug War NEWS 11/24/08 to 11/30/08 now online (3:00 ea:) Select online at www.drugtruth.net

Sun - Ray Manzarek of the Doors 3/3

Sat - Ray Manzarek of the Doors 2/3

Fri - Ray Manzarek of the Doors recounts their first rehearsal 1/3

Thu - CIA hides truth about shooting missionaries from the skies

Wed - Terry Nelson who has more than 33 years working for US Govt as customs, border and air interdiction officer reports for Law Enforcement Against Prohibiton

Tue - US HHS has patent on med MJ, 2/2

Mon - US Health and Human Services has patent on medical marijuana

Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed (Now With Transcripts):

- Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: Bruce Alexander, author "Globalization of Addiction"
- Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT, 9:30 AM PT: TBD

Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, and www.audioport.org

Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker:

Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform.

"Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer

Dean Becker
713-849-6869
www.drugtruth.net

[Courtesy of The Sentencing Project] 

Dear Friends,
 
We're pleased to call your attention to a newly released report, Compact for Racial Justice: An Agenda for Fairness and Unity.  The publication was produced by the Applied Research Center as a proactive agenda for fairness and unity in communities, politics, and the law. 
 
The Sentencing Project was the lead author of the chapter promoting criminal justice reforms (beginning at page 17). In this chapter, we discuss the failed crime policies of the past 30 years, marked by the six-fold increase in the prison population since 1972.  Much of this increase can be attributed to the War on Drugs and the consequent sentencing disparities it imposed.   In addition to calling for reforms of current policies, we caution policymakers in the new administration against repeating the mistakes of the past through enacting policies and practices that impose harsh penalties that produce disproportionate effects on minorities, youth, and immigrants. 
 
Finally, we offer four specific recommendations for immediate action: implement racial impact statements, abolish the mandatory detention of immigrants, support people in reentry and the communities where they return, and make racial equity a standard for all criminal justice policy and practice.
 
You can obtain this publication here.   
 
We hope you find this report useful in your work.
 
                                             
           
-The Sentencing Project

Dutch MP Boris van der Ham buys a bag of weed of the "regulated market"

A glance of the future after the ban on cannabis has been abolished

On Thursday 27 November, at 09.15 hs, Dutch Member of Parliament of left liberal party D66 will buy a bag of cannabis at coffeeshop "Cremers ", Prinsestraat 84 in The Hague.

The owner of this coffeeshop, Gerard Smit, will provide him with this bag and inform him extensively on the origin of this cannabis, the methods of cultivation, the effects of it and the way in which the price has been determined.

In this way it becomes clear how the cannabis market could be regulated in the future, when the ban on cannabis cultivation has been abolished. Coffeeshops could then get their cannabis in a legal way from growers who would spend attention to quality and public health aspects. Before buying his product, the customer can be fully informed on the exact and expected effects of the substance.

The visit of Boris van der Ham to coffeeshop Cremers takes place in the framework of the Cannabis Tribunal , that takes place on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December in Nieuwspoort, The Hague. This tribunal deals with the question what should be the direction of Dutch lenient cannabis policy, that allows sale of personal quantities to adult persons in coffeeshops, but bans the cultivation of cannabis, for example to provide these shops.

The press is very welcome to attend this visit. For more details, please contact the organisers.

The press release is sent by:

Encod: Joep Oomen, email: joep@encod.org.
Stichting Drugsbeleid: Freek Polak, email: fpolak@planet.nl
Cannabis College: Job Joris Arnold, email: job@cannabiscollege.com

Our Plan

First, we’re going to build on the momentum from this year and work to push several issues across the finish line in Congress. With some of our strongest congressional allies now holding positions of leadership, we’re already mobilizing to eliminate the crack/powder sentencing disparity, repeal the federal syringe ban and undo the Bush administration’s Reefer Madness.

> Click to Continue

A Good Day for Marijuana Laws

Election Day was a success for marijuana initiatives across the country, thanks to the work of the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and numerous state and local groups.

> Click to Continue

Canada's West Coast Leads the Americas in Drug Policy Reform

British Columbia has been leading the hemisphere in drug policy reform for years. The most recent civic elections confirm this point, and demonstrate the power of effective policy advocacy and public education.

> Click to Continue

Report-Back from the HRC Conference

Drug Policy Alliance staff and allies recently gathered at the annual Harm Reduction Coalition conference in Miami, FL. The forum served as an exciting exchange of cutting-edge information, empowering ideas and successful strategies for incorporating harm reduction into direct community services, public policy and individual life choices.

> Click to Continue

Dear friends:

Want to party with the Marijuana Policy Project at the Playboy Mansion?

This is your invitation to the best party of the year — MPP's fourth annual party at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles on June 4, 2009.

Come celebrate MPP's Election Day wins and mingle with other MPP supporters, all on the Mansion's legendary grounds. Last year's party featured a live performance by Jane's Addiction's Perry Farrell and was hosted by reality TV superstar Adrianne Curry.

We'll be announcing celebrity performers in the coming weeks.

MPP's last three parties at the Playboy Mansion sold out, so make sure to get your tickets early. You'll also save money by getting tickets now, since the price will increase later on.

Tickets make a great holiday gift, as well.

Please reserve your tickets today. I hope we'll see you there.

Sincerely,

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

P.S. As I've mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $3.0 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2008. This means that your donation today will be doubled.

[Courtesy of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]

LEAP in Action November 2008

This issue…

· From the Desk of the Executive Director
· Did you Know?
· State by State
· Volunteer of the Month
· Campus Communities
· Make the LEAP

From the Desk of the Executive Director

Thank you to our members in Massachusetts and Michigan for their significant work in bringing about the decriminalization of marijuana and reducing some of the harms of this horrible war.

Here in Massachusetts, we brought decriminalization in, with 65 percent of the vote in favor of Question 2. And we did it while doing what we do best: convincing people that we must create a system of legalized regulation for all drugs. Leading up to Election Day, I made this addition to my usual LEAP plea: “Legalized regulation must be conducted at a federal and international level, but there is something you can do right now, right here in Massachusetts to reduce some of the harms of the war on drugs: You can vote yes on Question 2, which will remove possession of an ounce or less of marijuana from any criminal sanction and make that possession punishable by a civil fine of $100.” In all the live presentations and all the radio talk shows I gave in Massachusetts during the last two months, there was not one person who publicly disagreed with voting yes on Question 2.

LEAP can take a bit of the credit for Massachusetts’ decriminalization of marijuana, and being able to take that credit elevates LEAP even more in the minds of other drug, prison and harm reduction transformers.

Again, thank you to all of our members for your continued support.

-Jack A. Cole, Executive Director

Did You Know?

Whether you are talking about State initiatives, working on Capitol Hill, reaching out to opinion leaders in college, government and business or impacting the international community, LEAP was there leading the conversation.

Speakers Eric Sterling and Norm Stamper spoke to the New Hampshire Association of Counties about the economics of prohibition, influencing decision makers in local government.

Speaker Russ Jones and Dr. Sally Jones shared the stage at the 54th Annual Social Work Educators conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they helped shape what the next generation of social workers will think about the current drug policy.

State By State

Here at LEAP we’re still celebrating the victories in Michigan and Massachusetts. Jack Cole, Norm Stamper, Rick Van Wickler and Greg Francisco hit the streets and airwaves to educate the public about the effects of those state ballot initiatives. It was all hands on decks as our media team, speakers bureau and volunteers worked together to give voters a clear picture of the impact of these initiatives on law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Volunteer of the Month

This month we’d like to spotlight Whitney Garlinghouse. Whitney could be doing a lot of things with his time, but after careful consideration he decided LEAP was the place to invest. Whitney joined the media team with an eye on radio. Whitney has been beating the digital highway reaching out to radio programs that previously featured LEAP speakers. Radio is a great way to get our message out to a wide audience.

Much of our media this month was radio. Whitney placed Earl Barnett on the air in Baltimore, Maryland and David Doddridge on the air in Slidell, Louisiana in addition to the outstanding efforts he made in Michigan and Massachusetts.

Campus Communities

Our Campus Communities outreach is affecting classrooms, students and educators alike. In Illinois, James Gierach spoke to criminal justice students at Blackburn College, while to the east Rick Van Wickler spoke to Keene College in New Hampshire and Manchester College in Connecticut, and to the north, Alison Myrden appeared at the University of Guelph in Ontario.

International Overtures

The newest documentary featuring LEAP, “THE UNION: THE BUSINESS BEHIND GETTING HIGH” is now available online. This documentary on the "B.C. Bud" industry features interviews with Jack Cole, Larry Campbell and Norm Stamper of LEAP. BC's illegal marijuana trade industry has evolved into a business giant, dubbed by some involved as 'The Union', commanding upwards of $7 billion Canadian annually. You can view the documentary at http://blip.tv/file/1356143/.

Make the LEAP

Around the world, organizations are struggling with how to make an impact on the 44th President and the 111th Congress, but opportunity and preparation have already made the way for LEAP. A struggling economy, deficit state budgets and a booming unregulated drug market give our speakers the perfect backdrop to talk about repeating repeal. The 75th anniversary of the repeal of alcohol prohibition is December 5, 2008. Around the country, our speakers are submitting letters to the editor, scheduling radio interviews and brushing up on the comparison between that prohibition and this one. In Washington, DC our team is preparing to storm the newly elected leaders with the mantra “We can do it again”.

LEAP membership is an important aspect of the Repeat Repeal project. Take a minute to invite your family and friends to add their voices to ours by joining LEAP today. Your donation takes us one step closer to making history with the 111th Congress.

We need YOUR help to continue doing all that we do.

If you aren’t already, please consider volunteering your time or donating to LEAP. Together we can End Prohibition Now!

Alabama: Voting for the First Time in Almost 40 Years

Alabama resident Ussery Knight cast his vote for the first time since 1970, according to a blog posted on The Ordinary People's Society Web site. "The last time Knight, 62, had the right to vote, gas was 36 cents per gallon, the Dow sat at 839, 'Patton' was the big movie at the box office and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' was beginning a seven-year run on television," the article stated. Knight, who served probation for a felony offense, recently registered
to vote after learning about the state's felony voting rights laws with help from TOPS.

Florida: Editorial Supports Democracy for All

A Miami Herald editorial focused on the significance of the election for those elected into office, and those who cast votes. Many Florida citizens with felony offense records were able to vote for the first time as a result of Gov. Charles Crist's efforts to restore voting rights and speed up the application process for that population. "Democracy is strengthened by encouraging every eligible American to vote," the editorial stated. "This is how America stays strong and free."

Pennsylvania: Is Disenfranchising Voters Really the "Right Thing to Do?"

A letter to the editor was featured in The Mercury questioning the rationale for disenfranchisement laws. "I suggest that the people of the United States take a good long look at the true scales of justice in our nation," the author stated. "Look closely at where taking away a convicted felon's right to vote falls in being the right thing to do when measured against the actions of so many other perpetrators of hate, brutality, unethical behaviors, and the destruction of innocence. I believe the scales would tip greatly in favor of the felon's right to vote when pit against so many other weightier issues of our country."

- - - - - -

Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today.

Contact Information -- e-mail: zjennings@sentencingproject.org, web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

The Unvarnished Truth About the Drug War From the Drug Truth Network:

(To downlad these 29:00 files, click on links below. To simply listen, go to www.drugtruth.net and select the arrow below the shows description.)

Cultural Baggage for 11/19/08 Buford Terrel, retired professor of law & Brian Arthur owner of Mazatec Garden discuss the potential outlawing of "salvia" + Terry Nelson reports for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/down...
TRANSCRIPT: By Friday

Century of Lies for 11/18/08 Ray Manzarek of the Doors recounts their first rehearsal (high on weed), report from Australia on the benefits of hemp + NEWS that US HHS has a patent on marijuana
MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/2140/COL_111808.mp3
TRANSCRIPT: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=node/2140#comments

PLEASE NOTE: We now have transcripts, potcasts, searchability, CMS, XML, sorts by guest name and by organization.

Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed, listen online at www.kpft.org:

- Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: Bruce Alexander, author Globalization of Addiction
- Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD
Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, www.audioport.org

We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US, Canada and Now Australia!!!

Programs produced at Pacifica Radio Station KPFT in Houston. www.kpft.org

Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker: More than 55 Drug Policy Videos online)

Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform.

"Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer

Dean Becker
713-849-6869
www.drugtruth.net

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2008

Medical marijuana lawsuit filed against Department of Motor Vehicles

Americans for Safe Access fights baseless revocation of patient's driver's license

Merced, CA -- A lawsuit was filed today by medical marijuana advocacy organization Americans for Safe Access (ASA) against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on behalf of Rose Johnson, a 53-year-old patient from Atwater. Despite Ms. Johnson's clean driving record, not having caused an accident in 37 years of driving, the DMV revoked her license on July 26, 2008 because of her status as a medical marijuana patient. The DMV refused to renew Ms. Johnson's license only after obtaining her medical records and finding out that she was a qualified medical marijuana patient. According to the DMV, Ms. Johnson's license was revoked "because of...[an] addiction to, or habitual use of, [a] drug," thereby rendering her unable to safely operate a motor vehicle, even though no evidence existed to substantiate this claim.

"The DMV cannot simply disregard California's medical marijuana law," said ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford, who is representing Ms. Johnson in her claim against the DMV. "When the voters of California enacted the Compassionate Use Act, they never intended to authorize the DMV to strip medical marijuana patients of their drivers' licenses," continued Elford. "The DMV should not be in the business of revoking the licenses of drivers like Ms. Johnson simply because she is a medical marijuana patient."

Advocates assert that the DMV policy of suspending and revoking the licenses of medical marijuana patients is widespread, occurring in at at least 8 California counties, including Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Glenn, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, and Sonoma. License revocations by the DMV, which have been based on a person's status as a medical marijuana patient, are often rationalized by calling the drivers "drug abusers" despite no evidence of the claim.

In 2007, Merced -- the county in which Ms. Johnson lives -- implemented a police policy that instructed its Sheriff deputies to respect state law and not to cite medical marijuana patients or seize their medicine. "The DMV is not under a different set of requirements than local police in California," said Elford. "The failure to uphold California's medical marijuana law is entirely inappropriate for any local or state agency."

The lawsuit filed today by ASA is expected to be heard in Merced Superior Court in the next few months. The lawsuit against the DMV is part of a campaign by ASA to fully implement California's medical marijuana laws.

Further information:
ASA's lawsuit against the DMV: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/DMV_Writ.pdf

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