War On Drugs

You know what would be interesting? If someone---perhaps in response to accusations that a group of cops was framing innocent people---spent months setting up a fake drug house to attract police suspicion. Then, after the police raided the place and found no drugs of any kind, asked to see the sworn search affidavit, so they could check it for accuracy against their own heavily … [Read more...] about The Cinderella Affidavit v.s. Barry Cooper

I've been avoiding commenting on Obama's rumored picks for his administration. I figure there's no point speculating how bad they might be when in a few months we'll know for sure how bad they are. However, I really have to say something about the rumors he wants to put Jim Ramstad in as Drug Czar. Actually, I'll let Maia Szalavitz say it: There is one issue that has … [Read more...] about Jim Ramstad as Drug Czar?

The ONDCP blog is touting their latest set of anti-drug ads. Each one depicts a fictional job title---Burrito Taster, Couch Security Guard, TV Remote Control Operator---and concludes with the tag line "Hey, not trying to be your mom, but there aren't many jobs out there for potheads." The obvious flaw with this argument is the plenty of pot smokers have gone on to really great … [Read more...] about Jobs For Pot Smokers

The Chicago Police Department has been facing some looming shortages of money and manpower. Whenever any law enforcement entity faces such problems, we libertarians have a stock solution: Stop wasting money on the War on Drugs. Use the people and equipment for something more important. Which brings me to Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis, who has said some … [Read more...] about Chicago Taking a New Direction in the War on Drugs?

A jury just convicted California medical marijuana provider Charles Lynch of federal drug distribution charges. His marijuana dispensary was entirely legal under California law, and he operated it wth the blessing of local officials, including the mayor and city attorney of Morro Bay. However, he was charged under federal anti-drug laws, so none of that mattered. He was also … [Read more...] about Remember David Kowal