To be released on December 7th 2012, this groundbreaking documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman uncovers the UN sanctioned war on drugs, charting its origins and its devastating impact on countries like the USA, Colombia and Russia. Featuring prominent statesmen including Presidents Clinton and Carter, the film follows The Global Commission on Drug Policy on a mission [...]

The last few weeks have been uniquely significant in the decades-long battle to end global prohibition of cannabis. Landmark ballots in Washington and Colorado have caused ripples throughout the industry, affecting cannabis politics worldwide. No final word from the federal government Despite initial statements from the federal government that their stance on cannabis remains unchanged, [...]

Since the introduction of the controversial Weed Pass (“Wietpas”) to the southern provinces of the Netherlands in June this year, authorities have reported significant upswings in cannabis-related petty crime. The protests of municipalities not yet subject to the law are becoming ever more strident…

We all have an interest in knowing which policies work in tackling problems associated with drug use. Many members of the public, and many politicians, believe that our drug policies are not working. But the debate about how we address the challenges of mind-altering drugs is polarised in a way not seen in most other [...]

Uruguay has no specific legislation for cannabis, making its legal status a somewhat gray area. Personal possession and consumption are generally tolerated but cultivation and supply are seen as far more serious issues which – although not a widespread problem – are often punishable by harsh prison sentences.

“There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.”- Harry Anslinger, first Drug Czar. As we approach the 75th anniversary of marijuana prohibition [...]

By Paul Armentano AlterNet The government and mainstream media frequently publicise studies touting the purported dangers of cannabis, while consistently ignoring scientific evidence that demonstrates the opposite. While studies touting the purported dangers of cannabis are frequently pushed by the federal government and, therefore, all but assured mainstream media coverage, scientific conclusions rebutting pot propaganda [...]

Five Scientific Conclusions about Cannabis the Mainstream Media Doesn’t Want You to Know By Paul Armentano 2. The enactment of state-wide medical marijuana laws is associated with fewer incidences of suicides Can cannabis use quell thoughts of suicide? Not a chance, claim the mainstream media and the Drug Czar . But a little-noticed discussion paper [...]

Five Scientific Conclusions about Cannabis the Mainstream Media Doesn’t Want You to Know By Paul Armentano   4. Cannabis use is associated with only marginal increases in traffic accident risk “Cannabis drivers ‘twice as likely to cause car crash.’” So declared a BBC News headline in February, following the publication of a meta-analysis of nine [...]

Five Scientific Conclusions about Cannabis the Mainstream Media Doesn’t Want You to Know By Paul Armentano 5. The Schedule I classification of cannabis is a lie; the science says so Congress’ present classification of cannabis and its organic constituents as Schedule I substances under federal law, which defines said substances as lacking any therapeutic value [...]