Drugs & Prohibition

High Bail for Marijuana Raid Arrests Sparks Questions

"Three of four people arrested are still behind bars with bail at roughly half-a-million dollars each. Questions are arising about why their bail is so high in comparison to others. 'Bail will remain set $550,000' said Judge Tim Barnack. After he announced his decision, supporters of Lori and Leland Duckworth as well as David Bond made their discontent known in the courtroom. Comparing their bail to others on the Jackson County Jail inmate list, bail is $250,000 dollars for an individual accused of encouraging child sex abuse. Another person, charged with 3rd degree robbery, misdemeanor strangulation and 4th degree assault has bail set at $80,000." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingHigh Bail for Marijuana Raid Arrests Sparks Questions

Medical Marijuana Patient Jerry Duval’s Prison Term Could Cost Taxpayers More Than $1.2 Million

"American taxpayers could spend upwards of $1.2 million over the next decade imprisoning Jerry Duval, a Michigan medical marijuana patient who was convicted of distributing the drug. Duval has a kidney and pancreas transplant, as well as glaucoma and neuropathy. His family grew marijuana on his Michigan farm in part to treat his ailments. But when the Department of Justice prosecuted him in federal court, Duval was barred from presenting evidence of his compliance with Michigan's medical marijuana law. He will report to prison on June 11." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMedical Marijuana Patient Jerry Duval’s Prison Term Could Cost Taxpayers More Than $1.2 Million

Microsoft alum promises to ‘mint millionaires’ with future U.S.-Mexico marijuana trade

"His company, Diego Pellicer, plans to produce, market and distribute a high-potency strain of marijuana and establish itself as the industry’s first true 'brand.' Shivley and his business partners were even featured on the local news the night Washington’s marijuana legalization law took effect, in video featuring Shivley ringing a bell to celebrate 'the beginning of the end of prohibition.' Since trying marijuana for the first time just last year, Shively says that he’s been fully converted by the controversial herb. 'I’ve just fallen in love with the plant. Especially in the medical realm I’ve gone from entrepreneur to advocate to activist, seriously.'" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMicrosoft alum promises to ‘mint millionaires’ with future U.S.-Mexico marijuana trade

Texas Police Tase Overweight Asthmatic to Death in Drug Raid That Uncovers No Drugs

"On May 16th, Forth Worth police entered the home of Jarmaine Darden, 34, in search of cocaine. The raid, which does not appear to have uncovered any cocaine, ended with the 34-year-old father dead after police tased him multiple times. Family members told CBS 11 that the 350-pound man, who'd been asleep on the couch when police came in, couldn't drop to the ground on his stomach as officers commanded because he suffered from asthma. According to what witnesses told CBS 11, Darden stopped breathing and died after police tased him the second time. An investigation into the incident is underway." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingTexas Police Tase Overweight Asthmatic to Death in Drug Raid That Uncovers No Drugs

When the Vicious Sit in Judgment

"llinois resident Michael Cook has been charged with drug and firearms offenses in East St. Louis following the death of a colleague from a cocaine overdose. Cook and his friend, Joe Christ, were staying at a hunting lodge last March 10 when Christ was found dead. Cook was accused of using heroin while in possession of firearms. There are two unusual – and, most likely, related – aspects of this case. The first is that Cook and Christ were sitting Circuit Court Judges. The second is that Cook, despite being accused of firearms-related felonies, was released on his own recognizance – most likely as a matter of 'professional courtesy' from another judge." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingWhen the Vicious Sit in Judgment

Exclusive New Adam Kokesh Arrest Footage; Calls For Orderly Disbandment Of Washington

"Adam's arrest in Philadelphia as never seen before with multiple camera angles and exclusive footage that shows him clearly being targeted and pulled out of the crowd WITHOUT assaulting anyone!" Continue reading →

Continue ReadingExclusive New Adam Kokesh Arrest Footage; Calls For Orderly Disbandment Of Washington

Man Responsible For NY 15-Year Mandatory Minimum Pot Sentences Dies

"William M. Fine, a former magazine publisher and retailer whose research for Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller helped shape New York State’s stringent narcotics laws, died on Friday in Beverly Hills, Calif. His biggest impact on history resulted from a dinner party conversation with Rockefeller in early 1972, according to a former Rockefeller aide. On May 8, 1973, Rockefeller signed legislation mandating minimum prison sentences of 15 years for selling two ounces or possessing four ounces of heroin, cocaine or marijuana. The legislation was the toughest in the country, and increased the state’s prison population 500 percent over the next 20 years." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMan Responsible For NY 15-Year Mandatory Minimum Pot Sentences Dies

Original owner of Toronto ex-mayor’s alleged ‘crack’ video may have been killed

"Two separate sources said authorities interviewed a senior member of Ford’s staff regarding the possible link between the video and the killing of 21-year-old Anthony Smith, who is believed to appear in the video with Ford. Smith was shot dead in March. The video’s original owner was reportedly killed because of the potential value of its contents. Ford denied the existence of the video in a short statement on May 24, saying, 'I do not use crack cocaine, nor am I an addict of crack cocaine.' CBC then reported that Rob Ford’s press secretary and deputy press secretary have both resigned 'on principle,' four days after the mayor fired his chief of staff, Mark Towhey." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingOriginal owner of Toronto ex-mayor’s alleged ‘crack’ video may have been killed

Illinois teacher in trouble for advising students about 5th Amendment before drug screening

"A high school teacher in Batavia, Illinois could be disciplined for informing his students of their Fifth Amendment rights before administering a survey school officials was intended to gauge their emotional needs. The Batavia Daily Herald reported on May 25 that social studies instructor John Dryden advised students of their right not to incriminate themselves before giving them a 'screener' survey on April 18 that had each student’s name printed on it. 'I made a judgment call,' Dryden told the Herald. 'There was no time to ask anyone.' Dryden could reportedly be issued a 'letter of remedy,' which would stay in his employment record." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIllinois teacher in trouble for advising students about 5th Amendment before drug screening

Facing 81 Years For Marijuana, Rich Paul Planning To Appeal Convictions

"Rich Paul, political activist and founder of the 420 Foundation, is seeking help to appeal the guilty verdict he received recently at Cheshire Superior Court in Keene, NH. Rich was on trial for selling marijuana to an undercover Drug Task Force informant. The drug sting was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and culminated with Rich Paul being asked to 'cooperate' with the FBI in order to ensnare more local activists by wearing a wire into the Keene Activist Center. The appeal will center around the recent New Hampshire State Law, HB 146, which affirms the legality of a jury to judge not just the case but the law itself." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFacing 81 Years For Marijuana, Rich Paul Planning To Appeal Convictions