Drug Policy
- Drugged Driving: A Growing Problem
While driving under the influence of alcohol has gotten considerable attention over the last 25 years as the nation as a whole recognized the dangers associated with drinking and driving, a new and deadly trend is emerging. Individuals who get behind the wheel of a car while on specific drugs – whether legal or not – can also endanger themselves and others around them.
- Drug Addiction & Alcoholism: Grounds of Inadmissibility to the United States
Certain aliens, whether applying for non-immigrant or immigrant benefits, can be deemed inadmissible to the United States for health-related issues pursuant to section 212(a)(1) of the INA. In addition to communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV (which was recently removed from the list), other mental health or physical issues can affect a person’s ability to visit, live or work in the US. Certain medical issues, such as organ failure or certain forms of cancer, will make an applicant inadmissible for financial reasons as immigration officials fear that the person will be a drain on public benefits. To overcome this ground of inadmissibility, the applicant must have a US citizen or green card holder willing to be financially responsible for the person’s support, as well as funds or insurance to cover any potential treatment that will likely be needed in the future to treat the issue.
- Minnesota Seems Ready to Ban Salvia
After several failed attempts in past sessions, the Minnesota Legislature appears poised to ban a little-known plant called salvia divinorum that, when ingested or smoked, has psychedelic properties. Andy Birkey of the Minnesota Independent writes that bills that would penalize those who sell or possess the herb have moved through House and Senate committees and now await floor votes in both chambers.
- America’s New “War on Drugs”
As the “War on Drugs” shifts from criminalization to treatment and second chances, more and more states have been turning to alternate approaches like drug courts, which help people kick their habit instead of throwing them behind bars.