Drug Policy
Articles Related to Drug Policy
- Fair Sentencing Act Reduces Discrimination in Drug Charges
Congress made a huge improvement in the justice system on August 3, 2010, when President Obama signed into law the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. The Act corrects the disparity in the law that deals harsh penalties for low-level crack cocaine offenses compared to much lighter penalties for powder cocaine offenses.
- 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.