Drug Law Reform

		"New Drug Policy Alliance Study Examines Racial Disparities in Possession of Marijuana Arrests" Harry G. Levine, Jon B. Gettman and Loren Siege were commissioned by the Drug Policy Alliance to conduct a study of the disparities that exist for young blacks found in possession of marijuana. Utilizing arrest data from the U.S. Government's FBI Uniform and Crime Report and the U.S. Census, the study entitled, Targeting Blacks for Marijuana: Arrests of African Americans in California, 2004-08.”, presents startling, but not surprising results of the racial disparity. The study also examines evidence that young blacks use marijuana at lower rates than young whites. To read the study, please click here. RELATED COVERAGE: "Legalizing marijuana is civil rights issue, California NAACP says," by Liane Membis. CNN, July 7, 2010. To view additional drug law reform resources and articles, please see below or click "Read More." Read More

WA: "Marijuana Legalization: With No Cash, Doubts Grow Over Whether Washington State Initiative Will Gather Enough Signatures," Drug War Chronicle, June 11, 2010 CO: "Marijuana's Black Market: Will It Stay Or Will It Go?," by Megan Verlee. NPR, June 9, 2010 CO: "Colorado Tightens Medical Marijuana Rules," by Jeff Brady. NPR, June 8, 2010 National: "State Medical Marijuana Laws Are Getting Stricter," by Jeff Brady. NPR, June 7, 2010 CO: "Colorado: New Regulations for Medical Marijuana," by Dan Frosch. The New York Times, June 7, 2010 CA: "California voters back pot legalization, but support is shaky," by John Hoeffel. Los Angeles Times, May 31, 2010 CA: "An illegal substance sold legally ," by Daniel Okrent. Los Angeles Times, May 16, 2010 DC: "D.C.'s medical marijuana law has problems but is a step in the right direction," by Robert McCartney. The Washington Post, May 13, 2010 More Timely News
		Disparity by Design: How Drug-Free Zone Laws Impact Racial Disparities -- and Fail to Protect Youth This Justice Policy Institute report documents how cities across the country are inadvertently creating city-wide drug-free zones that are disproportionately impacting African Americans and Latinos. Recommended reading for anyone interested in reforming the drug-free zone laws. Read More

	Drug Law Reform Resources NACDL Affiliate Contacts State Criminal Justice Network--FAQ State Criminal Justice Network News Archive