How the Myth of the ‘Negro Cocaine Fiend’ Helped Shape American Drug Policy How the Myth of the ‘Negro Cocaine Fiend’ Helped Shape American Drug Policy
In 1914, a racist fiction helped sell one of the nation’s first drug laws; 100 years later, it’s still with us.
Jan 29, 2014 / Carl L. Hart
Justice Department Could Ease Regulations for Legal Weed Businesses ‘Very Soon’ Justice Department Could Ease Regulations for Legal Weed Businesses ‘Very Soon’
Currently commercial marijuana retailers have virtually no access to banks--but Attorney General Eric Holder says that might be about to change.
Jan 24, 2014 / George Zornick
On Mass Incarceration, Does Chris Christie Agree With Mumia Abu-Jamal? On Mass Incarceration, Does Chris Christie Agree With Mumia Abu-Jamal?
One of the country’s most visible conservative politicians has provided an opening to talk about one of the most pressing social justice issues of our time.
Jan 22, 2014 / Mychal Denzel Smith
The Unexamined Privilege of David Brooks The Unexamined Privilege of David Brooks
The New York Times columnist fails to understand how the war on drugs disproportionately affects minorities and the poor.
Jan 14, 2014 / Tom Tomorrow
This Is David Brooks on Drugs This Is David Brooks on Drugs
David Brooks’s blinkered pot column shows how our elites are shielded from the consequences of the war on drugs.
Jan 3, 2014 / Michelle Goldberg
New York State Senator Rolls Out Bill Legalizing Marijuana New York State Senator Rolls Out Bill Legalizing Marijuana
Despite Governor Andrew Cuomo’s opposition, hopes are running high.
Dec 18, 2013 / Nicolas Niarchos
Rep. Trey Radel Won’t Be Joining the More Than Half a Million Americans Jailed for Drug Offenses Rep. Trey Radel Won’t Be Joining the More Than Half a Million Americans Jailed for Drug Offenses
It is time to recognize that penalty and punishment are wrong responses—for congressmen and for SNAP recipients.
Nov 21, 2013 / John Nichols
The Death of Len Bias, My Generation’s One-Person Shock Doctrine The Death of Len Bias, My Generation’s One-Person Shock Doctrine
On the day that Len Bias would have turned 50, it is worth remembering how people have used his memory and exploited his death.
Nov 18, 2013 / Dave Zirin
Why Should Thousands of Prisoners Die Behind Bars for Nonviolent Crimes? Why Should Thousands of Prisoners Die Behind Bars for Nonviolent Crimes?
A new ACLU report shows the staggering number of prisoners serving life without parole. In Louisiana, more than 90 percent are black.
Nov 13, 2013 / Liliana Segura
Dispatch From Denver: What’s Next in the Fight for Pot Legalization? Dispatch From Denver: What’s Next in the Fight for Pot Legalization?
At the International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Colorado, activists from all over the world celebrated recent wins and made plans for the future.
Nov 11, 2013 / Will Godfrey