Don't expect the Keystone State to be the Key-stoned State anytime soon. While voters in Colorado and Washington approved citizen-proposed referendums this month legalizing recreational marijuana use, Pennsylvania has a long way to go before such a question makes its way on the ballot, midstate attorneys and legalization advocates agree. Supporters say legalizing marijuana would be a boon for the economy, potentially generating millions in tax revenue, while opponents argue readily available pot would lead to people using drugs with more devastating effects. [continues 477 words]
The recent arrest of a Scranton police officer for allegedly selling drugs while on duty has sparked concerns about whether the city should, or even can, randomly test its officers. Mark Conway, 36, of 1012 Maple St., was arrested March 1 after Lackawanna County detectives allegedly found five OxyContin pills and 33 methadone tablets in his patrol car. A confidential informant tipped authorities that Officer Conway was allegedly addicted to heroin for more than a year. The informant also said he had bought heroin from Officer Conway about 10 times, according to an affidavit. [continues 947 words]
