SACRAMENTO -- The state Senate voted Monday to decriminalize marijuana, a substance so controversial that it's listed as a dangerous narcotic under federal statute but considered so inconsequential in California that possession of small amounts is less serious than a traffic ticket. Coincidentally, also Monday the Nevada Legislature passed a bill to make minor possession of marijuana a misdemeanor instead of a felony and implement a voter-approved ballot measure that allows medical use of the weed. "Clearly the climate is opening up a bit," said Keith Stroup, executive director of the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws in Washington, D.C. "I think a lot of elected officials are feeling it's safe to have a healthy debate on this." [continues 493 words]
Davis Reportedly Wants $50 Million To Fight Drug SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Gray Davis will include $50 million to fight methamphetamine production in a budget proposal to be released next week, one in a hodgepodge of spending initiatives to improve the economy and quality of life in the Central Valley. Administration officials, speaking on the condition they not be identified, said Davis plans to step up methamphetamine enforcement by adding $40 million in state funding to specialized drug-enforcement units set up by the federal Department of Justice in five regions of the state, including the Valley. [continues 566 words]
