For the Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition, the state's only syringe exchange program, funding is harder to come by than a needle in a haystack Additional reporting by Thomas Wheatley and Jim Burress Editor's note: Some of the last names of the subjects in this story have been withheld. On an unforgiving block in the English Avenue neighborhood known as the Bluff, just spitting distance from the future site of the Atlanta Falcons' projected $1.2 billion stadium, heroin has turned the world on its axis. Young dealers on one side of the street hug the corner like wayward old souls, while aged addicts on the opposite side seem stuck in a prolonged adolescence. [continues 2614 words]
Without resorting to hyperbole or what the other side calls "reefer madness," we believe two factors have come together at this time to create what we think is the perfect storm, to enable the worst possible scenario for us and our future in Fort Collins: commercial marijuana dealerships and those who've made a mockery of the medical marijuana card. The 20 commercial pot shops in Fort Collins and the geometric proliferation of those obtaining cards who have no legitimate need for them has led to a massive increase in the numbers of those using marijuana without fear of the legal, physical or psychological consequences. These bode ill for our future together. [continues 456 words]
A decade ago, voters in California approved a proposal to legalize marijuana smoking for so-called medical purposes. Today, even the proposal's most vocal supporters admit the California law has resulted in chaos, pot dealers in storefronts and millions of dollars being dumped into the criminal black market. Proposal 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot in Michigan is just like the California law. While its stated intent, to help people in serious pain, is well meaning, Proposal 1's vague language, careless loopholes and dangerous consequences place Michigan communities and kids at risk. Michigan voters should reject it. [continues 454 words]
Khat (Catha edulis Forsk), or chat in Amharic, has been cultivated and used for centuries by the indigenous people in Ethiopia and the surrounding countries, including Somalia, Eritrea, Kenya and Yemen. Fresh leaves of khat are chewed primarily to attain a state of stimulation and euphoria. For the majority of these people, the use of khat is an established cultural tradition for a variety of social situations. In these countries, the consumption and trading of khat are legal in most cases. [continues 792 words]
Sir -- I have read an article titled "Fair trade farmers in Ethiopia" by an anonymous author. Referring to khat, it has been implied that the use of the herb in Britain is illegal. This is not true. Khat in Britain is not yet covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act and thus its possession and supply is perfectly legal. Consequently, khat is imported to Britain and sold opely by greengrocers, specialist health food shops and "head shops". Please don't scare those heavy consumers from your neighbourhood. Worku A. Woldemichael [end]
A former Meridian police officer has been released from the Lauderdale County jail on $2,500 bond after being charged with felony illegal possession of more than 100 units of phenobarbital - a hypnotic sedative used to fight seizures. Meridian Police Chief Benny DuBose said Donald Morgan, a former K9 handler, was arrested on Monday. It was the second set of charges against him stemming from a drug raid at his Clarke County home in early May. Morgan was initially charged with illegal possession of cocaine and illegal possession of crystal methamphetamine. [continues 108 words]
Gary Russell Brashears Jr., a freshman quarterback at the University of Arkansas, pleaded innocent Friday to charges of alcohol possession. Brashears, 18, entered the plea through his attorney by phone, but two other students charged in the same incident pleaded guilty Friday morning and received fines and probation. Fayetteville Officer Jeremy Grammer stopped the black Dodge pickup Brashears was driving about 1 a.m. Jan. 15 near Timberline Avenue in west Fayetteville. A case of beer was found in the bed of the truck, and Grammer reported finding three open cans of Keystone Light in the cab. No one admitted to owning the beer, so all four students in the truck were arrested for illegal possession of alcohol. [continues 106 words]
