US MT: Medical Marijuana Caregivers Busted By Feds Facing

Missoulian, 18 Feb 2012 - When federal agents raided medical marijuana businesses around Montana last year, the consequences for those indicted as a result seemed dire. They faced mandatory minimum sentences of at least five years in prison on some charges, with maximum penalties of 40 years and fines ranging as high as $5 million.

US VT: Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Stalled In House

Times Argus, 18 Feb 2012 - MONTPELIER - A recent survey of Vermonters shows broad support of decriminalization of marijuana, but legislation is stalled in the House that would reduce the possession of small quantities of marijuana to a civil offense.

US ME: Column: Legalization of Outlaw Drugs Not Likely, but

Morning Sentinel, 18 Feb 2012 - It seemed strange that aging crooner Tony Bennett's first comment about the death of Whitney Houston was a plea for the legalization of now-outlawed drugs. His point deserves some consideration, however, in spite of the fact that no illegal drugs appear to have been involved in Houston's death.

US WA: Langley Considers Marijuana Dispensary Plan

Whidbey Examiner, 17 Feb 2012 - "It's not a question of should there be a medical marijuana law, or who supports it, but how we follow the current law here," Langley Mayor Larry Kwarsick said at a Langley City Council workshop last week.

US AZ: House Votes To Ban Medical Marijuana On College Campuses

Verde Independent, 17 Feb 2012 - PHOENIX -- Ignoring a possible lawsuit, the state House voted Thursday to ban marijuana on college and university campuses, even for those who have a state-issued card entitling them to use it for medical reasons. A 2010 voter-approved initiative allows those who have a doctor's recommendation to possess and use up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana every two weeks.

US AZ: Editorial: Retooling Of DARE Should Involve Teachers

Arizona Daily Sun, 17 Feb 2012 - When a student flunks out, it's time for second-guessing by parents and teachers, too. The same holds for a drug-resistance curriculum like DARE. Police officers in fifth-grade classrooms need course materials that have an impact and reinforcement from parents and the culture at large.

US WA: Sammamish Supports Reclassification Of Marijuana

Issaquah Reporter, 17 Feb 2012 - By a vote of 6-1 Tuesday night, the Sammamish city council supported a motion by former mayor Don Gerend, to authorize mayor Tom O'Dell to sign the Association of Washington Cities Mayor's letter in support of reclassification of marijuana. Ironically, O'Dell cast the one dissenting vote.

US WA: Editorial: Sammamish Vote Will Help Spur Talk On

Issaquah Reporter, 17 Feb 2012 - The Sammamish City Council took a gutsy - but needed - stand this week on medical marijuana by voting to authorize Mayor Tom O'Dell to sign a letter in favor of reclassification of the substance. The council's move supports an effort by the Suburban Cities Association. The issue of marijuana, medical or not, brings up strong emotions in people.

US WA: Moratorium On Medical Marijuana Gardens Extended

North Kitsap Herald, 17 Feb 2012 - POULSBO - Poulsbo City Council members say they are stuck between a rock and a hard place. The council discussed the current moratorium on allowing collective gardens for growing medical cannabis Wednesday night. The moratorium was set in September to buy the council time to interpret the law and decide if collective gardens fit into the city's zoning code.

US WA: Sammamish Urges Reducing Marijuana's Classification

Sammamish Review, 17 Feb 2012 - The Sammamish City Council threw their support behind Gov. Chris Gregoire's push to have the federal government reclassify marijuana -- a potential step forward for its medical use.