Category Archives: War On Drugs

Losing a military alliance for the sake of a tourist visa seems like a poor exchange, but in the Philippines, it is an outcome that the United States must be willing to accept. The current crisis in U.S.-Philippine relations stems from the decision by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement; Sen. Ronald Bato dela Rosa a key political ally had his American tourist visa revoked. But this is about something much bigger than a visa. For nearly 20 years the United States has worked to strengthen professional norms within the Philippine security forces. Dutertes dictum is not dependent on dela Rosas distant destinations, but a larger question of whether the United States is prepared to sacrifice its support for democratic governance and accountability in the Philippines in order to save the Visiting Forces Agreement.

Throughout the Cold War, Philippine national security existed as a division of labor. The United States assumed responsibility for external defense while the Armed Forces of the Philippines addressed internal threats like the Hukbalahap Rebellion and the New Peoples Army. During the rule of President Ferdinand Marcos from 1965 to 1986, and especially after the declaration of martial law in 1972, this internal security mission became highly politicized with systemic abuses and intimidation serving as central tenets of the Marcos regime. More than just degrading the Philippine militarys effectiveness, Marcos gutted the professional norms, standards, and institutional infrastructure needed to sustain the security forces. Although Marcos was ousted by a popular uprising in 1986, Philippine defense institutions continued to be plagued by the rot entrenched during his 20 year reign well after his departure.

When the Philippine Senate voted in 1991 to close U.S. bases and evict American military forces from the archipelago, it created a security vacuum. This not only facilitated Chinas 1995 seizure of Mischief Reef in the South China Sea and exacerbated the long-simmering conflict in Mindanao, but also exposed the inadequacies of the Philippine military as well as the lingering institutional damage dealt during Marcos dictatorship. Even as security conditions in the Philippines spiraled following the American departure, the 1990s continued to be defined by coup attempts, mutinies, human rights violations, and endemic corruption within the Philippine security forces.

The signing of the Visiting Forces Agreement in 1998 renewed U.S.-Philippine defense cooperation. However, Washington did not fully appreciate the extent of the institutional decay within the Philippine security forces until the start of joint counter-terrorism operations after the 9/11 attacks. The Bush administration identified the Philippines as a frontline state in the war on terror and dispatched American military advisors to Mindanao in 2002. Their mission was to assist the military in combating regional terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf. Upon arriving in the Philippines, American advisors were dismayed at the condition of their Philippine counterparts and particularly the poor state of military equipment and training. Moreover, the advisors identified a larger issue at play in Mindanao. A long history of abuse and neglect had engendered an adversarial relationship between the Philippine military and the Muslim population of Mindanao. This fracture between the population and the military deprived the latter of local support, and hamstrung any attempt at effective counter-terrorism operations. Faced with these mounting obstacles, American defense officials realized that the problem of terrorism in the Philippines could never be solved without also addressing the institutional malaise that afflicted the Philippine security forces.

Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippine evolved from just combating terrorists to also aiding the fundamental reform of Philippine defense institutions. Through the efforts of key allies within the Philippines such as Secretaries of National Defense Avelino Cruz and Gilberto Teodoro, Philippine defense reform became a national priority in Manila. It also became a focal point within the alliance. Just as the United States sent advisors to Mindanao, so too were policy experts dispatched to Manila to address underlying issues like procurement, budgeting, and strategic planning. In addition to institutional reforms designed to combat corruption, the United States also helped overhaul the training program in order to emphasize issues like professionalization, accountability, respect for human rights, and community engagement.

By 2006, these changes started to have a clear effect. In Mindanao, the Philippine armed forces implemented a new strategy that combined targeted military operations with increased community outreach. This hybrid approach to counter-terrorism made significant gains in defeating Abu Sayyaf and helped to pave the way for meaningful progress in peace negotiations. At the time, Filipino officers were quick to credit American training initiatives for enabling this new strategy and for instilling civil engagement and professionalization as critical missions for the Philippine armed forces.

American efforts to bolster professional norms within the Philippine security forces and strengthen the rule of law did not end with Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines, and have continued to be critical missions within the alliance. However, it is precisely these facets of the bilateral relationship and the progress that has been made within the Philippines that President Duterte threatens to undermine.

Since assuming the presidency in 2016, Rodrigo Duterte has worked to erode, disregard, and violate nearly all standards of democratic governance. As part of his brutal war on drugs, Duterte has promoted an air of impunity within law enforcement that has normalized extrajudicial killings and led to the deaths of over 20,000 people. During the siege of Marawi in 2017, Duterte instructed his military to simply kill all enemies because he did not want to feed any prisoners. And when rebuked for his autocratic actions, Duterte moved to silence critical media outlets and imprison political opponents. These actions are not only an affront to American values, but indicative of the behavior that Washington downplayed during the Marcos era and that it has spent the past 20 years trying to overcome.

Despite pressure from the Malacaang Palace, the Philippine armed forces have worked to defend their professional standards and avoid participation in the drug war. This reluctance on the part of the military is a reflection of both how far the Philippine military has come since the Marcos era, and how much the Philippine military values its security cooperation with the United States and is wary of jeopardizing that relationship. Indeed, the ability to leverage U.S. military cooperation as a moderating influence within the Duterte administration is a key reason why such cooperation should continue despite the volatility within the relationship.

The Philippine National Police have not been as fortunate. Then known as the Philippine constabulary, this service was the primary instrument of regime security for Marcos. Separated from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and rebranded as the Philippine National Police in the 1990s, the national police force has continued to struggle with a reputation for corruption and a history of abuse. Under Duterte the national police force has again been wielded like a cudgel to assail drug users, everyday citizens, and regime critics. As Dutertes first chief of police from July 2016 to April 2018, Bato dela Rosa personally oversaw the violent implementation of Dutertes war on drugs as well as the arrest of key political opponents, including Sen. Leila de Lima.

Unlike during the Marcos era, the United States has been unwilling to passively watch this erosion of professional standards within the Philippine security forces. The Philippine National Police has already been targeted for severe cuts in U.S. support. During the Obama administration, human rights became a major flashpoint within the bilateral relationship. Although the dispute between Duterte and Obama imperiled the alliance, it also helped forestall efforts to have the countrys military play an active role in the drug war. The Trump administration has proven to be less keen on championing human rights in the Philippines. However, a bipartisan group of senators has taken the lead in condemning the systemic abuses occurring in the Philippines and has worked to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. As such, the State Departments decision to revoke dela Rosas visa was not an arbitrary decision. Instead it was an act of principle in line with American laws, ideals, and longstanding strategic interests in promoting professionalism within the Philippines security forces.

Now that the United States has received Dutertes official notice to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement, the dispute can no longer be construed as a disagreement over a visa. Washington instead must decide whether it will overlook the erosion of democratic norms within an ally in the hope of preserving its military prerogatives. During the Cold War, Jeane Kirkpatrick lampooned the Carter administration for its refusal to make such tradeoffs. She argued that pushing for democratic reform within friendly dictatorships only fostered instability at the expense of American strategic interests. Yet, the Philippines has proved the danger of such a pernicious disregard for values. Washingtons backing ultimately did not save Marcos. Rather, it abetted the decay of Philippine institutions and stoked the popular resentment that led to the expulsion of American forces in 1992. Duterte provides Washington with an opportunity to learn from this history rather than repeat its follies.

This is not to say that the alliance with the Philippines should be abandoned in the face of Dutertes diatribes. Despite the ongoing drama, the Philippines has remained a close American ally. Where there are substantive areas of Philippine dissatisfaction within the alliance, it is important for the United States to be responsive and amenable to changes. This is particularly true regarding increasing Philippine self-reliance. Even if the Visiting Forces Agreement cannot be saved, the United States should continue to support the alliance and use initiatives like the International Military Education and Training program to sustain the partnership with the Philippine armed forces. Yet, the alliances salvation cannot come at the expense of abandoning reform and accountability within the Philippine security forces. The history of the U.S.-Philippine relationship has repeatedly shown that sacrificing professional standards for expediency ultimately undermines Philippine national security and the viability of the alliance. Surrendering on these issues will harm only Washingtons friends in the Philippines and Americas long-term strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.

Gregory H. Winger is an Assistant Professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati. He is also a former Fulbright Scholar to the Philippines and a Fellow with the National Asia Research Program.

Image: U.S. Marine Corps (Photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert)

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For Want of a Visa? Values and Institutions in US-Philippine Relations - War on the Rocks

With ourNeedle In The Hayvinyl competitionopen once more, were back to enjoying an esteemed selection of tunes submitted by Australian and New Zealand artists. Every now and then a particular song catches your ear though the latest beingThe Valley of Giants byLes Krills.

Recording out of band member Alain de Carnes garage just north of Byron Bay, Les Krills have been active since 2017 with two EPs to their name. They make a distinctly surf-tinged indie rock, as if Julian from The Strokes dropped in on Adam from The War On Drugs and the two got their limbs and brains all tangled together.

Photo: James Adams

The Valley of Giants was the leading single from Les Krills most recent EPWhile They Are Sleeping, which dropped in January this year. Its a gorgeous listen; warm guitar tones chugging along like a steam train while sunny vocal lines fly high and low.

The EP itself is an extension of that easygoing feeling;Here Comes My Girlslows it down for a sea-breeze ballad and openerMelting Into Youkicks the record into gear with gusto. Check out the full release below.

It isnt all sunshine and daisies for de Carne and bandmate Nick Pollet, though. Their songs tackle a number of tough themes, such as 2017 singleOld Shoeswhich draws from experiences of slipping back into binge drinking.

Whatever they choose to sing of, Les Krills will make it look damn beautiful. For anyone who counts Kurt Vile, Dope Lemon, or the aforementioned The War On Drugs amongst your favourites, heres another band to add to that list.

Needle In The Hay is a competition run by Happy Mag, giving one artist the chance to win 250 copies of their single on 7-inch vinyl. To enter or find out more, clickhere.

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Needle In The Hay Spotlight: Les Krills - 'The Valley of Giants' - Happy Mag

ISTOCK / MACROVECTOR

For those who slept through poly-sci, heres the New York Times to clarify what that means exactly:

The Constitution gives presidents what the Supreme Court has ruled is the unlimited authority to grant pardons, which excuse or forgive a federal crime. A commutation, by contrast, makes a punishment milder without wiping out the underlying conviction. Both are forms of presidential clemency.

At this point in our Donnie Two-Scoops dystopian timeline, its not a huge surprise that rich white men who enjoy licking the boots of fascist dictators are being gifted Get Out of Jail Free'' cards. But among this fresh hell, there was some good news. A few of the people receiving this favor from the fhrer are actually deserving. Andshockerthese people are the victims of the endless and mercy-free war on drugs, AND are women, AND are people of color. Wait... what?

Meet these two women now, and know that they represent hundreds if not thousands of other men and women rotting in our overcrowded, underfunded, and racist prison system.

The first is Tynice Nichole Hall, whose sentence was commuted. From the New York Times:

Tynice Nichole Hall was sentenced in 2006 after she was convicted on various drug charges in Lubbock, Texas, according to the Justice Department. The evidence at trial showed that Ms. Halls residence was used as a stash house for drugs by her boyfriend, who was the main target of an investigation, according to court documents. The police found large quantities of crack and powder cocaine and loaded firearms in her apartment.

Ms. Hall has spent the last 14 years in prison, where she has participated in apprenticeships, completed coursework toward a college degree and led educational programs for other inmates, the White House statement said.

Hall was the subject of a Change.org petition which laid out her case in her own words. In that petition, she wrote:

When I was 19 years old, I made the colossal mistake of being romantically involved with a man who was living a criminal lifestyle by distributing illegal drugs. This iniquitous choice I made not only affected my life, freedom and future, but my family and my community in the most detrimental way possible.

In my naivety, I thought that I could not be held responsible for my boyfriends behavior or actions. I turned a blind eye, although I was not directly in contact with his illegal activities or criminality...I knew that there could be consequences and repercussions for him if he was to ever get caught, but I had no idea that I could be equally punished for having knowledge about his actions.

After three years of my on/off again relationship with this man, federal agents kicked in my door with a search warrant. I was home alone. Two guns were found that belonged to my boyfriend and drugs. The house was in my name; therefore I was held liable for everything in the house and convicted for possessing the drugs and guns in the commission for a crime.

Although my involvement was minimal, conspiracy law held me accountable for all of the illegal conducts, making me equally culpable as my co-defendant, who actually peddled the illegal drugs. I was unable to provide substantial assistance to the United States Attorney due to the fact I had no knowledge of the inner working of his lawless undertakings. I wanted to immediately take a plea deal because I was scared I didn't understand or know what to do. Therefore I went to trial, in hopes that the jury would also agree that my role was far more minimal than his, thus imposing a sentence that was fair and fit the description of the acts I committed. After going to trial, I received the enhancements at the top of the guidelines as if I was the leader/organizer of the operation.

That "conspiracy law" was a factor in the case of the other woman receiving commutation, Crystal Munoz, who in 2008, according to the Times was found guilty of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. The details behind her charges and sentencing were well covered by Rolling Stone way back in 2017, which reported:

(The) 38-year-old Navajo mother of two young girls, was sentenced to almost two decades for drawing a map of a road in Big Bend National Park on a piece of notebook paper a favor, she says, for some friends. These friends would end up using that map to circumvent a drug checkpoint in a large marijuana trafficking operation. Later, they testified against her hoping for more lenient sentences. Its not clear if they succeeded, but Munoz is nine years into an 18 year sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.

Thats a lot of pot. But she maintains that any role she might have played in the operation was minimal. The map was on a piece of notebook paper and with arrows/lines for the road. It was not very sophisticated she writes from Carswell, a minimum-security womens prison.

Despite her allegedly small role, she faced a very long sentence. Thats because when a person is charged with conspiracy, all the government has to do to hook a defendant for all the drugs sold is to have witnesses testify against them. The defendant doesn't even have to be caught with drugs.

Thats where you get the drugless drug cases, where theres no drugs in evidence, Eric Sterling, the former congressional staffer who helped draft mandatory minimums back in the 1980s, says. In theory, this is meant to take down kingpins, who are less likely to get caught with drugs on them than lower-level dealers. But the higher-up someone is in an operation, the more information they can trade for reduced sentences. Meanwhile, mid-level people might not be too eager to testify against the real ringleader, especially if theyre violent. I wouldnt want to identify the kingpin because what if he finds out I ratted him out and kills my family?, says Sterling. So I make up a story, or help the government entrap someone.

At first Munoz had considered pleading guilty, which would have triggered a 10-year mandatory minimum. But her lawyer cautioned that she could also get 30-to-life, and if she pled guilty, shed lose her right to appeal. So she took her chances at trial and lost.

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Drug War Prisoners Receive Clemency, as Well They Should - TheStranger.com

Fox News Tucker Carlson riffed against Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) Wednesday night, mocking what he claims is the candidates position that the unemployed middle class smoke a ton more weed.

Carson sarcastically added, fire up a bowl and numb out.

The segment began with Carlson aiming at Sanders over his plan to decriminalize non-violent marijuana charges.

Oh, the war on drugs! Bernie Sanders talks about that in every speech he gives. A declining country with a sad underemployed middle class obviously needs to smoke a ton more weed. Thats Bernies solutionFire up a bowl. Numb out. Maybe you wont notice, Carson stated.

The Fox News host then jokingly asked, So where is this weed going to come from? Bernie has a plan for that, too. Black people are going to sell it to you.

Carlson then played a clip from Tuesday nights debate of the senator, stating that as president, his administration would aid in helping minorities to launch businesses to sell legal marijuana rather than let a few corporations that control the legalized marijuana market.

The primetime Fox News host then poked fun at Sanders policy proposal.

Thats a real clip, by the way. So first, they fill black neighborhoods with abortion clinics. Now the frontrunner is encouraging more black kids to sill drugs, but somehow this is the party that loves black America, Carlson concluded.

Watch above, via Fox News.

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Fire Up A Bowl, Numb Out: Tucker Carlson Mocks Bernie, Claims Hes Pushing for the Unemployed to Smoke a Ton More Weed - Mediaite

Cambridge will now accept and process bids for recreational cannabis businesses after a Superior Court judge ruled the city must do so, according to a Feb. 20 announcement.

The Cambridge solicitors office filed a motion last week appealing a Middlesex Superior Court decision which ruled Cambridges marijuana moratorium illegal. The moratorium which gave economic empowerment applicants a two-year head-start in recreational marijuana sales violated the the home rule amendment to the Massachusetts state constitution, the judge ruled.

Cambridge defined economic empowerment applicants as businesses run by people who have been disproportionately harmed by past marijuana laws.

During a city council meeting in June, Sumbul Siddiqui who now serves as Cambridges mayor spoke about the need for the two-year economic empowerment amendment.

The country's racist war on drugs has heavily impacted and criminalized black and brown folks, Siddiqui said.It's our collective responsibility to do the best we can to fight [for] policies that provide equitable access to the wealth and opportunity inherent in this emerging billion dollar cannabis industry.

Though a Feb. 14 statement said Cambridge would await further action by either the Superior Court or the Appeals Court before agreeing to new contracts with recreational pot companies, the city has revised its original position.

Cambridge will now accept all applications for host community agreements from interested parties. The city will also enter into HCAs with qualifying applicants, according to the revised announcement.

In order to obtain an HCA in Cambridge, businesses must submit a statement of interest to the city. Applicants may also be asked to present their information in person so city staff can ask them further questions.

According to city guidelines, a statement of interest consists of a cover letter, a special permit from the Cambridge planning board, a cannabis business permit, a management and operations profile, and qualifying documentation.

Moreover, applicants must submit a plan for positive community impact and certification, which mandates that a majority of the applicants employees will be minorities, women, or military veterans. Certification guidelines also encourage businesses to hire Cambridge residents.

Finally, if the application is approved, the business must hold semi-annual community outreach meetings.

Staff Writer Maria G. Gonzalez can be reached at maria.gonzalez@thecrimson.com. Follow her on Twitter @mariaagrace1.

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Cambridge Revises Position, Will Accept and Process Applications for Cannabis Businesses | News - Harvard Crimson

FRANCISCO Ten of the 13 local candidates for countywide office were present at the Candidate Forum sponsored by Our Communities of Northwest Stokes, even a Democrat.

Brian Davis, the lone Democratic candidate for County Commissioner who automatically advances to the General Election because he has no opposition, was invited to participate with the Republicans who will appear on Tuesdays primary ballot.

Both candidates for Register of Deeds, four of the five candidates for Commissioners and three of the five Board of Education hopefuls participated in the event at the Community Building, and everyone offered their presentation with polite professionalism.

The most newsworthy aspect of the event was that Board of Education candidates Cheryl Lawson Knight, Von Robertson and Dwayne Bryant who have been running as a trio offered the first draft of a drug abuse plan called Project Help, which would decriminalize drug usage.

This is a proposal that is 25 pages long and still growing, said Robertson. Opioids now kill more Americans than automobiles. Two hundred Americans die daily from opioids. But its not just an opioid crisis; we have a drug addiction crisis. Its cocaine, methamphetamine, and vaping is destroying peoples lungs.

Robertson noted that America has spent $1 trillion in the 49-year War on Drugs and the problem is only worse.

There is too much emphasis on incarceration, Bryant said. African Americans are 13-times more likely to be incarcerated than white people. In Stokes County, we have the DARE program and random drug testing. If a student asks for help they get help. But if they get caught with drugs they go out in handcuffs.

Drug addiction should not be a crime, Knight added. Its an illness. There is a program in Nashville, N.C., near Rocky Mount, that helps hundreds at a cost of only $65,000. Seattle has a great program. We need to start in the schools, because thats the age most drug use starts.

The program would not complete with DARE, Knight added, but would compliment it.

In his introduction, Davis said he was not a typical Democrat. I have a concealed carry permit myself. Trump is my president, and I was in the Navy.

He said he sees the county slowly going down-hill and thats his reason for running. We need more things for our kids to do. Families move out because there is not a lot to offer our youth. We need better cell service and internet; those things bring in business. If we put the focus on local businesses then the local economy will go through the roof.

The first question offered to the Commissioner candidates dealt with the local economy.

Mike Brown complained that when he went to the county for help in starting a small business, they told me if we help you then we have to help everyone. But 99 percent of businesses are small businesses.

Ronnie Mendenhall, the incumbent Commissioner who is seeking re-election, said hed like to see more emphasis on tourism. Were blessed with many great attractions here, he said.

Mike Fulp mentioned the need for more water and sewer lines. If we move forward with better infrastructure, business will come here. Fulp also talked about the lack of businesses in the northwestern quadrant of the county. There aint nothing up here, he said. There used to be a racetrack here that brought people in. It took ten years to get a Dollar General to Lawsonville.

Both Register of Deeds candidates, incumbent Brandon Hooker and Karen Handy, who worked in the office for years, talked about the rise of technology in that department. When I came to work 30 years ago it was pen and paper, and maybe the typewriter, Handy said. Technology is wonderful. But you have to make sure all the work is done accurately.

Technology has been the silver bullet in the office for the last 10 or 15 years, said Hooker. Its made things more convenient. The bulk of our records come (online) from out of county, from Greensboro and Winston-Salem, and those people dont want to have to drive to Danbury. The technology has changed the office more than anything else.

In closing remarks, Sonya Cox cited her record and years of public service. Im very passionate about this county, Cox said. No one will work harder.

Fulp said he work to attract business and leave no community behind. Brown said that his business experience gives me a unique perspective. He also pledged to donate his Commissioners salary to local charities and pushed for term limits for local offices.

Mendenhall said my wife wonders why I do this; we miss a lot of our grandchildrens events. But I believe Stokes County is the greatest county in North Carolina and I want to serve it.

Davis said he already had two strikes against him. Im black and Im a Democrat. But we need more diversity. Things wont change by keeping them the same old way.

Hooker said he would continue to try and make the Register of Deeds office more user-friendly. He also noted that this position allows me to help more people than any Ive ever had. Handy mentioned her many years of working in the office until she stepped down on Nov. 1 to run for the office.

Knight mentioned having a view of the schools from her parents perspective, while Robertson said he would work from his business experience to make sure the school system gets a dollars worth of value for every dollar spent. Bryant talked about listening to people. The complaint I hear most often on the campaign trail is that if you go and speak to the school board they do not respond, other to say thank you, never put your issue on the agenda and you never hear about it again.

Candidate Mike Fulp (right) speaks at the Francisco Candidate Form on Sunday, as Ronnie Mendenhall and Sonya Cox listen to his comment.

Register of Deeds Brandon Hooker is seeking re-election on Tuesday.

Brian Davis (left) was the lone Democrat at the Forum. Hes unopposed in the primary election. Fellow candidate Mike Brown and Ronnie Mendenhall are at right.

Education candidates unveil Project Help

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Candidates come together in Francisco - The Stokes News

The Emerald Conference, which focuses on how science and data support several sectors of the cannabis industry, kicked off Wednesday in California.

The event, now in its sixth year, is an industry forum for discussion on best practices in cultivation, production and quality assurance through the lens of science.

The conference runs through Saturday at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego and is expected to draw around 800.

This year, the session content is aimed at segments of the cannabis industry that generate products intended for medicinal and lifestyle use, as well as other key areas of science and research.

Speakers and attendees represent the fields of analytical testing, extraction science, research and development, cultivation science, formulations and preclinical research, among others.

Conference attendees will have the opportunity to sit in on sessions on a wide range of science-focused cannabis topics, including:

Emerald Scientific, headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California, distributes scientific equipment and supplies exclusively to the cannabis industry.

The company launched the Emerald Conference in 2015 to bring together scientists, researchers, testing labs and businesses to advance cannabis science.

Marijuana Business Dailyhas partnered with Emerald Scientific since 2016 to produce the one-day Science Symposium, a precursor to the companys marquee event,MJBizCon, in Las Vegas.

MJBizDaily acquiredthe Emerald Conference inundisclosed terms in January, highlighting the importance of research to the cannabis industry.

The Emerald Conferences programming this year is guided by a committee of scientists and others tasked withcutting-edge technical content to provoke collaboration and the advancement of science in the cannabis industry.

The conference also includes talks by:

The four-day event began Wednesday with a golf outingto benefit the Last Prisoner Project,a nonprofit that seeks to correct the ills of the war on drugs, and ends Saturday with a separately ticketed Quality Summit.

More information about the Emerald Conference is available here.

Bart Schaneman can be reached at [emailprotected]

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The science of medicinal, lifestyle cannabis products at the forefront of sixth annual Emerald Conference - Marijuana Business Daily

A drug bust last year was hailed as the largest fentanyl bust in U.S. history254 pounds seized at an Arizona border crossing.

The seizure came as the scourge of fentanyl continues to fueltheopioid epidemic,ravagingcommunities across the U.S. while killingtens of thousands of people.

"Fentanyl also continues to be a tremendous problem, contributing to 68,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2018,"Mark Morgan, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection told Congress in November. He said CBP's seizures of fentanyl rose by 30 percent in fiscal year 2019, totaling2,770 pounds.

Fentanyl comes from China. Often it is smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico by drug cartels involved in a violent war withMexican police and military forces.

The historic 254-pound bust was just one of a half-dozen big fentanyl busts recorded by law enforcement in recent years, a tally shows.

These six busts have led to the seizure of some 818pounds of fentanyl--enough to kill 229 million people, according to authorities.

OHIO DRUG BUST NETS ENOUGH FENTANYL TO 'KILL EVERYONE' IN THE STATE

Heres the list:

Nogales, Ariz., 254 pounds

A Border Patrol K-9 at the Nogales border crossing sniffed narcotics when an 18-wheeler transporting cucumbers from Mexico came through for inspection on Jan. 31, 2019.

Photo from news conference announcing the seizure of 254 pounds of fentanyl at the Port of Nogales border crossing in Arizona. (U.S. Customs and Border Patrol)

Further inspection discovered nearly 254 pounds of fentanyl worth $3.5 million in a secret compartment, enough to kill 115 million people.

It was the largest fentanyl seizure ever at a U.S. border crossing.

MISSOURI FENTANYL DEALER LEFT CLIENT DYING OF OVERDOSE IN CASINO BEFORE ODING IN ANOTHER: PROSECUTORS

This past weekend our CBP officers were able to stop an enormous amount of these deadly narcotics from hitting our streets, Nogales Area Port Director Michael Humphries said.

The truck was also carrying 395 pounds of methamphetamine.

Trucker Juan Antonio Torres-Barraza, a 26-year-old Mexican national, told agents he didnt know he was hauling narcotics.

He has since pleaded guilty.

Queens, New York City, 140 pounds

Federal drug agents and police raided an apartment in Kew Gardens, Queens and seized 140 pounds of fentanyl on Aug. 1, 2017, enough to kill 32 million people.

At the time, it was the nations largest seizure of pure fentanyl, officials said.

SAN FRANCISCO SAW 150 PERCENT SPIKE IN FENTANYL-RELATED DEATHS LAST YEAR, REPORT SAYS

Another 48 pounds of fentanyl mixed with heroin was also seized.

The 188 pounds of drugs were worth about $30 million.

A Nebraska State Trooper found 118 pounds of fentanyl in a hidden compartment in a tractor-trailer he stopped on I-80. (Nebraska State Patrol)

Kearney, Neb., 118 pounds

A Nebraska State Trooper stopped a tractor-trailer on I-80 on April 26, 2018, and, after conducting a search, seized 118 pounds of fentanyl worth $20 million, enough to kill 26 million people.

The seized opioid was hidden in a false compartment of the vehicle.

The trucks two occupants Felipe Genao-Minaya, 46, and Nelson Nunez, 52, both of Newark, N.J., were arrested on drug trafficking charges.

The trooper who pulled over the truck described Geano-Minaya as nervous and shaking visibly in the truck as he questioned him.

Charges against the two men are stillpending.

FENTANYL A 'GAME CHANGER' IN DRUG WAR, SAYS DEA SPECIAL AGENT

Philadelphia, Pa., 110 pounds

At the port of Philadelphia, border agents seized 110 pounds of fentanyl worth $1.7 million on June 28, 2018, enough to kill 24 million people.

The fentanyl was found in a shipment of iron oxide from China.

A Border Patrol K-9 alerted agents after going through barrels of iron oxide barrels and detecting narcotics.

Photo shows fentanyl found in barrels of iron oxide during an inspection by Customs agents at the Port of Philadelphia (U.S. Customs and Border Patrol)

"Opioids, including fentanyl and its analogues, are a serious public health concern, and the importation of vast amounts of this deadly synthetic chemical compound is a national security threat, Casey Durst, CBP Director of Field Operations in Baltimore said after the seizure.

North Bergen and Willingboro, N.J., 99 pounds

New Jersey State Police detectives grabbed 88 pounds of fentanyl after observing a drug transaction in a commercialparking lot in North Bergen on June 28, 2017.

Mugshots for, left, Jesus Carrillo-Pineda , 31, Philadelphia, Pa., and, right, Daniel Vasquez, 28, of Somerton, Ariz. (New Jersey Office of the Attorney General)

Detectives swooped in as the fentanyl was being transferred from a tractor-trailer to the trunk of Mercedes-Benz.

The bust led to another seizure the next day of 11 more pounds of fentanyl at a home in Willingboro.

The fentanyl was enough to kill 18 million people, investigators said.

33 POUNDS OF FENTANYL ENOUGH TO WIPE OUT MASSACHUSETTS SEIZED IN BOSTON

Two men were arrested: Jesus Carrillo-Pineda, 31, of Philadelphia and Daniel Vasquez, 28, of Somerton, Ariz.,

After pleading guilty, Carrillo-Pineda was sentenced to 10 years in prison and Vasquez was sentenced to six years.

The seizure of the 99 pounds drove home the scope of the problem we face in New Jersey with this highly lethal opioid, Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice said.

San Diego County, Calif., 97 pounds

After stopping a rented vehicle in San Diego County on Nov. 30, 2016, DEA agents seized 33 pounds in the trunk.

After arresting Anna Baker, the agents obtained a search warrant to search her home and seized another 64 pounds of fentanyl.

The 97 pounds of fentanyl was enough to kill 14 million people.

Two othersJonathan Ibarra, 45, and Hector Fernando Garcia, 46, were also arrested.

All three pleaded guilty and sentenced to prison.

Baker, the daughter of a former mayor of Lemon Grovein Southern California, was sentenced to four years in prison two years ago.

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"I made a terrible, huge mistake," Baker said, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. "I'm very ashamed about what I did."

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Drugs seized in 6 of the largest fentanyl busts were enough to kill 229 million Americans - Fox News

VIRGINIA, USA Tuesday, March 3 is Super Tuesday. Virginia is one of 14 states -- including the U.S. territory American Samoa -- participating in the Democratic presidential gold ring. A total of 1,357 delegates are up for grabs this day.

Fourteen candidates will be listed on the Democratic presidential ballot in Virginia, including six people who have canceled or suspended their campaigns. All their bios are below, along with their campaign websites.

Poll hours in Virginia are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Virginia is an open primary state, which means any registered voter in the Commonwealth can cast a ballot, regardless of their party registration.

RELATED: Here's what Super Tuesday means for Virginia voters and Democratic presidential candidates

There will be no Republican primary on March 3. President Donald Trump is expected to be picked as the partys nominee at a state party convention, where delegates to each national convention will also be selected.

According to the Virginia State Board of Elections website, you will need to show a photo ID when you go to the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include:- Virginia drivers license- Virginia DMV-issued photo ID- United States passport- Employee-issued photo ID- Virginia Voter Photo ID card- Other U.S. or Virginia government-issued photo ID- Student photo ID issued by a school, college, or university located in Virginia- Tribal enrollment or other tribal photo ID

The Virginia State Board of Elections websitesays If you get to your polling place without photo ID, you will have to vote a provisional ballot."

They also say Virginians can get a free Voter Photo ID at any Virginia voter registration office, including on Election Day.

To find your polling place, go to this link:https://www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/

Joe Biden

Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden during a campaign rally at Eakins Oval in Philadelphia, Saturday, May 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

AP

Biden served as Vice President of the United States from 2009-2017 in the Obama administration. Biden launched his presidential run in April 2019.

Before becoming Vice President, Biden served in the U.S. Senate for over three decades representing the state of Delaware. Biden spent part of his time in Congress as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and eight years as the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

While serving as Vice President, Biden touts his accomplishments in helping with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the implementation of the Recovery Act to stabilize the economy and traveling to more than 50 countries.

"The world is facing inescapable challenges, Biden wrote on his campaign website. The next president must repair our relationships with our allies and stand up to strongmen and thugs on the global stage to rally the world to meet these challenges.

Among his policy proposals: banning the manufacture and sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, protecting the Affordable Care Act by giving Americans more choice and reducing healthcare costs, and ensuring the U.S. reaches net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

Were in a battle for the soul of America, Biden wrote on his website. Its time to remember who we are. Were Americans: tough, resilient, but always full of hope.

Michael Bloomberg

Democratic Presidential candidate, Michael Bloomberg during remarks to the media at the Hilton Hotel on his first campaign stop in Norfolk, Va. Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. (AP Photo/Bill Tiernan)

AP

Bloomberg served as Mayor of New York City from 2002-2013. The businessman entered the run for President of the United States in November 2020. Super Tuesday marks the first time his name will be on ballots. His name did not appear on ballots in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina.

Bloomberg is the majority owner and co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., a financial services, software, and mass media company. Before forming his company in 1981, Bloomberg worked at the securities brokerage firm, Salomon Brothers.

Bloombergs campaign website talks about his commitment to dealing with climate change, gun violence, public health, and education.

RELATED: VERIFY: No, Bloomberg is not the first billionaire to run for president. But, he's certainly the richest billionaire to do so

Bloombergs health coverage plans include creating a Medicare-like public health insurance option, which would allow people to keep their private insurance, as well as expanding enrollment in Affordable Care Act plans. His all-in economy plan says he will invest in local communities to create jobs of the future and increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Bloomberg has taken some criticism for his Stop and Frisk policy while he was Mayor of New York. He has since apologized for that policy.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser endorsed Mayor Bloomberg in January.

Pete Buttigieg

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg speaks at a campaign rally late Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

AP

Buttigieg served as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana from 2012 to 2020. He launched his campaign for U.S. President in April of 2019.

He was previously a consultant at a management consulting firm and served as a naval intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve. During his first term as Mayor of South Bend, he took a leave of absence to serve in Afghanistan (2014) and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

RELATED: Undecided Virginia voters give Pete Buttigieg a chance to win them over

According to his website, Buttigieg says college is too expensive and he supports expanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that clears loans in exchange for public service. He also wants to create new jobs with a $1-trillion plan that focuses on climate issues. He also supports the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the Green New Deal. He is calling for net-zero emissions by 2050. He also supports universal background checks on guns. He wants to expand Medicare coverage and keep private health insurance plans.

Tulsi Gabbard

Presidential candidate and U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) appears on the "Mornings with Maria" program on the Fox Business Network, in New York Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

AP

A fourth-term Congresswoman from Hawaii, Gabbard is the first female combat veteran to ever run for the office of President.

Gabbard was first elected to Congress in 2012. She served two tours in the Middle East and is a Major in the U.S. Army National Guard.

In Congress, Gabbard has been a member of the Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Homeland Security Committees.

RELATED: While she won't participate in the upcoming presidential debate, Tulsi Gabbard isn't giving up

Part of her policy plan, according to her website, includes calling a summit between the United States, China, and Russia to end this new Cold War, stop the arms race, reduce tensions, and increase cooperation going forward.

Among her other policy proposals are: a path to legal status for DREAMers, having a single-payer health care system that will allow access to private insurance based on individuals choice, and upholding the 2nd Amendment while also upholding our responsibility to keep our children and communities safe.

Recently, Gabbard voted present on both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, the only lawmaker to do so.

Amy Klobuchar

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks during a Democratic presidential primary debate Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, in Las Vegas, hosted by NBC News and MSNBC. (AP Photo/John Locher)

AP

Klobuchar has served in the U.S. Senate, representing Minnesota, since 2006. She was also the Hennepin County Attorney in Minnesota for eight years, making her responsible for criminal prosecutions.

She announced her candidacy for President in February 2019.

On her website, Klobuchar outlined her plan for her first 100 days as president, where she will get the U.S. back into the International Climate Agreement, suspend the Trump Administrations efforts to eliminate the Affordable Care Acts protections for people with pre-existing conditions, and fill judicial vacancies by nominating well-qualified judges.

Klobuchar supports universal health care through a public option that expands Medicare or Medicaid, and education reform that includes tuition-free one- and two-year community college degrees and technical certifications.

Among her other policy proposals are raising the age to buy military-style assault weapons to 21, and fighting to ban the sale of assault weapons, a trillion-dollar plan to rebuild Americas infrastructure, and introducing legislation that will put the U.S. back on the path to 100% net zero emissions by 2050.

Bernie Sanders

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a rally at a campaign stop Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

AP

The U.S. Senator from Vermont announced he was running for President of the United States in February 2019. This is his second run for the office, having run in 2016.

Sanders has been a U.S. Senator since 2006. Before that he spent 16 years in the U.S. Congress.

Sanders has identified himself as someone who can achieve economic, racial, social and environmental justice for all. Among his plans to accomplish that mission is Medicare for All, a single-payer, national health insurance program that the Sanderss campaign website says will provide everyone in America with comprehensive health care coverage, free at the point of service.

Sanderss other plans include the Green New Deal, which he says will create 20 million jobs as well as reaching 100 percent renewable energy for electricity and transportation by no later than 2030, and passing the For the 99.8 Percent Act, which would establish a progressive estate tax on millionaires and billionaires. Those taxes would be part of his proposal to pay for his measures.

Before he served in Congress, Sanders was elected Mayor of Burlington, Vermont, where he served for eight years.

Tom Steyer

Democratic presidential candidate businessman Tom Steyer speaks during the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

AP

Steyer made his fortune as a hedge fund manager. He announced his candidacy in July 2019.

Steyer started the hedge fund Farallon Capital and has since signed the Giving Pledge, a commitment that he will give away most of his fortune during his lifetime.

He also founded the nonprofit NextGen America, which combats climate change, promotes social justice, and increases participation in our democracy through voter registration and grassroots organizing, his website says.

Steyer says his number one priority is combatting climate change. He has said he will declare the climate crisis a national emergency on the first day of his presidency and has plans to eliminate fossil fuel, call on Congress to create a Civilian Climate Corps to create jobs, and invest $2 trillion in federal funding over 10 years for American infrastructure.

Among Steyers other policy proposals: establishing Congressional term limits, passing a federal $15 an hour minimum wage, and repealing President Trumps tax cuts and institute a wealth tax. He also supports a universal health care system that includes a strong public option that aggressively competes with the private insurance marketplace.

Elizabeth Warren

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks during a candidates forum at the 110th NAACP National Convention, Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

AP

Warren has served as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts since 2013. Before that, she was a law school professor specializing in bankruptcy law.

During the financial crisis of 2008, she served as chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel and helped create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, for which she served as the Special Advisor under President Obama.

Warrens campaign website describes her efforts as a fight to protect taxpayers, hold Wall Street accountable, and ensure tough oversight of both the Bush and Obama Administrations.

As president, Warren says she would support a Medicare for All plan that would be free for children under the age of 18 and qualifying families based on income. She says the cost would be modest and eventually free for everyone. Warren says she would pay for the plan by asking Americans to pay their fair share in taxes and closing loopholes that allow big companies to avoid federal income taxes.

Other plans Warren details include raising wages, cancel debt for 95 percent of Americans with student loans, and transitioning to 100 percent clean energy through the Green New Deal.

The following six candidates are still on the ballot in Virginia, even though they have suspended their campaign. The deadline for the Virginia Democratic Party to provide a list of candidates to appear on the ballot was in December 2019, before these candidates ended their campaigns.

Cory Booker

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., walks on the stage before a Democratic presidential primary debate, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

AP

Booker dropped out of the Presidential race in January.

Im proud I never compromised my faith in these principles during this campaign, Booker wrote. And maybe Im stubborn, but Ill never abandon my faith in what we can accomplish when we join together.

Booker has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013, representing New Jersey. Previously he was Mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. He was also a tenant lawyer and city councilman.

According to his website, he says his main accomplishments in the Senate have been helping to write and pass the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, and co-sponsoring the Equality Act.

While running for President, Booker unveiled his policy proposals, including decriminalization of marijuana and fighting to end the War on Drugs, fighting for Medicare for All, expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, and expanding protections for DREAMers.

Michael Bennet

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., speaks at the Iowa State Fair, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/John Locher)

AP

Bennet suspended his campaign on Tuesday, February 11.

Bennett was appointed in 2008 as a U.S. Senator for Colorado, He won elections in 2010 and 2016. Before his time on Capitol Hill, he was the Superintendent of Denver Public Schools for four years.

Bennet currently serves on the Senate Committees on Intelligence; Finance; and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

According to his campaign website, Bennet was running to build opportunity for every American and restore integrity to our government. His Real Deal agenda includes access to preschool for every three- and four-year-old, an annual $3,000 payout to every family with children, and access to jobs in clean energy and infrastructure for millions of people.

Bennet also supports raising the minimum wage, passing paid family and medical leave, expanding the Child Tax Credit, and offering a public health care option called Medicare-X.

Julin Castro

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary and Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro waves as he takes the stage during the Power of our Pride Town Hall Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. The LGBTQ-focused town hall featured nine 2020 Democratic presidential candidates. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

AP

Castro suspended his campaign on January 2nd, 2020.

The former Mayor of San Antonio and a member of President Obamas cabinet announced his run for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination in January 2019.

Excerpt from:

Here's what you need to know about voting for Virginia's Super Tuesday election - WUSA9.com

Americas War on Drugs is over.

Unfortunately, for our society, the drugs won.

Since its inception, America has been suffering defeats. Filling up prisons with drug offenders and giving stiff sentences, penalties, and fines havent discouraged people from using drugs. Our efforts to stop drugs from entering the country have failed. And illegal substances across the board are more potent than ever.

Though the above illustrates how the battle has been lost, the most powerful display of drugs dominance over our society is the implementation of harm-reduction methods. This ideology accepts that we have lost and utilizes different practices to make the use of narcotics less harmful.

Its Americas white flag, and as we wave it, we see things occurring in our society that would have never been considered during the early stages of the war. Safe injections areas with free needles for IV drug users, decriminalization of illicit drugs, and opioid replacement drugs are components of this effort.

There is a noticeable shift in what these new practices are trying to achieve. Things have changed from trying to prevent drug use to avoiding the consequences of drug use. As our society becomes more interested in stopping the spread of disease and preventing overdose deaths, it is ignoring the core issue: substance abuse.

After fighting a losing battle for so long, something needs to be done to mitigate the fallout of Americas failed War on Drugs.

The biggest problem I see is that harm-reduction might be seen as the only option we have.

As our society moves further away from tackling the main issue, the concessions we make may lead to more significant implications in the future. As harm-reduction becomes more popular it may make it impossible to stop substance abuse from being an accepted way of life. Im afraid thats what we are doing by making it safer and more comfortable for people to be a drug addict.

The existence of practices like this undermines the drug addiction prevention education we have been trying to get our children to utilize from a young age.

Im not against stopping the spread of disease and preventing death but arent we sending the wrong message. We have been telling people that drugs are harmful and to Just say no. It appears that we are shifting to: Just say no. But if you do say yes, we have clean needles and a place to hang out while you inject your body with poison.

It just doesnt have the same ring to it.

The War on Drugs may be over, but we need to find other ways to help those afflicted with addiction. Making drug-use less harmful doesnt help people get off drugs; it does quite the opposite.

As we look to the future, I suggest we create policies and initiatives that focus on drug education and prevention and stay away from methods that undermine it.

Things are bad, but if the evolution of drug use over the past couple of decades has shown us anything, its that things can get worse. Maybe its time we reconsidered how helpful harm-reduction really is.

Marcel Gemme has been helping people struggling with substance abuse for over 20 years. His website is Addicted.org.

Originally posted here:

What happened to the 'War on Drugs'? | Other Commentary - Journal Inquirer