The following list comprises the 10 most significant, positive developments relating to marijuana policy reform in the U.S. in 2011. To see explanations for each of the 10 items, please read my column in the Huffington Post today.
1. Congress de-funds the White House drug czar’s ad campaign.
2. Our ideal bill is finally introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives — a bill that would let states determine their own marijuana policies without federal interference.
3. Public support for “making marijuana legal” reaches an all-time high of 50%.
4. Delaware legalizes medical marijuana.
5. Maryland and Vermont improve their medical marijuana laws.
6. Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, and D.C. implement/expand their medical marijuana laws.
7. Arkansas and Connecticut lower their penalties for marijuana possession.
8. World leaders reject the drug war and advocate marijuana decriminalization via the “Global Commission on Drug Policy.”
9. Ron Paul shakes up the political debate by relentlessly criticizing the drug war during his presidential campaign.
10. Governors ask the federal government to reschedule marijuana.
