Topic: White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

Progress Watch Cocaine use: Will the factors behind its steady decline continue?

The US government released more good news this month about impeding entry of cocaine into the country. Still, opinions vary when it comes to interpreting the overall cocaine-use decline and the possible reasons for it.

How did Denver’s 4/20 marijuana day turn violent?

Three people were injured by gunshots fired at the 4/20 marijuana celebration in Denver Saturday. While there is growing acceptance of marijuana use, the issue remains politically controversial with federal law at odds with the decriminalization trend among some jurisdictions.

Why American teens are turning from cigarettes to marijuana

A new survey shows that marijuana use among teens continues to rise – and outstrips cigarette use – thanks to the increasing perception that pot is not harmful.

How will Feds deal with marijuana legalization in Colorado and Washington?

A potential showdown will probably not target individual users of the drug, instead focusing on new regulations that will make marijuana sales permissible, a violation of federal law.

On ballots: Has pro-marijuana camp found way to win over middle America?

Ballot initiatives in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington would make recreational use of marijuana legal. At least one is likely to succeed. Pro-legalization groups have been honing their message.

Latin America Monitor In historic achievement, Colombian cocaine production plunges...or does it?

Colombian cocaine production fell by 25 percent from 2010, according to US data. But a UN report says otherwise. Why the discrepancy?

Bath salts: Police raids net huge haul of synthetic drugs

Federal agents and state and local police made more than 90 arrests in nationwide raids. Experts say bath salts and other potent synthetic drugs are becoming popular, particularly among teens. 

President Obama smoked pot in high school. Why is he against legalizing marijuana?

A new biography details Barack Obama's use of marijuana in high school and college, not unusual for a young man at that time. As president, Obama has taken a tougher line on drug use, including marijuana for medical reasons.

Opinion Bigger scandal in Latin America than US secret service: US drug hunger

The secret service prostitution scandal overshadows renewed calls at the Summit of the Americas for the US to stanch its drug consumption. A viral 'Drug Violence 2012' video (think 'Kony 2012') would help young Americans connect US drug use to violence in Central and South America.

John Hughes GOP candidates need to debate legalizing marijuana

As GOP candidates debate values, I have not heard them address legalizing marijuana. The words of a narcotics agent ring in my ears: 'I can’t say every pot smoker goes on to get hooked on the hard stuff. But I can say every addict I know on the hard stuff got started on pot.'

The Monitor's View Why teens need to know risks of marijuana

Teen use of pot is at its highest in 30 years, with 10th graders more likely to smoke a joint than a cigarette. With the spread of 'medical' marijuana, they perceive less risk – despite the evidence.
12/16/2011 02:41 pm

High school seniors smoke marijuana more than cigarettes, survey finds

A new survey of US teens found that nearly 23 percent of 12th graders used marijuana over the last month, compared with 18.7 percent who said they smoked cigarettes.
12/14/2011 04:50 pm

Kofi Annan, George Shultz say drug war a failure

A new report calls the 'war on drugs' a failure. The claim isn't new, but hearing it from an ex-UN head and a former US secretary of State adds new weight to the criticism.
06/03/2011 12:50 pm

Why it's so hard to win the war against US oxycodone epidemic

Oxycodone dispensers are protected. Abusers are hard to ID. And the drug claims more lives than cocaine, heroin, meth.
06/01/2011 12:30 pm

US teens smoke more marijuana than tobacco, says new survey

Marijuana use among American teens is up, but binge drinking is down, says a federal 2010 survey on drug use among teenagers. For the first time, marijuana use has passed cigarette use in the survey.
12/14/2010 05:26 pm

In Pictures Legalize marijuana?

Illegal immigration: Homeland Security to use drones along border

Illegal immigration is the target of a new Homeland Security project that will use unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to protect the southern border of the United States.
06/24/2010 11:14 am

The Monitor's View White House drug policy: an ounce more of prevention

The five-year White House drug policy emphasizes prevention and treatment, but it could do even more.
05/11/2010 04:03 pm

The Monitor's View Marijuana legalization? A White House rebuttal, finally

White House 'drug czar' Gil Kerlikowske lays out his most thorough arguments yet against marijuana legalization. They help clear up confusion over White House drug policy, and can serve as talking points for parents and officials.
03/12/2010 04:53 pm

Report: marijuana, prescription drug use up among teens

A federal report on teen drug use released Monday shows some progress. But abuse of prescription drugs is up, and the growing acceptance of medical-marijuana use is making marijuana look safe.
12/14/2009 08:27 pm

Don't prosecute medical-marijuana use, Obama administration says

A Justice Department memo issued Monday tells federal prosecutors to ease off medical-marijuana users and sellers in states that have legalized the drug.
10/19/2009 01:00 am

Opinion The war on drugs needs a timeout

Before Washington ramps up yet another losing war on drugs, why not let a commission construct a better policy?
08/11/2009 01:00 am

The Vote White House disappointed with Manny Ramirez (Joe Biden not involved)

05/08/2009 01:00 am

Two years after its launch, Mexicans question President Calderón's drug war

Drug-trafficking deaths have skyrocketed by more than 117 percent in 2008.
12/11/2008 12:00 am

Terrorism & Security More arrests in Mexico's war on drug cartels

In the U.S., President Calderón's efforts look successful. But Mexicans say the crackdowns are increasing violence.
09/25/2008 01:00 am