Over the last several years, without many people realizing it, the U.S. government has changed the focus of its anti-drug efforts, deemphasizing marijuana in favor of prescription drugs. A CBS News survey of government and nonprofit anti-drug groups has found a retreat from anti-marijuana campaigns over the past several years as prescription and over the counter drug abuse has grown amongst teens. In fact, the Partnership for a Drug Free

Nothing about Nadene Herndon’s careful diction or earnest manner evokes the word “pothead.” The retired state policy analyst, a 58-year-old from Fair Oaks, has become a star of sorts by appearing in a commercial as a marijuana consumer who — yes — wants to pay taxes. Hers is the latest salvo in the one of the America’s oldest culture wars: the effort to legalize marijuana. This time, the battle turns

I would like to restore cannabis to the respected position it has held for thousands of years. Cannabis is a sacred plant; a blessing of God. Why are we fighting a battle against this plant? A battle that cannot, should not, nor ever will be won. People are needlessly dying; jailed and fined; families are destroyed; futures destroyed because fearful politicians believed the plant was evil. The truth is slowing

WHEN WE THINK of the drug war, it’s the heavy-duty narcotics like heroin and cocaine that get most of the attention. And why not? That’s where the action is. It’s not marijuana that is sustaining the Taliban in Afghanistan, after all. When Crips and Bloods descend into gun battles in the streets of Los Angeles, they’re not usually fighting over pot. The junkie who breaks into your house and steals