Synthetic marijuana to be banned The DEA recently announced that it would be using its power to reschedule five synthetic chemicals whose effects mimic those of marijuana. The DEA's actions do not come as any great surprise, but ironically are only happening because of the federal prohibition on marijuana. Read more... New Jersey medical marijuana compromise falls short Although the law was passed nearly a year ago, New Jersey still hasn't put its medical marijuana program in place. New regulations released by Gov. Chris Christie's administration last week may finally lead to implementation in the state. Though seen as concessions to patients by the administration, many of the new regulations are still overly prohibitive. Read more... Leonhart DEA nomination on hold Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) has put a hold on Michele Leonhart's confirmation process as the next administrator of the DEA. Though not expected to ultimately stop her confirmation, the delay does present the opportunity to continue to lobby congress and the media to press her on her views on marijuana prohibition. Read more... MPP & Colorado congressman call for new marijuana strategy Earlier this week, Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO), speaking in support of a resolution calling for the drug czar's office to work toward stopping Mexican drug traffickers from operating on federal lands, suggested that prohibition be replaced with regulation. Steve Fox, MPP’s director of government relations, echoed that sentiment. Read more... AZ medical marijuana forum Are you interested in opening a medical marijuana dispensary in Arizona, or do you know someone who is? To get the inside track from the people who wrote and helped pass Prop 203, register today for MPP's educational forum in downtown Phoenix, to be held on Monday, December 13. Register today...