DPA’s Tony Papa on Senate Reforms Crack- Powder Cocaine Disparity

DPA’s Tony Papa on Senate Reforms Crack- Powder Cocaine Disparity – Anthony Papa communications specialist for the Drug Policy Alliance comments on the legislation approved by the Senate on March 17, 2010 that would significantly reduce the disparity in sentences handed out to those convicted of crack and powder cocaine charges. Currently, a person convicted of crack cocaine possession gets the same mandatory jail time as someone with 100 times the same quantity of powder cocaine. That 100-1 ratio has been particularly hard on the black community, where convictions on federal crack laws are more prevalent. Under the measure, approved by a voice vote, the ratio would be reduced to 18-1. Today is a bittersweet day, said Jasmine L. Tyler of the Drug Policy Alliance. On one hand, we have moved the issue of disparate sentencing for two forms of the same drug forward, restoring some integrity to our criminal justice system. But, on the other hand, the Senate, by reducing the 100 to 1 disparity to 18 to 1, instead of eliminating it, has proven how difficult it is to ensure racial justice, even in 2010. His book 15 to Life now in eBOOK formats KINDLE www.amazon.com and NOOK tinyurl.com

Legal high firm pushes 'Crack' in dairies

Filed under: crack cocaine laws

The product has been condemned as irresponsible by the Drug Foundation, illicit drug users and a pioneer of the legal high industry. Crack is sold under the street name shared by the illegal drugs crack cocaine and methamphetamine, and comes in a clear … Read more on The Aucklander

Virginia joins nation in moment of silence for Sandy Hook victims

Filed under: crack cocaine laws

Under prior law sentences for crack offenses were harsher than sentences for powder cocaine by a 100-to-1 ratio — the sentence for possessing five grams of crack cocaine was a mandatory five years, while it took 500 grams of powder cocaine to garner a … Read more on Daily Press