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Missing plane said to have crashed in Indian Ocean, Washington landslide kills at least 8, Ukraine evacuates Crimea | March 24

Missing plane said to have crashed in Indian Ocean, Washington landslide kills at least 8, Ukraine evacuates Crimea | March 24

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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the missing Malaysian airliner ended its journey in the southern Indian Ocean, a landslide killed at least eight people in northwestern Washington state, Ukraine orders the evacuation of its troops and their families from Crimea, and more in today’s daily brief.

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Scenes from the High Times U.S. Cannabis Cup

Scenes from the High Times U.S. Cannabis Cup

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With Washington state legalizing marijuana for recreational use, here’s an inside look at High Times U.S. Cannabis Cup Seattle, which was held on Sept. 7-8. The Cup featured seminars, musical performances as well as a marijuana growing competition that included categories like “Best Hybrid,” “Best U.S. Hash” and “Best Non-Edible Medically Infused Product.” Click for a list of winners.

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Marijuana makes strides toward legalization as 4/20 celebrated

Marijuana makes strides toward legalization as 4/20 celebrated

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Today, April 20 or 4/20, is embraced by marijuana smokers nationwide as a celebration of cannabis culture. By and large, observance has remained underground given pot’s classification as an illegal substance by federal law. This year, though, things have changed, with voters in Colorado and Washington deciding in 2012 to decriminalize marijuana within state borders.

In Maryland, lawmakers opted not to decriminalize pot, but the General Assembly authorized a medical marijuana program. In recent years, Baltimore prosecutors have been easing up on marijuana possession penalties. (For contrast’s sake, D.C.’s first medical marijuana dispensary is set to open this month.)

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Marijuana 2012: Puffing, prescribing and prosecuting pot in print

Marijuana 2012: Puffing, prescribing and prosecuting pot in print

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A state ballot measure legalizing marijuana for recreational use passed Nov. 6 in both Colorado and Washington state, in what might be the biggest statement of the 2012 Election aside from President Obama’s re-election and same-sex marriage.

In Colorado, the new amendment would allow adults 21 and older to legally purchase one ounce of marijuana as soon as the end of the month, while in Washington voters approved the selling and taxing of small amounts of marijuana-related products to adults beginning Dec. 6. A similar initiative was rejected in Oregon.

Despite opposing the measure himself, Colorado’s governor John Hickenlooper released a statement Tuesday night saying that “This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug so don’t break out the Cheetos or gold fish too quickly.” In a KUOW radio interview Nov. 7, Washington governor Chris Gregoire also expressed concern about federal reactions saying that “The jury is out on what happens. Meanwhile, my job as governor is to do what the people of the state of Washington have said they want done.”

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August 16 Daily Brief: Standoff in London, Endeavor heads west, wildfires continue to flare

August 16 Daily Brief: Standoff in London, Endeavor heads west, wildfires continue to flare

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Wikileaks founder seeks asylum in Londan, wildfires spread in the western states, the shuttle Endeavor heads to a new home and more in today’s daily brief.
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July 23 Photo Brief: Penn State hit with harsh penalties from NCAA, Colorado movie theater shooter makes first court appearance

July 23 Photo Brief: Penn State hit with harsh penalties from NCAA, Colorado movie theater shooter makes first court appearance

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James Eagan Holmes, accused Colorado movie theater shooter makes first court appearance, Penn State receives harsh penalties from the NCAA — including a $60 million fine and four-year bowl ban in aftermath of Jerry Sandusky scandal, and more in today’s daily brief.
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