Contrary to what everyone – even potheads – think about marijuana, a new study shows that the drug has “minimal” effects on the brain. Conducted by a team of investigators from the United Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, Switzerland and Australia, the “systematic literature review”, recently published online by Psychological Medicine, combines 41 different studies from around the world of marijuana’s effect on brain function. And after thorough review, the researches concluded that its effects are nearly nonexistent. (more…)

The Pirate Party has won a huge victory in the Swedish elections and is marching on to Brussels. After months of campaigning against well established parties, the Pirate Party has gathered enough votes to be guaranteed a seat in the European Parliament.

When the Swedish Pirate Party was founded in early 2006, the majority of the mainstream press were skeptical, with some simply laughing it away. But they were wrong to dismiss this political movement out of hand. Today, the Pirate Party accomplished what some believed to be the impossible, by securing a seat in the European Parliament.

Check out the whole story at TorrentFreak.com, here!

Reports have surfaced that Seattle police chief, Gil Kerlikowske has been tapped for a job in the Obama administration, most likely as the administration’s new head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, commonly known as the “drug czar.” But unlike past leaders in the “War on Drugs,” Kerlikowske is outspokenly lenient on the enforcement of marijuana possession laws – at least so far – with local supporters of medical marijuana laws very pleased with the choice. (more…)

In a half-assed attempt to keep children from having contact with violent and child sex offenders this Halloween, Maryland is requiring 1,200 felons in the state to put up a poster of a, get this, orange pumpkin, to be the ‘Scarlet Letter’ warning to parents and children not to trick-or-treat at that house.

Granted, the sign also says “No Candy at This Residence,” but you’d think something slightly more threatening might be in order when the safety of children is on the line. Like, you know, maybe a poster of an adult attacking a kid, or at least a scary goblin or something, if they’re going to insist on the warnings doubling as a holiday decoration. Not to mention all the other, non kid-touching people with all types of orange pumpkin decorations all over their houses. (more…)