Research in Switzerland shows heroin maintenance works. In particular, the study showed dramatic declines in crime rates. Hollywood gets behind medical marijuana. A special episode on Murphy Brown features the main character using medical marijuana to relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy treatments for her breast cancer. After DEA Director Tom Constantine threatens the television program's producers, they re-air the show one month later.
More judges come out for reform.
George Soros makes the cover of Time magazine. Innocent US citizen's death prompts reevaluation of US drug policy and border patrol. US voters stand up to legislatures trying to reverse reforms. In Oregon, signatures are gathered to challenge recriminalization of marijuana. In Arizona, signatures are gathered to challenge a legislative attempt to undo the medical marijuana initiative passed in 1996.