Irish minister tells committee ‘war on drugs is not an effective response’
The Minister of State for the national drugs strategy has told a committee that the “war on drugs” approach has failed, and the number one priority should be to protect children and young children from the dangers of drug use. Frank Feighan was speaking in front of the Joint Committee on Health to provide an […]
Adolescent cannabis use has plummeted in 2021, new study finds
Despite the legal cannabis market continuing to open up across the United States, a new federal study has found that cannabis use among adolescents actually decreased in 2021. According to a press release issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a recent survey of substance use behaviours and related attitudes among eighth, 10th, and […]
Drug consumption facilities: What are they and how can they be effective?
In recent years, the prevalence of drug consumption facilities has been on the rise as policymakers and governments gradually take a more liberal and evidence-led approach to drugs. They are often adopted as part of a wider harm reduction strategy to help ensure the safety of recreational drug users. It is undeniable that the use […]
“We have a drug policy based on prejudice” – Interview with Crispin Blunt MP
Crispin Blunt, the Chair of the Conservative Drug Policy Reform Group (CDPRG), is maybe the most influential MP in the fight for fair drug policy and, among others, accessible medical cannabis in the UK. While it’s still an uphill battle, as a former Prisons Minister, Mr Blunt knows how an unregulated market exploits people, including […]
Global Commission on Drug Policy recommends an end to prohibition of drugs
The Global Commission on Drug Policy – a group that was formed a decade ago by leaders from Europe and the United Nations to tackle issues relating to drug use – has released a new report supporting an end to drug prohibition, among other recommendations. The report, titled Time to End Prohibition, notes that, while a […]
Nick Clegg among influential campaigners to call on governments to decriminalise all drugs
The former deputy prime minister was among the leading figures calling on governments to decriminalise and regulate all drugs. Nick Clegg has joined an influential group of public figures – including former prime ministers and presidents – in calling for a global drug policy reform in a new report from the Global Commission on Drug […]
Scotland opens Europe’s first hotline to keep drug users safe
In a historic move, Scotland will open a hotline to provide professional help and comfort while people are using drugs. According to Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, a free telephone line called “Never Use Alone” will be made available for those who are in the process of using illegal drugs. The aim is to cut the […]
Is the government’s proposed ban on ‘laughing gas’ worth the time and money?
The recreational use of nitrous oxide – widely known as ‘laughing gas’ or ‘nos’ – has been on the rise in recent decades – particularly among young people. In response to this increased prevalence, Home Secretary Priti Patel recently revealed potential plans to ban the product as part of a tougher approach to drugs. But, […]
The majority of Britons think criminalising drugs is futile
A significant proportion of the British public believes that the UK’s ongoing “War on Drugs” has been ineffective and that criminalising drug use is futile. According to a recent poll by YouGov, almost two-thirds (6 in 10) of respondents believe that making drugs illegal is not an effective way of curbing their consumption. These findings […]
Scotland decriminalised drug possession
People caught with drugs won’t have to face charges after Scotland’s lord advocate has announced a new policy to Holyrood. According to The Times, Dorothy Bain QC’s announcement – “a diversion from prosecution” – was a surprise. Scotland’s most senior law officer told the MSPs: “Police officers may therefore choose to issue a recorded police […]