Freshers has been anything but a normal for those starting university this year. When Libby*, a first-year student rolled up to her halls, she didn’t expect to be locked in with people she hardly knew. What a sizeable proportion of the new cohort did expect, however, was to experiment with drugs. Away from home … Continued
Note: For simplicity’s sake, this article uses the term ‘GHB’. Much of the time people think they are taking GHB it is actually the unprocessed version, GBL, which is absorbed faster in the body and seems to have a notably stronger effect. In January, the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs was commissioned … Continued
A recent academic publication finds THC concentrations have been on the rise over the last 50 years. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on the changes in THC and CBD concentrations in the US, UK, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Italy and New Zealand. Analysing data from over 80,000 street samples of cannabis, concentrations of THC … Continued
As spring’s national lockdown was announced, professionals troubled over how such unparalleled change might affect people in recovery. The lack of connection, loss of routine and pause on vital coping mechanisms would surely shake the resolve of even the most resilient service users. With the support of Welsh Government, drug and alcohol providers across … Continued
“The system here is basically a mess. People are being criminalised for being caught with joints, or tiny amounts of cannabis, as well as for growing cannabis and possessing it in larger quantities, even if it’s for personal use.” – Nicole, Founder of CCAN, the Cork Cannabis Activist Network. In light of launching ECAN … Continued
Covid-19 and mental health problems are two pandemics that have simultaneously collided. The inextricable link between addiction and mental illness has been exacerbated by this pandemic. Spring lockdown saw a surge in drug consumption. In the midst of a second national lockdown, it is important to consider what implications this has on vulnerable populations … Continued
In July, the Conservative Drug Policy Reform Group (‘CDPRG’) produced the most compelling argument (so far) for rescheduling of psilocybin.[1] It is now time to: Assess the impact of that argument contained in the CDPRG’s report: “Medicinal use of psilocybin: Reducing restrictions on research and treatment” (the ‘Medicinal Use Report’); and Restate and emphasise … Continued
Entering the drug reform space four years ago was a shock to the system. Despite years of working with the most complex and vulnerable populations in the UK, nothing had prepared me for the pure terror of a live TV interview on the BBC, or standing in front of hundreds of academics, thought leaders … Continued
The changing legal status of cannabis, along with recognising its medical benefits has allowed the industry to continue to grow. As a result of this, alternative ways for consuming cannabis have started to emerge such as infused products. The market for cannabis-infused beverages has been growing steadily in popularity. In 2019, the North American … Continued
Last Month Purdue Pharma, the producer of synthetic opiate Oxycontin, pleaded guilty to criminal charges. Purdue Pharma have entered into a $8.3bn (£6.3bn) settlement with the DoJ; which will see the company reorganised and managed by a public trust, for the benefit of the public. The company will continue to manufacture Oxycontin, as well as drugs … Continued