Here are some of our favourite pieces of the year from Volteface in 2022 – just click on the title to read the original articles:
LIZ TRUSS’ SUCCESSOR AS PM MUST LEGALISE CANNABIS
There is a strong, simple, Conservative case for reforming our laws on cannabis. Whoever occupies No10 next will be looking for growth, and cannabis could be part of the answer…
Tom Harwood, October 22nd
POLICE POSTING POST-DRUGS RAIDS SELFIES, ARE YOU PROUD OF YOURSELVES?
Drug busts make for great self-congratulatory social media posts for forces who need to be seen as tough on crime, but aggressive policing tactics come at a human cost…
Dr. Rebecca Tidy, May 16th
RACE MUST BE CENTRAL TO THE DRUG POLICY CONVERSATION.
This article takes a look at why race and racial injustice need to be a central part of the conversation around drug policy and why it acts as one of the most compelling arguments for reform.
Nicole Borgers, January 9th
THE ‘LEVELLING UP’ AGENDA MUST ‘LEVEL DOWN’ DRUG DEATHS
If the Government is serious about addressing regional inequalities, there can be few higher priorities than ending the drug death epidemic plaguing our ‘left behind towns’.
Jay Jackson, February 4th
POST-PANDEMIC TRENDS IN THE UK MDMA MARKET AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HARM REDUCTION SERVICES
As the Loop announces its long awaited charity status, Senior team members Fiona Measham and Adam Waugh explore the post-pandemic state of the UK MDMA market.
Fiona Measham And Adam Waugh, November 16th
HAS RISHI SUNAK TAKEN DRUGS? EVERY POLITICIAN WHO HAS EVER ADMITTED TO USING DRUGS
From ‘absolutely disgusting’ to ‘yes, I enjoyed it’ here’s what our lawmakers had to say about their own alleged law-breaking…
Jay Jackson, December 19th
DARKNET MARKET LEADS THE WAY IN HARM REDUCTION INNOVATION
George Smith takes us into the underground dark web drug marketplaces, with some surprising initiatives that could teach legal markets a thing or two…
George Smith, November 14th
INSIDE ILLINOIS’ FAILING LEGAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY
Biden’s plans bring hope, but an uphill battle remains to turn this sector around and truly achieve justice…
Matt Rees, October 21st
CBD has been rehabilitated in the eyes of most of society, it’s about time we reassessed the merits of THC…
Ruby Deevoy, October 28th
DAVID CELINO AND OLIVIA PRATT-KORBELL ARE VICTIMS OF THE UK’S ‘WAR ON DRUGS’
The deaths of 16-year-old David Celino and 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in the same week in August have scarred the conscience of the nation. Their deaths, in separate circumstances and different places are equally tragic and serve as stark reminders of the human cost of our 50 year experiment at drug prohibition.
Jay Jackson, October 3rd
TO HEAL AND TO CARE FOR’: PROTECTING IBOGA AND INDIGENOUS VOICES IN THE FACE OF CORPORATISATION
Lack of involvement of Indigenous communities & leaders risks further colonial exploitation of their lands and cultural heritage.
Annika Loebig, July 1st
BEHIND THE SCREENS: DRUGS AND SOCIAL MEDIA
3 years on from Volteface’s landmark ‘DM for Details’ investigation, Megan Townsend writes on drugs, young people and social media in 2022.
Megan Townsend, November 2nd
This piece was written by Jay Jackson, Head of Policy & Public Affairs at Volteface. Tweets @wordsbyjayj