Latest News
On this page you will find the latest relevant updates on a broad range of health and policy related topics, including HIV, hepatitis C, drug use, overdose prevention, harm reduction, drug treatment and criminal justice.
What Harm Reductionists Want From Biden’s “Drug Czar”
27 Jan 2021
On January 20, the Biden administration announced Regina LaBelle as acting director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. LaBelle, who previously served as the ONDCP’s chief of staff during the Obama administration, appears to be more aligned with harm reduction than a typical candidate for the role.
27 Jan 2021
On January 20, the Biden administration announced Regina LaBelle as acting director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. LaBelle, who previously served as the ONDCP’s chief of staff during the Obama administration, appears to be more aligned with harm reduction than a typical candidate for the role.
Icelandic Government Proposes Drug Decriminalisation
24 Jan 2021
The Icelandic government has proposed the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use by adults, and this week launched a consultation exercise to gauge public opinion on the matter.
24 Jan 2021
The Icelandic government has proposed the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use by adults, and this week launched a consultation exercise to gauge public opinion on the matter.
£250m pledge to tackle 'national disgrace' of Scots drug deaths
22 Jan 2021
The Scottish government has pledged an extra £250m over the next Holyrood term to tackle the "national disgrace" of drug-related deaths.
22 Jan 2021
The Scottish government has pledged an extra £250m over the next Holyrood term to tackle the "national disgrace" of drug-related deaths.
The Biden Administration and Drug Policy: Expectation Versus Reality
20 Jan 2021
As President Joe Biden replaces President Trump, advocates are balancing hope with more realistic expectations about how much progress the new administration is willing to make over the next four years.
20 Jan 2021
As President Joe Biden replaces President Trump, advocates are balancing hope with more realistic expectations about how much progress the new administration is willing to make over the next four years.
Mexico’s Fentanyl Crisis Reached New Heights in 2020
18 Jan 2021
Annual drug statistics for 2020 show fentanyl on the rise across Mexico, with numerous drug cartels fighting for control of the blossoming market.
18 Jan 2021
Annual drug statistics for 2020 show fentanyl on the rise across Mexico, with numerous drug cartels fighting for control of the blossoming market.
For 50 years, zero tolerance to drugs has failed – yet Britain refuses to change
15 Jan 2021
The 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act has needlessly criminalised thousands of people, and done nothing to tackle abuse
15 Jan 2021
The 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act has needlessly criminalised thousands of people, and done nothing to tackle abuse
What Surging Fentanyl Use Among OAT Patients Says About the Pandemic
9 Jan 2021
During the height of the COVID-19 lockdown in Ontario, Canada, the proportion of mandatory, routine drug screens imposed on opioid use disorder (OUD) patients that returned positive results for fentanyl more than doubled.
9 Jan 2021
During the height of the COVID-19 lockdown in Ontario, Canada, the proportion of mandatory, routine drug screens imposed on opioid use disorder (OUD) patients that returned positive results for fentanyl more than doubled.
Legalising access to psilocybin to end the agony of cluster headaches
11 Nov 2020
Approximately 8 million people worldwide are afflicted with possibly the most excruciating condition known to medicine: cluster headaches. Patients endure immense suffering, and many commit suicide to escape the pain. Current medical options are inadequate.
11 Nov 2020
Approximately 8 million people worldwide are afflicted with possibly the most excruciating condition known to medicine: cluster headaches. Patients endure immense suffering, and many commit suicide to escape the pain. Current medical options are inadequate.
Putting UK Drug Policy into Focus
7 Nov 2020
Commentary on the short film ‘Putting UK Drug Policy into Focus’ and reflections on the morality of a criminal justice approach to drugs
7 Nov 2020
Commentary on the short film ‘Putting UK Drug Policy into Focus’ and reflections on the morality of a criminal justice approach to drugs
Opioid crisis sees First Nations deaths double during pandemic
3 Nov 2020
First Nations people accounted for 16 per cent of all overdose deaths this year and they were 5.6 times more likely to die from overdose compared to the rest of the population. Canada’s top doctor said she’s concerned about the rising number of opioid related deaths in what she is calling a major consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3 Nov 2020
First Nations people accounted for 16 per cent of all overdose deaths this year and they were 5.6 times more likely to die from overdose compared to the rest of the population. Canada’s top doctor said she’s concerned about the rising number of opioid related deaths in what she is calling a major consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
