Search

Lately, there has been massive media coverage of gang-related criminality in 'exposed areas' in Sweden. Politicians have blamed the illegal drugs trade without questioning the country's prohibitionist drug policy. This study analyzes how cannabis is constructed in Swedish newspaper articles that mention both organized crime and cannabis. We ask how the drug and its buyers and sellers are described, what discourses are drawn upon, and discuss the relationship between media coverage and drug policy. We analyzed recent (2021) articles from four newspapers (n = 71) through Critical Discourse Analysis. Cannabis was constructed as a commodity linked to violence and deviance. Agency was attributed to people with power and status (e.g. gang leaders), and recreational cannabis users were described as guilty of feeding organized crime. A combination of economic and moral discourses was used to make the reported events meaningful, and to motivate both prohibition and decriminalization/legalization. The study shows that assumedly neutral journalistic voices emphasized the link between cannabis and violence and problematized cannabis buyers and sellers. This homogenous media coverage will probably contribute to keep the question of cannabis law reform discursively lifeless in Sweden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: State-level prevalence data are used to investigate whether recreational cannabis legalization moderates the mediated pathway from the perception of low risk of harm, to cannabis use, to cannabis use disorder (CUD) treatment admissions, among adolescents (age 12–17) in the US. Methods: Annual state prevalence measures of perception of low risk, cannabis use, and CUD treatment admissions between 2008 and 2019 (N = 542 state-year observations) were collected from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and the Treatment Episode Dataset – Admissions (TEDS-A). A two-way fixed effects (state and year) moderated mediation model was used to test whether recreational legalization moderated the indirect effect of perception of low risk on treatment admissions via cannabis use. Results: A positive indirect effect of perceiving cannabis as low risk on CUD treatment admissions via cannabis use was observed prior to legalization but not afterwards. After legalization, the positive association of perceiving cannabis as low risk with cannabis use was strengthened, and the positive association of cannabis use with treatment admissions was suppressed, as compared to before legalization. Discussion: Recreational legalization may alter the social acceptability and medical self-administration of cannabis, potentially leading to CUD treatment utilization decline among adolescents even as risk factors for CUD increase. Linking recreational cannabis legalization to advancing awareness of the health risks associated with adolescent cannabis use and promoting adolescent CUD treatment engagement through mHealth approaches and primary care providers are key to addressing potential adolescent health challenges brought about by expanding cannabis legalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies of recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) have assessed adolescents both before and after RCL or considered moderators of RCL effects. The present study tested whether RCL was more strongly associated with cannabis use for girls and among youth whose parents had a history of cannabis use during adolescence. Data were pooled from 940 adolescents from three intergenerational studies that began in Washington (where RCL was enacted in 2012), Oregon (RCL year = 2015), and New York (RCL year = 2021). Youth were assessed repeatedly from ages 13 to 18 years (k = 3,650 person–years) from 1999 to 2020 (prior to RCL in New York). Parent cannabis use at or before age 18 years (yes/no) was assessed prospectively during the parent's adolescence. Multilevel models focused on the between-subjects effects of years of youth exposure to RCL on adolescents' mean cannabis use likelihood, and interactions with child sex and parent use history. Child exposure to RCL was associated with a higher likelihood of cannabis use if their parents had a history of adolescent use, (Estimate [SE] = 0.67 [0.25], p = 0.008), versus no such history (Estimate [SE] = −0.05 [0.28], p = 0.855). RCL effects were not moderated by child sex. The effects of RCL on adolescents' cannabis use may depend on their parents' history of using the drug. Identifying other moderators of RCL effects, and understanding the mechanisms of these risks and the ways that parents and communities can offset them, are prevention priorities. (1) Adolescents' use of cannabis may have intergenerational consequences, making it more likely their future offspring will use cannabis. (2) Whether or not recreational cannabis legalization influences adolescents' cannabis use may depend on their parents' cannabis use history. (3) Parenting in a state with liberalized cannabis policies may present new challenges and require that novel prevention resources be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The past two decades have seen significant debate around cannabis legalization globally, including in India. Since there is no data on professionals’ attitudes toward cannabis legalization; we aimed to assess early-career psychiatrists (ECP) views on cannabis legalization. Methods: An online survey consisting of questions regarding personal and socio-demographic details, attitudes toward legalization of medicinal cannabis and recreational cannabis, and potential indications of medicinal cannabis use was distributed to ECPs. Data from 105 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and t-test. Results: More respondents agreed with the legalization of medical cannabis (55%) as compared to recreational cannabis (23%). More than 80% ECPs considered cannabis to be associated with psychosis and adverse mental health outcomes; however, those in favor of legalization considered cannabis to be less harmful. ECP with past cannabis use was more likely to have a permissive attitude toward the legalization of recreational cannabis (χ2 =6.79, p < .05) but not for medicinal cannabis use (χ² =1.96, p > .05). Conclusion: ECP in India are open to the idea of legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes but not for recreational purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following landmark legislation in 2013, Uruguay became the first country to regulate the legal production, distribution and sale of recreational cannabis. While broader debates anticipated the significance of the UN drug conventions, the extent to which Uruguay's drug treaty obligations shaped regulation is unclear and the relevance of finance norms has been neglected. Drawing on institutionalist and governance theories, this study explores how international drug and finance regulations limited Uruguay's policy space to implement cannabis regulation, and how this was perceived by policy actors. Policy documents and 43 semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed. The analysis demonstrates how Uruguay's drug treaty obligations were less directly constraining to policy space compared to international finance norms, including the US Patriot Act, anti-money laundering standards and financial inclusion practices. Such norms exerted powerful influence over Uruguay's ability to implement aspects of cannabis supply that interact with broader financial systems, allowing banks to terminate business relationships with clients deemed as high risks for money laundering. The Uruguayan case suggests that financial regulations at diverse levels are likely to constrain policy space in other contexts where the market-based policies of cannabis regulation raise tensions with a narrowly constructed risk management principle in approaches to financial supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In November 2016, California voters passed the Adult Use of Marijuana Act making recreational cannabis sales legal to adults aged 21and older starting January 1st, 2018. This study aims to understand the relationship of cannabis use and cigarette smoking with serious psychological distress (SPD) in California in light of the legalization of recreational cannabis sales. This cross-sectional study included 42,313 adult participants from the 2017 to 2018 California Health Interview Surveys. We used the Kessler-6 (K6) scale to measure psychological distress in the past 30 days. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between cannabis/cigarette use and SPD. Cannabis use was positively associated with SPD (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.57, 3.91), but this association was not significantly different before and after recreational cannabis sales legalization in California (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.72, 2.05). Cigarette smoking was also positively associated with SPD (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI = 2.05, 3.71). Compared to those who used neither cannabis nor cigarettes, sole cannabis users (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.75, 3.60), sole cigarette smokers (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI = 2.28, 4.60), and dual users of cannabis and cigarettes (AOR = 5.65, 95% CI = 4.04, 7.89) were more likely to report SPD. Dual users were also more likely to report SPD than sole cannabis users (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.48, 3.43) and sole cigarette smokers (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.18, 2.59). These findings provide evidence for the need to develop effective cessation intervention strategies targeting individuals with SPD to reduce their cannabis use and dual-use of cannabis and cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the recent introduction of recreational marijuana retail stores throughout the United States and other jurisdictions, research is warranted on whether responsible sales practices are implemented. We assessed store practices/policies in the first two US states to legalize recreational marijuana, Colorado and Washington. We surveyed a random sample of store managers (25 per state) and observed store practices in the largest city in each state (22 in Denver; 24 in Seattle). We analyzed many practices/policies with a focus on underage access (

The article discusses that the Earp and colleagues (2021) make a strong case for the complete decriminalization and even the legalization of recreational drug use based on the negative impact of the "War on drugs" on racialized persons. It mentions that the authors desire to remain neutral regarding the positive and negative contributions of recreational drug use to wellbeing.

Objective: We investigated whether recreational marijuana legalization (RML) in Oregon in 2015 and recreational marijuana and alcohol retail outlet density levels in Oregon counties were associated with increased alcohol and marijuana co-use and beliefs supportive of alcohol and marijuana use among adolescents. Method: We conducted secondary analyses of biennial data collected from 11th graders who participated in the Student Wellness Survey (SWS) in 36 Oregon counties from 2010 to 2018 (N = 71,870). Multi-level logistic regression analyses assessed changes in past-30-day co-use of alcohol and marijuana, and alcohol- and marijuana-related beliefs after RML in counties with low, medium, and high densities of licensed recreational marijuana and alcohol retail outlets. We used post-RML 2016 and 2018 SWS data to examine whether beliefs accounted for any relationship of recreational marijuana and alcohol outlet density with alcohol and marijuana co-use. Results: We found a significant post-RML increase in past-30-day alcohol and marijuana co-use in 2016 in counties with the highest density of recreational marijuana and alcohol retail outlets. There were significant post-RML increases in perceived risk and parent approval of alcohol and marijuana use. Analyses with 2016 and 2018 SWS data indicated that the relationship between level of recreational marijuana and alcohol retail outlet density and past-30-day alcohol and marijuana co-use was accounted for beliefs about marijuana and alcohol availability, approval by parents, and risk. Conclusion: RML and greater retail availability of recreational marijuana and alcohol were positively associated with alcohol and marijuana co-use among adolescents, and with beliefs favorable to alcohol and marijuana use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite its controversial nature, the use of recreational marijuana and cannabis-derived products continue to increase in popularity. Cannabis consumption is currently legal in certain American states as well as Canada, and it is also frequently used by Canadian youth. However, cannabis use during childhood and adolescence can contribute to significant harm. Materials andMethods: A review of current literature regarding the impacts of cannabis consumption among Canadian youth was conducted. Medline, Cochrane, Embase and PubMed databases were utilized to identify journal articles published within 10 years that highlighted the impacts of cannabis consumption in its different forms among the North American pediatric population. Results: Our review identified harms include structural and functional impairments in the developing brain, the development of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, impaired road safety while driving under the influence of cannabis, and the significant consequences of accidental ingestion of cannabis products by children. We also ascertained that cannabis cessation strategies that employed an affective model, which explores the root causes of adolescents turning to cannabis, are most effective in reducing substance use among adolescents. Conclusions: In light of the recent legalization of cannabis in Canada, the purpose of this article was to provide background on cannabis consumption and its legalization in Canada, the impacts of cannabis on Canadian youth, and evidence-based strategies to help mitigate them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Section 33B(4) of Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act purportedly partly ousts judicial review of the Public Prosecutor's determination of whether a drug trafficker has substantively assisted the anti-drug enforcement agency. This paper argues that Singapore's High Court erred in holding this provision constitutionally valid. Ouster clauses are unconstitutional vis-à-vis Articles 12(1) and 93 of the Constitution; the High Court's view does not accord with the law on non-justiciability and is premised on a flawed theory of legislative intention. It is no answer that judicial power is subject to a 'balance' which renders a partial ouster clause constitutionally valid. The High Court's view that section 33B(4) ousts review for non-jurisdictional errors of law is incompatible with Article 93, and is not justified by the 'green-light' theory. The effect of these problems is tempered by a potentially wider definition of unconstitutionality as a ground of review than the High Court considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enduring legacy of the war on drugs is a law enforcement emphasis on arresting low-level drug offenders. Policymakers assert that drug arrests reduce subsequent drug offending; yet, scant research assesses the specific deterrent effects of drug arrest. Likewise, little research examines the collateral consequences of drug arrest on measures of social bonding. NLSY97 data were used to examine the effect of drug arrest on drug offending (marijuana use, hard drug use, drug sales) and social bonding (highest grade, weeks employed, annual income). Results indicate that drug arrest did not reduce any measure of drug offending but had considerable negative consequences on blacks’ employment outcomes. These findings suggest that recent policy proposals to de-emphasize low-level drug arrests are unlikely to increase drug offending and may reduce the negative collateral consequences of drug arrest at least for blacks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Over the last two decades, illicit drugs have emerged as a growing social problem in the Arab Gulf states. Dubai is no exception, in spite of its reputation as an economic success story. Dubai has been affected in two ways: through the increased use of hard drugs, notably heroin, especially among its nationals; and through the role of transnational organised crime in moving illegal drugs through the sovereign space of the Emirate and onwards to larger markets. In spite of this growth, the authorities have been slow to respond. Where policy development has taken place it has emphasised the supply side, within which it has privileged law enforcement. There has been a zero tolerance approach on the demand side, which is only now beginning to soften at the edges. State provision for detoxification and rehabilitation is plainly inadequate. Wider society is to some extent complicit in this reality, as Emirati nationals tend to frown on such ‘weaknesses’. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

From 2002 to 2005, we evaluated five Brazilian harm reduction programs ran by active drug users who distributed pipes, condoms, educational material, and provided referral to crack users. System-wide barriers identified: funds discontinuation and legislation barriers toward fieldwork. Major achievements: increased access to health, social, and psychological support. Crack-cocaine users experience a plethora of health/social problems, attenuated by low-threshold and user-friendly interventions, particularly those developed by other drug users. However, a stronger political commitment is needed to face a fast growing crack-cocaine epidemic in Brazil, aiming to ensure availability/ continuity of funds, implementation of large-scale interventions, outreach workers training, and proper evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on drug user organizations that represent and advocate for active 'hard drug' users in the Nordic countries. It discusses the opportunities and challenges that these organizations face in their search for legitimacy and political influence. The comparative perspective points at similarities and differences in national contexts that both support and challenges the existence of drug user organizations, including drug policy, social welfare policy, trends in drug use, and organizational conditions. The article also discusses the importance of international network and transnational organizations that support drug user organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compelling clinical evidence establishes that buprenorphine is similar to methadone in efficacy for opiate detoxification and maintenance but safer than methadone in an overdose situation. The Drug Abuse Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000) enabled US physicians with additional training to prescribe buprenorphine to a limited number of opiate-dependent patients. The sublingual tablets Subutex® (buprenorphine alone) and Suboxone® (a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone) meet the specifications of DATA 2000. Suboxone is intended to discourage intravenously administration and has less abuse potential than buprenorphine alone. Suboxone is generally recommended for maintenance treatment except for women who are pregnant. Subutex is recommended in treatment of pregnant women. A buprenorphine opiate withdrawal syndrome can occur in newborns. Although intravenous buprenorphine abuse is a significant public health problem in some countries, buprenorphine alone or in combination with naloxone has less potential for abuse than heroin and some prescription opiates, such as oxycodone. Pharmacotherapy from physicians' offices makes buprenorphine treatment acceptable to some opiate-dependent patients who would not accept treatment in traditional opiate-maintenance clinics. For reasons not adequately understood, some patients find discontinuation of buprenorphine following long-term use difficult. This article reviews the pharmacology of buprenorphine, summarizes evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of buprenorphine and provides clinical guidelines for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The War on Drugs has mostly been analyzed through. (i) the race, class and gendered nature of the crusade, and (ii) the utility of this domestic criminal justice agenda for broader US. imperial ambitions. A third aspect, however, is the convergence of drug war legislation with that of immigration policy and the production of a transnational population of U.S. deportees. In this article, based on six years of ethnographic study with deported subjects in both New York and Santo Domingo and using the concept of social bulimia, we describe and analyze the ways in which the war on drugs has directly and indirectly influenced deportees' lives, severely limiting their life chances and finally banishing them for life. We focus on five periods in their life course: (i) settlement in the US.; (ii) pathways to the criminal justice system; (iii) the US. prison experience; (iv) deportation; and (v) resettlement in the Dominican Republic. We conclude that the drugs war has had durable impacts on the most vulnerable communities in our society and that its collateral effects now stretch around the globe and across generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) are generating huge amounts of debate in the field of drug work. It may not be too misplaced to argue that the impact of the DTTOs could be such as to change the nature of drug services in the UK. As to be expected with such far-reaching legislation there are numerous areas of concern. This paper begins to explore one of those areas: the nature and problem of information sharing and client confidentiality. To achieve this, the paper examines the growth of the concept and practice of risk management within the criminal justice system and contrasts that model's concern with the control of groups, to health's traditional focus on the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most noticeable thing about the launch earlier this year of the government's 2008 drug strategy - Drugs: protecting families and communities - was the relative lack of fanfare and press interest. When we launched in 1998, ministers were falling over themselves to be involved, and the headlines of the strategy were pored over in the press for days. This time round, the complex and widely impacting contents of the national drug strategy have not received one tenth of the political and media attention as the (relatively minor) issue of which class within the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 that Cannabis should be placed in. I find this focus on the symbolism of drug policy, rather than its substance, to be disappointing - the level of understanding of the nature of drug use and related problems in the UK has undoubtedly increased amongst professionals, policymakers and the general public over the last 10 years, so public debate should really be rising above the simplicity of tough versus soft 'messages' from politicians to potential users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]