Drugs, Habits and Social Policy
May 27, 2026
Estelle Miller, David B Menkes, Suresh Muthukumaraswamy et al.
Purpose Current laws prohibiting access to illicit drugs contribute to drug harms as manufacturers and distributors of illicit substances have variable influence over drug supply and quality. Legislation introduced in New Zealand (NZ) in 2021 aimed to address such harm by enabling licenced drug checking providers to directly analyse samples from consumers. This paper aims to detail the use of...
Drugs, Habits and Social Policy
July 18, 2024
Sarah Mcgruddy, Jai Whelan, Ethan Mills et al.
Purpose Psychedelic drugs can induce altered states of consciousness characterised by changes in visual perception, tactile sensation, cognition, and emotion. Although there is a history of misinformation surrounding these drugs, recent investigation has reinvigorated interest. However, little research has assessed the attitudes of psychedelic consumers regarding these substances. The current...
Drugs, Habits and Social Policy
October 12, 2023
Federica Ambrosini, Laura Pariset, Roberta Biolcati
2 citations
Purpose Ayahuasca ceremonies are currently practiced all over the world. This study aims to investigate ayahuasca ceremonies in Colombia (where ayahuasca use is culturally entrenched) and Italy (where ayahuasca use has only recently spread). Design/methodology/approach In total, 32 Italian (53% males; 47% females) and 28 Colombian (79% males; 21% females) ayahuasca ceremony participants...
Drugs, Habits and Social Policy
August 18, 2023
Aleksi Hupli, Ali Ünlü, Jussi Jylkkä et al.
9 citations
Purpose Cannabis use continues to increase worldwide, and a number of nation states are changing their cannabis policies. Policy changes require research into key populations, namely, people who use cannabis. This study aims to examine sociodemographic differences of young Finns who reported using cannabis mainly for self-medication versus mainly recreationally, as well as their reported...
Drugs, Habits and Social Policy
November 24, 2022
Ruben Q Vrolijk, Fiona Measham, Adrià Quesada et al.
Purpose The 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) content in ecstasy tablets has increased enormously throughout Europe across the past decade. This study aims to determine whether this is caused by the production of “stronger” tablets (more mg MDMA per mg of tablet), or if tablets have simply been getting larger and heavier (more mg of tablet in total). Design/methodology/approach A data set...
Drugs, Habits and Social Policy
August 17, 2022
Monica J Barratt, Stephen Bright, Ash R. Blackwell
Purpose Following deaths and hospitalisations in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, related to the unwitting consumption of a combination of 25C-NBOMe and 4-FA, a community-led unauthorised drug checking service was rapidly established at a subsequent music festival. We aim to demonstrate the value of community-led drug checking, even when conducted in less-than-ideal conditions, by describing...