Matters of Substance February 2008 contents
Cover Story - Keeping pot on the boil
In the last issue, we sought to invoke a national conversation around marijuana by inviting various contributors to share their views. The discussion lives on in this issue.
Legend has it that pot is now 25–30 times stronger than back in the 60s and that today’s ‘killer weed’ is wreaking havoc with the mental health of young stoners. Marilyn Head examines what research there is into potency, and what it actually suggests.
Odyssey House and the therapeutic community model
A stoner or a scholar?
When truth and balance go to pot
Features
Killer beers
Beer companies employ thousands of young women in Cambodia who work hard to sell tourists their brand. The punters pay for the beer. The women may be paying with their lives.
Review of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act 1966
In the wake of the coroner’s calls for increased treatment facilities, the Ministry of Health outlines the proposed review of the Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act.
After the Ban: Recreational drug using behaviour and legal party pills
Two studies put to the test claims by the party pill industry that a ban would increase methamphetamine use and encourage growth of a party pill black market.
Story Updates
This new regular feature provides brief updates on stories featured in earlier issues of Matters of Substance.
Regulars
Drug Foundation Director Ross Bell introduces the February issue by discussing recent Australian drug policy and the warning its failure holds for our politicians.
Guest Editorial - The ultimate price: The death penalty for drug offences
There are still plenty of countries around the world where mere possession of illicit substances can result in capital punishment. Rick Lines argues this situation demands international attention.
Opinion - When truth and balance go to pot
Ross Bell examines media coverage of three recent scientific findings on health and cannabis use. It seems ‘reefer madness’ is alive and well in the over-simplification characterising much of what is written in the news.
Research Update - Into my arms: Injecting drug use in New Zealand
Chris Wilkins and Charles Henderson compare findings on injecting drug use behaviour from the Illicit Drug Monitoring System and Needle Exchange New Zealand’s seroprevalence surveys.
Mythbusters - Getting rat faced
New research suggests drinking in moderation can boost memory… for rats. But is this good news for us humans? Mythbusters puts new rat research under the microscope and asks whether gushing media coverage of the findings is justified.
