Matters of Substance February 2009
Cover Story
Through the maze - healthy drug law reform
The Law Comission's review of the Misuse of Drugs Act cannot come soon enough. The Drug Foundation has some ideas about how a new Act should look, based on 30 years of experience and evidence.
Features
What could be a worse crime than dealing drugs? Not much, according to our criminal justice system.
Let's talk about pot: Beyond the cannabis stalemate
A Global Cannabis Commission report claims most harms around cannabis actually result from prohibition. Wil the United Nations heed the call to consider some radical alternatives?
Twenty years young
We look back on some of the controversy a the time of the Drug Foundation's institution and trace our history in headlines adn quotes.
Down but not out - the findings of the Youth'07
New Zealand young people are happier. they're using less cannabis and saying no to cigarettes, but not all the news is good.
Alternative development in the Golden Triangle - reality or myth?
Opium cultivation in Burma, Laos and Thailand is reportedly in decline, but the Transnational Institute argues mismanaged bans have cost local farmers dearly.
Something for the pain
The western world spends billions trying to prevent illicit opiod use. meanwhile, scant thought is given to the suffering left without pain relief in developing countries.
Regulars
Ross Bell argues that progressive drug law reform is needed to reduce barriers to people needing help.
Guest Editorial - On the RISE for youth
Caitlin Padgett introduces Youth RISE - an advocacy group for the rights of young drug users worldwide.
Opinion - Enforcing to reduce harm
David Blakey argues that intelligent and adaptable law enforcement policy can play a role in minimising drug-related harms.
Mythbusters - Ketamine: not just for horses, also for badgers
The media's delight in describing ketamine as a horse tranquliser is doing nothing to help convey a clear understanding of relative drug harm.
