Matters of Substance February 2010

Cover story
Getting the MODA running
The Law Commission's first discussion paper is out, and its recommendations are progressive and firmly evidence-based. We've gone sraight to the horse's mouth for some of the thinking behind the review of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Features

Drug law reform - A global snapshot
In light of the Law Commission's review Sanji Gunasekara looks at recent efforts in other jurisdictions to reform drug law.

Diversion: Australia's alternative to drug law reform
The Australian Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative demonstrates there are alternatives to drug law reform that potentially address drug-related offending.

Research Update - Knowledge of and attitudes to illegal drugs
Last year, the Ministry of Health published a report on what kiwis know and think about illegal drugs. Not all the findings were predictable, and some come as a suprise.

Caffeine and alcohol - a cocktail for disaster?
What happens when you mix alcohol and caffeine and put them in a colourful can? Is their love affair with caffeine-laden RTDs putting our youth in danger?

Talking with Doug after the 'Ten Things' tour
Doug Sellman reckons there's a lot the alcohol industry doesn't want you to know. He's taken his 'Ten Things' lecture on tour, and we ask him how that went.

Opinion - How effective is the New Zealand Drug Harm Index?
New Zealand's Drug Harm Index has been used to both measure and justify a number of enforcement activities. Martin Woodbridge questions whether the index is really being used correctly.

Regulars

The Director's Cut
Executive Director Ross Bell introduces this issue by commending the Law Commission on a "considered, balanced and comprehensive review" on the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Mythbusters - Is drinking in moderation good for my heart?
At the risk of making themselves unpopular, our intrepid Mythbusters question the evidence behind the widely accepted belief that a little alcohol is good for you.

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