Matters of Substance

Johann Hari on his film about Billie Holiday and the war on drugs

We regularly publish features, analysis and opinion on drug policy, harm reduction and more in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In December 2020 we began publishing online-only articles. Check regularly for new pieces. Sign-up to get email notifications. Read back issues dating from February 2007 onwards.

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LATEST ARTICLES

MoS april 2021 johann hari billie holiday thumbnail

16 April 2021

Johann Hari on his film about Billie Holiday and the war on drugs

On the eve of the NZ release of The US vs Billie Holiday, Russell Brown talks to Johann Hari about the movie, compassionate drug policy, & what's next...

25 March 2021

Turning away from the 'war on drugs'

Recently Oregon became the first US state to decriminalise all drug use, the latest of many changes there and around the world.

23 March 2021

Why discretion missed the mark

Don Rowe explains why police discretion is no substitute for decriminalisation, and raises the hope that genuine reform could be back on the table.

21 December 2020

Tis the Season

...to be kind to yourself. As you head into the holiday break It’s ok to think honestly about your alcohol and other drug use.

mos US election 2020 image by Ted Eytan via. Flickr

17 December 2020

Surprising direction of US drug law reform

Drug law reform got majority support in several US states, and is heading off in new directions. Russell Brown pulled this summary together

17 December 2020

Director's Cut: December 2020

Newly appointed Executive Director Sarah provides some insight and hope as we near the end of 2020.

17 December 2020

Preparing for another synthetic cannabinoids spike

Spikes in synthetic cannabinoids harm can happen at any time, and we continue to see incidents that leave in their wake a trail of casualties. Tess N...