For the last century or so, the vast majority of governments has approached the fight against drug trafficking with force, whether police or military. However, after decades of relying on this method, a question arises: is it effective? The question may be simple, but the answer is complex. And if we take the recent events… Keep Reading
A new survey from the Center for Drug Tourism Studies at UERJ (State University of Rio de Janeiro) shows that cannabis-focused fairs and festivals continue to expand across Brazil — with notable growth in the Northeast region. Events such as Festival Diamba in Paraíba and the Febre de Arte fair in Fortaleza are helping drive… Keep Reading
In recent years, ketamine has emerged as a favorite drug in various corners, from tech bros to raves, to medicine. Indeed, more and more people are opting for ketamine therapy for mental health, but its use without medical supervision can lead to addiction, and even death. That’s exactly what’s happening in the United Kingdom, a… Keep Reading
Those of us who work as drug journalists are accustomed to witnessing the limits of human creativity, both at its most beautiful and its darkest. It’s the latter that prove most challenging to the psyche: from drugs made from human bones to urban myths of peanut butter and mayonnaise injections, the landscape of substances is,… Keep Reading
As prohibitionist policies tighten, drug users find loopholes to keep using, often at the expense of their own health. There even seems to be a direct relationship: the stricter the state control, the more dangerous the alternative substances developed to circumvent the law. Because there’s no shortage of opportunists who, in the absence of efficient… Keep Reading
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addressed news reports linking him to drug trafficking after Brazilian authorities intercepted a small plane carrying cannabis from Venezuela. At a press conference with international media, he stated: “In Venezuela, it is still illegal and will remain illegal. In Venezuela, we will not fall into the foolish trend of legalizing any… Keep Reading
We’ll never ever tire of saying it: drug use must be responsible and safe, both for the user and those around them. And you should always, always label your substances properly. Such a lesson was learned the hard way by none other than Zoë Kravitz. The American actress, director, and singer had already mentioned using… Keep Reading
Surprisingly, many of the countries that today have the strictest drug policies also hide a history where those same substances were of great cultural significance. For example, Japan once boasted a thriving hemp industry; today, cannabis use carries serious legal and moral penalties. Weed users face a confusing and dangerous political landscape, as well as… Keep Reading
86% of drug researchers have used substances at some point in their lives, with 47% admitting to using them in the past three months, a 2024 study from New York University revealed. The research, published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports and led by scientist Danielle Ompad and her team, surveyed 669 researchers across 43… Keep Reading
The Justice Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced on June 18 a 10-count superseding indictment, charging Los Angeles-based individuals linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel with conspiring with money-laundering groups linked to a Chinese underground banking network in order to launder drug trafficking proceeds. Cartel members linked to Mexico used a Chinese… Keep Reading
