You'd be suprised. Ex-presidents of Mexico, Columbia and Brazil do. So does the former Secretary General of the UN, amongst others.Global drug policy is an interesting anomaly really. I say anomaly because it is truly a realm where the normal adherence to best practices, consideration of latest research and advice of experts in relative fields does not occur. Many people may be under the illusion that the opposite is the case and, hey, fair enough. It should be, and why would you presume … [Read more...] about Who says the War on Drugs is a failure?
Cannabis Effects 101
Before anyone says it, I know, OK?Yes I understand that I have given ample evidence of the negative effects and harms related to alcohol use. I'm also aware that there has been a distinct absence of the counter point to this debate on the behalf of cannabis.Just let me explain why...The thing about cannabis is that it's a prohibited substance. Essentially a GLOBALLY prohibited substance, courtesy of the Single Narcotics Act of 1961, signed by all of the UN member countries at that … [Read more...] about Cannabis Effects 101
A couple of quiet ones aye?
We've all experienced the effects of alcohol on a night out.Sometimes it really raises the night up to greater heights and we end up having a top night. HOWEVER...How many of us have seen the effects of alcohol on a bunch of young drinkers? Words that come to me, both from my personal experiences using alcohol and from those effects I have seen on others, include;- an increase in aggression- an increase in risk taking and offensive behaviour- a decrease in tolerance for … [Read more...] about A couple of quiet ones aye?
So, you’re one of them huh?
Well it depends what you mean by them, doesn't it? I recently had an interaction that made me reflect on our common perspectives on drug use. A friend of mine, who is well aware that I don't drink and rarely partake of any drugs other than caffeine, expressed his suprise that I was interested in the legalisation and regulation of cannabis. The conversation went a little like this;RC - "Check out this link to my blog, I've got a new post on cannabis. You should check it"Friend - "Oh, so … [Read more...] about So, you’re one of them huh?
It’s illegal isn’t it?
*NOTE: Whilst medical cannabis has been legalised federally, this does not mean cannabis is legal. From a doctor with prescription, yes. Growing it or buying it for personal use, NO. The information below is a general guide to state law, and should not be used as the basis of legal advice. Note that the ACT has also amended their cannabis laws as of 1/2/2020. Well yes and no, cannabis law in Australia is as big a mess as the one prohibition causes. You see it's got to do with the state not … [Read more...] about It’s illegal isn’t it?
We all know, so why don’t we know?
Alcohol makes you feel good – then bad generally. We all know that. We all also know that alcohol is bad for us, but do we really?According to the 2011 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation’s Annual Alcohol Poll: Community Attitudes and Behaviours we generally aren’t aware of the dangers alcohol poses to our health. According to the poll only around 20% of Australians perceive it as our biggest health threat, ranking it above tobacco but well below obesity. Now the facts are … [Read more...] about We all know, so why don’t we know?
and now a little bedtime story
Although I still believe that marihuana is not harmless, I am convinced that it is one of the least dangerous, if not the least dangerous, of all psychoactive drugs, legal or illegal, recreational or medicinal. - Dr Lester Grinspoon: On Further Reconsideration, 1994One of my children’s favourite books so happens to be John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat by Jenny Wagner (Author) and Ron Brooks (illustrations). Have a listen if you like.Awwwwww, can you see why?Now try and … [Read more...] about and now a little bedtime story
The government doesn’t put out false information on drugs…EVER!
*NOTE: This post has been edited due to its author having written it after midnight. It was chock full of random stuff, and at least one reference to evidence supporting "beddie-byes". Not a good idea. My apologies.Well I have to disagree with that. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not because I necessarily WANT to. It is just that, well, it’s not the way it is.You see, we as a society tend to largely look to our institutions like the government, and experts like health providers, as … [Read more...] about The government doesn’t put out false information on drugs…EVER!
A beer’s not worth $15 billion dollars!
Oh but it is. Actually by now it would be worth more.Of course we are not talking about the cost of just one beer. We are talking about the social cost of alcohol to our country in the year 2004 to 2005. THAT FIGURE IS THE ANNUAL COST.However that was 11 years ago. It has undoubtedly increased.These figures are drawn from a report jointly funded by the NSW and OLD state governments in 2004/2005.But what do the costs actually mean? Well a few things.They reflect impacts that … [Read more...] about A beer’s not worth $15 billion dollars!