Recent research into drug problems in a number of cultures and settings has indicated that a disproportionate amount of the harm and costs arising from drug use is associated with the relatively small proportion of dependent users. With the increasing recognition of the scale of the problems associated with dependent drug use, and that these problems cannot simply be resolved by enforcement action against the target group, treatment for drug addiction has progressed in the last 20 years from being a marginal and poorly resourced activity to, in many countries, the central pillar of the national drug policy.
In Brazil, the first large crack consumption market appeared at the end of he 1980s in São Paulo and expanded during the 1990s reaching its peak halfway the decade.
The 2006 International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) report emitted a clear signal to the governments of Bolivia, Peru and Argentina that growing and using coca leaf is in conflict with international treaties, particularly the 1961 Single Convention.
This paper describes the problems caused by injecting drug use as a mode of transmission of HIV, and the need for the global community to find effective methods of minimising that risk.
This report reviews the global situation regarding Cannabis cultivation and use, with particular reference to recent debates around the variable THC content of Cannabis products, and the link between use of the drug and mental health problems such as schizophrenia and psychosis.
The International Narcotics Control Board is charged with monitoring the implementation of the three United Nations Conventions and of alerting member states and the international community to weaknesses in the system.
This report draws together the findings from the series of reports and briefing papers produced under the Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme in the last 18 months.