DrugWise Daily |
26th March 2026 |
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UK news
Experts warn alcohol policy must be protected from industry influence
During a policy roundtable discussion [video] convened by the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA), experts called for the government to develop a new national alcohol strategy that prioritises improvements in public health over commercial interests | SSA, UK
Ex-justice minister fined for possessing illegal drugs
The former Conservative MP and justice minister Crispin Blunt has been fined after pleading guilty to possessing illegal drugs, including cannabis and crystal meth | BBC, UK
Smoking ban in Scotland's pubs was a 'PR war' - but has it saved lives?
Exactly 20 years ago, Scotland became the first part of the UK to ban smoking in enclosed public places - including pubs, restaurants and workplaces. To some, the legislation heralded dusk on the halcyon days of proper boozers. To others, it put a stop to nights of stinging eyes and stinking clothes - and, most importantly, it saved lives | BBC, UK
Durham PCC funds new anti-drugs programme in schools
A new pilot programme aimed at educating children and young people in Darlington and County Durham about the dangers and consequences of drug misuse has been delivered | Northen Echo, UK
Firm offering free samples in Manchester city centre responds after punters claim 'it's a bit dodgy'
The nicotine and caffeine pouch retailer has denied that any free samples containing nicotine were given out at its Spinningfields pop-up event | Manchester Evening News, UK
Arrest after woman falls ill from sample vape
Police said a 20-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and drug supply offences following the incident in St James Street, Weston-super-Mare, on Saturday | BBC, UK
'I was using ketamine every day at height of addiction - I'm still in pain today'
Ellie Wight from Drumoak started using ketamine recreationally during Covid, but began to develop a daily habit of using the Class-B drug | STV News, UK
Alcohol: Minimum Unit Pricing
The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 places an onus on my Department to introduce legislation in Northern Ireland to set a minimum price for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor and to prohibit its sale or supply below that price. If it has not been reasonably practicable for the legislation to be introduced, the 2021 Act requires me to make a statement to the Assembly on why it is not practicable so to do | They work for you, UK
Drugs on the brain with Professor David Nutt - video
In this episode, we’re joined by leading neuropsychopharmacologist, Professor David Nutt, for a deep dive into the human brain and its relationship with drugs. We discuss whether our brains are built to consume drugs; whether modern society is changing the brain's neurochemistry and making people more vulnerable to substance use; how benzodiazepines work on the brain; and whether there will ever be a 'methadone equivalent' for stimulants | Barod, UK
International news
Swedish MEP warns EU not to undermine country’s harm reduction approach
A Swedish member of the European Parliament has urged the European Commission not to weaken access to safer nicotine alternatives, as debate grows over future EU rules on tobacco and nicotine products | Clearing the air, UK
AFL braces for increase in positive tests under ‘stronger’ new illicit drugs policy
The AFL is preparing for an increase in players testing positive to drugs such as cocaine and MDMA due to more effective testing under a new illicit substances policy, even if the public will never find out | Guardian, UK
“I’m incredibly proud of what we built” — Ann Fordham on Leaving IDPC After 17 Years
After 15 years at the helm of the International Drug Policy Consortium, Ann Fordham is stepping down as Executive Director. Under her leadership, IDPC has grown into one of the most influential global networks advocating for drug policies grounded in human rights, public health, and social justice. In this interview, we reflect on IDPC’s achievements, ongoing challenges, and what lies ahead | Drug Reporter, Hungary
Suchthilfe’s Multifaceted Approach to Harm Reduction in Vienna: Interview with Marcus Ramusch
Suchthilfe Wien is a harm reduction organisation in Vienna. Their activities range from prevention and education to treatment and counselling. Suchthilfe also provides drug checking services (Checkit!), as well as reintegration into society and the job market. To discover more about the wide range of harm reduction services provided by Suchthilfe, we spoke with Marcus Ramusch, the head of Suchthilfe’s drop-in center Jedmayer | C-EHRN, The Netherlands
Blogs, comment and opinion
Supporting Recovery in Prison Substance Misuse Care: Sue
For nearly a decade, specialist substance misuse nurse, Sue McGrath, has been a source of compassion, resilience, and hope within HMP Lincoln and HMP North Sea Camp. In this interview, Sue reflects on her path into prison healthcare, the realities of supporting individuals through drug and alcohol treatment and recovery, and the unique strengths women can bring to this vital work | WithYou blog, UK
Women: stronger together – a three-way conversation with the THRIVE Partnership
For Women’s History Month 2026, we sat down with three leaders from the THRIVE partnership, a collaborative model bringing together WithYou, Harbour, and Intuitive Thinking Skills (ITS) to support people and especially women, facing overlapping challenges such as domestic abuse, substance use, homelessness, and trauma | WithYou blog, UK
How Much Is Your Life Worth? The Hidden Price of Compassion
Imagine that you’re asked to support someone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. A community-based program costs a few hundred pounds. A residential rehab program or a safe consumption facility costs thousands per person and additional effort in planning and implementation. Which feels “reasonable” to you? And more importantly — why? | AntiStigma Network, UK
69th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (#CND69) – CND Blog Index
Here, the CND Blog offers an Index of the real-time non-literal blogging material captured during the 69th UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs | IDPC, UK
This medicinal cannabis website bends the rules. Take our quiz to see why
The law is clear. Advertising prescription medicines directly to consumers in Australia is prohibited – including on football jerseys, websites, social media, and on posters or banners. Any promotion of medicinal cannabis products to the public – including euphemisms such as “plant medicine” – is also a breach | Conversation, Australia