Sarah and Rachelle discuss the failures of punitive drug policies. They discuss Maryland’s efforts to reduce drug trafficking, who should be held responsible when someone overdoses while incarcerated, and why compassion makes a difference. Big changes in Arizona and Florida are also on the agenda, but the highlight this week is a story about nuclea…

Sarah and Rachelle take on the week’s biggest drug stories, including overdose prevention centers in New York City, amnesty for marijuana convictions in Canada, and more. News Updates: Liberal MP hints criminal records for marijuana possession will be cleared Delays In Issuing Licenses For New Methadone Clinics Hurting Rural Communities Miami Cops …

Sarah and Rachelle talk about harm reduction measures in Vermont, the latest developments in Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, and exciting research about ketamine and depression. News Updates: Vermont Lawmakers Vote to Make Opioid Treatment Widely Available in Prison Roque to do ‘legal audit’ of PNP files on drug killings Health Department Program Gives…

Rachelle and Sarah talk about drug testing of all kinds: for food stamps, for biohacking, and for middle and high school students. They also cover drug-induced homicide laws in Maryland, ayahuasca in Montreal, and much more. News Updates: Maryland court deals blow to homicide charges in overdoses Drug-Induced Homicide Resource from the Drug Policy …

Rachelle and Sarah talk about harm reduction in the US, what it means to take a public health approach to drug policy, and how we navigate the world of drug use and consent. News Updates: Surgeon General Urges Americans to Carry Drug That Stops Opioid Overdoses Kaleo expanding access in U.S. to drug to reverse opioid overdose FDA orders mandatory r…

For Sarah and Rachelle’s first news episode together, they discuss benzodiazepines in the US, pill testing in Australia, and what exactly the DEA wants to do to your cell phone. News Updates: The Mystery of the Terrifying Xanax Resurgence in America Daily cannabis use could delay at-risk youth from moving to higher risk drug use: study In moving to…

For Sam’s last episode co-hosting the news (don’t worry, he’ll be back soon with more discussion segments!), Sam and Sarah talk about some bad news from across the United States. Two of the stories concern the Trump Administration: while Kellyanne Conway told college students to eat french fries instead of doing drugs, President Trump blamed the op…

This week, Sam and Sarah talk about the latest drug news, which bring up a lot of old and new questions. How can a judge rule that Chicago drug raids “have an ugly racial component and should be discontinued,” but not admit that people of color were unfairly targeted? Why does the liquor industry have such a strong interest in self-driving cars, an…

This week, Sam takes on the news solo. He talks about a baseball coach’s opposition to marijuana, the failure of roadside drug tests, Martin Shkreli’s future in prison, and medical marijuana legislation in Maryland. News Updates: Texas Wesleyan coach fired after turning away Colorado recruit over state’s pot laws Another field drug test mistake sen…

This week’s news is focused on new research in a broad range of topics, from linguistics to biology. One study looks at slang terms for commonly used recreational drugs across the United States, with a wider variety of popular terms than you may expect. Another found that people over 90 years old actually benefit from drinking two alcohol beverages…

This week, Sam and Sarah talk about the latest drug news, and each story brings up a big decision about how society approaches drugs. First, Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court may rule on whether using drugs while pregnant should constitute child abuse. The next big decision is a hypothetical one, with the New York Times asking 30 experts how they would …

This week, Sam and Sarah talk about the latest drug news. They start off with one of the biggest stories of 2018 so far: San Francisco moving ahead with safe injection sites, which will open around July 1, on the same timeline that Massachusetts is implementing sales of marijuana to adults. It’s then a bunch of ups and downs: a judge’s recommendati…

This week, Sam and Sarah discuss multiple stories of corruption and bad behavior in America’s war on drugs. Brenda Fitzgerald, Trump’s director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, resigned this week following reports that she invested in tobacco companies while leading the federal government’s anti-smoking efforts. South Dakota legis…

This week Sarah chats with James Gould of CanIexpunge to discuss how the organization can help people with criminal records determine eligibility for expungement and much more. Turn on, tune in, and TWiD out! Sponsors: Tom Angell’s Marijuana Moment, Ogden Studios, and Matt Garland Music Credits: Intro: Dance for Sport by the2ba Like what we do? Hel…

This episode was late due to some technical issues, but better late than never when it comes to the top drug news! Sam & Sarah talk about some big stories from the US and across the globe, with presidential candidates in other countries running on platforms of marijuana legalization, while American reformers try to eliminate the ridiculous drug tax…

This week, Sam and Sarah talk about the latest drug news. In some ways, the drug war is shrinking, as the Trump Administration considers gutting the ONDCP, women were set to re-gain the right to purchase alcohol in Sri Lanka, police dogs who sniff out marijuana are becoming less useful to state police, and Massachusetts legislators are trying to ma…

This week, Sam and Sarah talk about the latest drug news. Two stories illustrate how certain laws can make markets for legal drugs, like tobacco or painkillers, behave just like prohibition. They also discuss the Global Commission on Drug Policy’s call for intentional language when discussing drug use, and disgraced former sheriff / drug warrior / …

This week, Sam and Sarah talk about the latest drug news, which unfortunately was a lot of bad news from the past week. The biggest story is U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinding the Cole Memo, which has protected the state-regulated marijuana industry since 2011. But on top of that, an Ohio legislator is trying to push extra punishment fo…

Sarah chats about human rights in the Philippines with Jake Agliata, the International Outreach Coordinator at Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Turn on, tune in, and TWiD out! Sponsor: Sponsor Us. Music Credits: Intro: Dance for Sport by the2ba Like what we do? Help pay our bills. Facebook Twitter Google+LinkedIn The post Discussion: Human Rights…

This week, Sam and Sarah talk about the latest news! We couldn’t get it up for Christmas Eve, but now it’s a special Boxing Day episode instead. Your beloved hosts discuss everything from what seems to be the first-ever enforcement of the ban on marijuana users owning guns, to shake-ups in the Trump Administration, to a THC-infused wine, and a Cana…

Sarah chats about changes in California’s cannabis laws with Lauren Mendelsohn, an associate attorney at the Law Offices of Omar Figueroa. The two discuss the quickly approaching deadline, the way different parts of the state are handling the change, and much more. Turn on, tune in, and TWiD out! Call to Action: Sign the petition supporting the Ora…

This week, Sam and Sarah talk about the latest news in the world of drug policy: Monitoring the Future, the an annual survey done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and researchers at the University of Michigan, found that vaping among 8, 10, and 12 graders has gone up since last year. The people behind the failed ResponsibleOhio campaign for …

This week, Sam and Sarah discuss the latest drug news with a focus on drugs other than marijuana. First, is the opioid overdose epidemic in the United States harming people in poorer countries that don’t have enough access to opioids? Next, why is court-mandated rehab so much less effective than treatment sought independently? Then, a local electio…

This week, Sam and Sarah discuss the latest drug news. First, should a police officer who became addicted to heroin while working as an undercover narcotics investigator be able to sue the government — even if he was stealing from the police department? Next, a HUGE development in drug users’ constitutional rights is happening in Hawaii, where the …

Amanda Muller, the Overdose Prevention Coordinator for Florida’s Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, chats with Sarah about the impact of opioids on the state. They discuss which services the department currently provides, political responses to the increase in overdoses, and much more. Sponsor: Sponsor Us Call to Action: Florida Listeners…

This week, Sam and Sarah talk about the latest news and some events to look forward to, with big stories from all over the United States. Big Tobacco companies are being forced to run ads admitting they misled the public about tobacco’s harms, and educating people on the harms of cigarette smoking. Meanwhile, people in Springfield Ohio are trying t…

Sarah chats with Sam Chapman, a kratom activist based in Portland, OR, about some of the plant’s uses, how it’s treated by U.S. agencies like the DEA and the FDA, and what the future has in store for kratom. Sponsor: Sponsor Us Call to Action: Listeners in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin should contact th…

Sarah and Sam discuss the biggest news stories of the week! News Updates: FDA approves the first pill that can alert your doctor when you swallow it Trump picks Alex Azar to lead Health and Human Services Young people often can’t tell the strength of alcoholic drinks, study reveals ‘It Was Satire,’ Boston Man Says of Comments on Vets, Breast Cancer…

Michael Miller of Young People in Recovery joins Sarah to discuss the organization’s approach to substance use disorder treatment, recent developments in harm reduction around the country, and the newly released recommendations from the President’s Opioid Commission. Sponsor: Sponsor Us Call to Action: Register to vote! Get involved with drug polic…

Sarah and Sam cover the week’s biggest stories in drugs and drug policy! News Updates: Marijuana Won Tuesday’s Election ‘Angry and ashamed,’ Overdose Prevention Ottawa packing up its tent House Republicans sustain LePage’s veto of bipartisan marijuana legislation Global Drug Survey 2018 Headlines: ETF Managers Group is turning its existing Tierra X…

Sam and Sarah discuss the week’s biggest stories about drugs and drug policy. This week they focus on some big changes for the marijuana industry, including a New Jersey court ruling, and the maker of Corona beer pouring millions into a Canadian cannabis company. They also discuss some surveys on drug use & abuse, with new research showing that abo…

Ross Bell, Executive Director of the New Zealand Drug Foundation, joins Sarah to discuss what a cannabis referendum means for New Zealand. They discuss what exactly a referendum is, how legalization would impact New Zealanders, and what we can expect to see in the months ahead. Sponsor: Sponsor Us Call to Action: Do “something” about Trump Advocate…

Sam and Sarah discuss the week’s biggest stories about drugs and drug policy. This week they focus on Halloween candy concerns, genetic testing and nootropics, and much more! News Updates: Wines Are No Longer Free to Travel Across State Lines Marijuana edibles could be Halloween candy threat, cops say Florida Woman Introduced a Friend to Her Dealer…

Sarah chats with Marilou Gagnon, a volunteer with Overdose Prevention Ottawa, President of the Harm Reduction Nurses’ Association, and an associate professor at the University of Ottawa. Sponsor: Sponsor Us Call to Action: Educate yourself about the concept of drug decriminalization and act on the issue most important to you Like what we do? Help p…

Sarah and Sam discuss the controversies surrounding the United States drug czar, overdoses among political figures in Wisconsin, the NFL’s action on criminal justice reform, and much more. Turn on, tune in, and TWiD out! News Updates: An Indiana county just halted a lifesaving needle exchange program, citing the Bible Trump: Drug czar nominee pulls…

This week, Sam and Sarah take a break from the Drug Policy Alliance’s Reform Conference to talk about the latest news and some big questions: Will Phoenix, Arizona police who forced a man to eat marijuana end up costing their city millions? Will President Rodrigo Duterte re-structuring the Philippines’ violent crackdown on drug users make it any le…

This week Sam and Sarah cover everything from driverless cars to Gorilla Glue. They also discuss a few opioid-related events coming up in the next few weeks. So turn on, tune in, TWiD out, and enjoy the week’s biggest news about drugs and drug policy! P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter! News Updates: Asking kids about drugs doesn’t pro…

This Week in Drugs is back for Season Five with a few surprises! This week, Sarah talks about the upcoming Reform Conference with Dr. Sheila Vakharia, Policy Manager at the Office of Academic Engagement at the Drug Policy Alliance. The two discuss what the conference is, how it’s changed this year, and how folks who aren’t attending can stay involv…

This Week in Drugs is back for Season Five with a few surprises! Chris Harris, another alumnus of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, joined the team as the show’s producer after Rachelle and Tyler departed. We also separated the news and roundtable segments — tune in Wednesday to hear the first discussion! We’ve also started producing a newsletter …

Sarah and Sam cover the biggest drug policy news of the week! News Updates: Prince William discusses ‘massive question’ of legalising drugs DC Lawmaker Wants To Let People Get Medical Marijuana Without Doctor Approval Filipino protesters slam martial law, killings under Duterte Milford votes to snuff out pot shops, businesses Headlines: Philippine …

Sam and Sarah discuss the biggest drug policy news of the week! News Updates: In Surprise Vote, House Passes Amendment to Restrict Asset Forfeiture Stamford police union files complaint about officers carrying Narcan Light drinking during pregnancy does not harm baby: study Study Opioid education is now a college requirement in Maryland Headlines: …

Sarah and Sam discuss the week’s biggest news about drugs and drug policy! News Updates: Nevada Plans to Use Fentanyl in Upcoming Execution MAPS Receives Breakthrough Therapy Designation for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD Anti-Trans Discrimination Is Rampant at NYC Substance Abuse Centers Trump to lift military gear ban for local police Headl…

Sam and Sarah discuss the latest news in drug policy from around the world this week. News Updates: Trump pardons former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio Detailed Twitter thread Netflix develops marijuana strains based on its original shows India’s Supreme Court rules that privacy is a fundamental right Activists across Canada are using a made-in-Vancouv…

This week, Sam and Sarah discuss the latest news, from opiate overdoses to competing measures of alcoholism rates. Another short episode for the TWiD hiatus as we transition from season 4 to season 5. News Updates: Opioid users 50 percent more likely to get treatment under Obamacare Woman Banned from US After Border Agent Finds Proof of Drug Use on…

Sarah and Sam cover the week’s biggest drug news and forecast the week ahead. News Updates: Report reveals underground US haven for heroin, drug users Full text Canadian health advocates eye Portugal’s drug model to combat opioid crisis Dunkin’ Donuts takes shorter name for test drive New Ottawa initiative will allow homeless drug users to inject p…

Sam and Sarah cover the week’s biggest stories about all things drugs and drug policy. News Updates: White House opioid commission to Trump: ‘Declare a national emergency’ on drug overdoses U.S. launches opioid fraud and detection unit ‘New Hampshire is a drug-infested den’ – Trump’s comments raise bipartisan ire Booker Introduces Landmark Bill to …

Sarah and Sam cover the week’s biggest stories in drug policy! News Updates: How to get free US military weapons—build fake website and DOD will oblige Pentagon Report Former Congressman Trey Radel speaks out against DARE program Long Lines, $1.30 Grams Mark Uruguay’s Legal Cannabis Debut FDA aims to lower nicotine in cigarettes to get smokers to q…

Sam and Sarah bring you the week’s biggest drug policy news! News Updates: How Job Loss Can Lead to Drug Use How economic recessions and unemployment affect illegal drug use: A systematic realist literature review The Drug Policy Alliance Announces Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno as New Executive Director US, Europol, and the Netherlands Announce Sh…

For the Season 4 finale, Rachelle, Sam, Sarah, and Tyler got together for one last team discussion. The group chatted about what comes next for the show, the members of the team, and what the future holds for This Week in Drugs! News Updates: No, Oregon Isn’t Decriminalizing Drugs (Not Yet Anyway) Colombia producing more cocaine than ever before, U…

Sponsor: Sponsor Us Music Credits: Intro: Dance for Sport by the2ba Transition: Does It Get Easier (It Gets a Whole ‘Lot More Complicated) by Free the Mammoth Outro: Hypnausea by Flowercorwn Like what we do? Help pay our bills. Facebook Twitter Google+LinkedIn The post Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council [#104] appeared first on This Week i…