From failed global drug prohibition to regulating the drug market

Wodak, Alex

doi:10.1111/add.14111

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…For example, the souvenir and pet markets might dominate in more industrialized Western countries, whereas those for food or traditional medicine might be the dominant drivers in Asian and African countries (Marshall et al, 2022). However, as we have learned from the public management of illegal drugs, extensive prohibitions paradoxically increase associated criminal offenses, and, regulation of the market has therefore been suggested as a better alternative (Werb et al, 2011;Wodak, 2018). Wildlife trade bans are equally controversial (Xiao et al, 2021) and have been shown to increase wildlife trade in some cases (Rivalan et al, 2007).…”

Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unmasking trends and drivers of the international arachnid trade

Herzig

Hauke²,

Lüddecke

2023

Front. Arachn. Sci.

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IntroductionThe global biodiversity crisis represents a major threat to humanity, with the worldwide animal trade being identified as a major driving force. Although vertebrate trade has been subject to intensified research, the extent of invertebrate trade remains understudied. Recent analyses of arachnids (i.e., spiders and scorpions) suggest that there is a large and still-expanding international market which has the potential to threaten natural populations. Whether or not captive breeding has the potential to decrease collection pressure on wild arachnid populations has not been investigated, nor have the temporal dynamics or the trade purposes of arachnids been examined.MethodsWe herein seek to broaden our understanding of these areas by analyzing arachnid import and export data from two major international wildlife trade databases (CITES and LEMIS).ResultsHistorically, a large proportion of tarantulas and scorpions have been traded for the pet sector. Our analysis of the LEMIS data shows that imports of pet arachnids have declined by up to 55% in the past decade. Furthermore, an annual breakdown of US imports shows that at least 43% of specimens are not traded as pets but for other purposes, including research, souvenirs, and traditional medicine, with the souvenir sector experiencing an unprecedented growth. CITES data for protected tarantulas, but not scorpions, further indicate a shift toward trade with captive-bred specimens.DiscussionThese trends need to be considered in efforts to conserve natural populations. Coordinated captive breeding may represent a path toward increased sustainability by meeting the demand for traded arachnids and also providing an important resource for scientific research across disciplines.

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Section: Future Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unmasking trends and drivers of the international arachnid trade

Herzig

Hauke²,

Lüddecke

2023

Front. Arachn. Sci.

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“…In the early twentieth century, hemp cultivation decreased significantly for reasons including its replacement with other materials (Small et al 2002 ) and a ban on its cultivation and use (Wodak and Owens 1996 ; Porter 2015 ; Crowder 2019 ; Bewley-Taylor 2014 ). However, due to recent evidence for the potential benefits of industrial hemp and drug-type cannabis, the ban on their use for medicinal and/or other purposes has either been reversed or is in the process of being reversed in several countries (Shi 2015 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ghana’s preparedness to exploit the medicinal value of industrial hemp

Amissah

2022

J Cannabis Res

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Background Interest in industrial hemp is increasing steadily, as can be seen by the growing number of countries that have either decriminalized industrial hemp or are contemplating its decriminalization. In line with this trend, Ghana recently decriminalized the cultivation of industrial hemp (the cannabis variety with low Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and high cannabidiol (CBD) content), resulting in the need for research into its benefits to Ghanaians. This article examines cannabis (including industrial hemp) production, facilities for industrial hemp exploitation, and the potential benefits of industrial hemp in Ghana. Main body Indigenous cannabis strains in Ghana have high THC to CBD ratios suggesting the need for the government to purchase foreign hemp seeds, considering that the alternative will require significant research into decreasing the THC to CBD ratio of indigenous cannabis strains. Furthermore, there are several facilities within the country that could be leveraged for the production of medicinal hemp-based drugs, as well as the existence of a number of possible regulatory bodies in the country, suggesting the need for less capital. Research has also shown the potential for treatment of some medical conditions prevalent among Ghanaians using medicinal hemp-based products. These reasons suggest that the most feasible option may be for the government to invest in medicinal hemp. Conclusion Considering the challenges associated with the development of other hemp-based products, the availability of resources in the country for exploitation of medicinal hemp, and the potential benefits of hemp-based drugs to Ghanaians, investing in medicinal hemp may be the best option for the government of Ghana.

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“…This punitive approach to drug use can be aptly described as “an expensive way to make a bad problem worse” [ 4 ]. International illicit drug markets are expanding and becoming more dangerous in spite of global drug prohibition [ 5 ]. The World Health Organization [ 6 ] and global leaders increasingly agree that drug prohibition has failed comprehensively, leading some countries to consider alternative drug policy approaches, including depenalization, decriminalization, and legalization.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Total systems failure: police officers’ perspectives on the impacts of the justice, health, and social service systems on people who use drugs

2022

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Background Police in Canada have become main responders to behavioural health concerns in the community—a role that disproportionately harms people who use drugs (PWUD). Recent calls to defund the police emphasize the need to shift responsibility for non-criminal health issues from police to health and social services. This study explores the role of police interactions in responding to PWUD within the broader institutional and structural contexts in which they operate. Methods We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of interviews with sixteen police officers across nine jurisdictions in British Columbia, Canada. We examined police officers’ everyday policing experiences interacting with PWUD, enforcing drug laws, and working alongside other service sectors. Results Officers explained that the criminal justice system is one component of a wider network of systems that collectively fail to meet the needs of PWUD. They recognized that PWUD who interact with police often experienced intersecting structural vulnerabilities such as poverty, homelessness, and intergenerational trauma. Harmful drug laws in conjunction with inadequate treatment and housing resources contributed to a funnelling of PWUD into interactions with police. They provided several recommendations for reform including specialized health and justice roles, formalized intersectoral collaboration, and poverty reduction. Conclusions Overall, this study provides unique insights into the positioning and role of police officers within a “total systems failure” that negatively impact PWUD. Police have become responders-by-default for issues that are fundamentally related to people’s health conditions and socioeconomic circumstances. Addressing failures across the health, social, and justice systems to meet the needs of PWUD will require an examination of the shortcomings across these systems, as well as substantial funding and system reforms.

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From failed global drug prohibition to regulating the drug market

Cited by 5 publications

References 4 publications

Unmasking trends and drivers of the international arachnid trade

Unmasking trends and drivers of the international arachnid trade

Ghana’s preparedness to exploit the medicinal value of industrial hemp

Total systems failure: police officers’ perspectives on the impacts of the justice, health, and social service systems on people who use drugs

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