"Legalising the supply and distribution networks of drugs... would put the huge sums of money generated by this industry into the hands of legitimate businesses and - most importantly – through taxation into the hands of governments that urgently need more money for the provision of basic health and education"

-- Johann Hari, Columnist, The Independent

Contents

1. UK News

• Drug re-classification debacle
• HM Inspectorate of Constabulary critical of drug-related intelligence gathering
• RSA YouGov poll on drugs in Britain
• Jonathan Ross interview with David Cameron
• Job opportunity at United Kingdom Drug Policy Commission
• Links

2. International News

• Senlis Council thrown out of Afghanistan?
• Marijuana legalisation votes in United States on 7th November
• LSD as treatment for alcoholism
• Links

3. What Transform Has Been Up To

• New Information Officer Assistant!
• Publicity and media

4. What You Can Do

• Join Transform
• Donate
• Media
• Online activism

1. UK News

Drug re-classification debacle

“Government… concludes that the classification system discharges its function fully and effectively and has stood the test of time.”

As you may have already read on the Transform blog, the Government has issued its response to the Science and Technology Select Committee report Drug Classification; Making a Hash of It? Follow the links below to read the blog again, view the Guardian and BBC coverage, or, if you’re really brave, to take a look at the Home Office response.

http://transform-drugs.blogspot.com/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/story/0,,1922370,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6046522.stm
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/drug-classsification-response

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary critical of drug-related intelligence gathering

The annual assessment of North Wales Constabulary, of which Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom (who called for the legalisation of all drugs back in 2004) is the head, implies that police are more concerned with meeting targets than with preventing drug-related crime…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6083894.stm
http://inspectorates.homeoffice.gov.uk/hmic/inspect_reports...

Read the Chief Constable’s blog: http://www.north-wales.police.uk/nwp/public/en/blogs/viewblog.asp?UID=1&CID=43

RSA YouGov poll on drugs in Britain

"Probably the biggest survey carried out in the UK on the subject of drugs."
http://www.rsa.org.uk/journal/article.asp?articleID=829

It’s official: Jonathan Ross interview with David Cameron was ‘risqué’

Apparently, Ofcom received 251 complaints about this interview (originally aired 23 rd June), all referring to the comments made about Baroness Thatcher. It seems nobody complained about the drugs question, which must be a good sign…
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6099176.stm

Watch the original interview again: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5114946.stm

Job opportunity at United Kingdom Drug Policy Commission (UKDPC)

The UKDPC, "whose aim is to provide independent and objective analysis of drug policy and practice issues in the UK," is recruiting a Chief Executive (at a very fine salary). There is no website yet, but application packs can be requested by email: dgiovanii@btinternet.com

Links

*Guardian Online Special Report: Drugs in Britain

Collection of news items, arranged in sub-headings ranging from ‘Comment and Analysis’ to ‘Pete Doherty.’ There is also a section for letters, so get writing!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/drugs/

* Howard Marks

One of the UK’s foremost legalisers is on tour! This site has gig details, as well as a bundle of discussion forums.
http://www.howardmarks.info/

*La Femme Contraire

Blog with much commentary on drugs, harm and legalisation.
http://lafemmecontraire.blogspot.com/2006/10/drug-classification-no-highs-now-im.html

2. International News

Senlis Council thrown out of Afghanistan?

Conflicting news about the Senlis Council being ejected from Afghanistan, though there is absolutely no mention of it on their own website…

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/458/afghanistan_not_really_banning_opium...
http://www.senliscouncil.net/

Colorado, Nevada and South Dakota vote on marijuana legalisation 7 th November

It’s midterm election madness in the USA, with three states voting on whether or not to legalise marijuana…
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-10-18-pot-laws_x.htm

…and it’s getting ugly
http://www.longmontfyi.com/Local-Story.asp?id=10718

LSD as treatment for alcoholism

Experiments from 1950s and 60s still relevant.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-10/uoa-ltf100606.php

Links

*Safer Alternatives For Enjoyable Recreation
http://saferchoice.org/

*Drug Sense Bot
http://www.drugpolicycentral.com/bot/

3. What Transform Has Been Up To

New Information Officer Assistant

We are very pleased to welcome Rob Wicke to the Transform team! He has a degree in Sociology from Bristol University and is a director of Bristol Conscious Gardeners. Rob is also a member of the management board for Simpol-UK, as well as a volunteer at the Julian Trust Night Shelter.

Publicity and media

We'd like to thank our volunteer Ben for setting up our lovely new html-format newsletter -if you have any feedback, please do email us at info@tdpf.org.uk

*Steve Rolles, Information Officer, was in great demand to provide commentary on the Government’s response to the Science and Technology Select Committee report, doing seven local BBC radio interviews, and appearing twice on BBC Radio 5. Interestingly, Steve was also invited on Sky when news of George Michael’s intention to smoke pot live on TV got out. Danny Kushlick, Transform Director, was invited onto the World Tonight (Radio 4) to discuss the new FRANK campaign (http://www.brainwarehouse.tv)and cannabis.

*Transform quoted in Guardian online article on Columbian 'Shared Responsibility' campaign
http://www.guardian.co.uk/drugs/Story/0,,1938620,00.html

*NEW ONLINE! Transform Trustee Tim Malyon’s article on anti-drug panic from 1986! Still just as relevant today...(New Statesman) http://www.tdpf.org.uk/MediaNews_TransformInTheMedia.htm#newstatesmen86

*NEW ONLINE! 'The Laws Don't Work' by Elizabeth Young, including some interesting historical information about drug availability and regulation. Features a quote from Danny Kushlick. (Guardian Weekend, 1997) http://www.tdpf.org.uk/MediaNews_TransformInTheMedia.htm#gua011197

*NEW ONLINE! Piperazine briefing – Transform have produced a summary on the current knowledge about, and policies towards, this emerging recreational drug, an amphetamine like stimulant that currently inhabits an ambiguous legal grey area. The briefing examines the experience in New Zealand where a new drug classification – Class D, has been introduced, for drugs that can be sold under license. http://www.tdpf.org.uk/Policy_General_Piperazines.htm

*NEW ONLINE! FAQ – Simple and quick answers to all your questions about Transform and drug policy. Many thanks to Ben and all those who helped with information and feedback…
http://www.tdpf.org.uk/Policy_FAQ.htm

4. What You Can Do

Join Transform

If you are interested in volunteering with Transform, please visit http://www.tdpf.org.uk/AboutUs_WhatYouCanDo.htm#vols, or if you'd like to become a Trustee (especially one with Treasurer experience), please see http://www.tdpf.org.uk/AboutUs_trustee_recruitment.htm

Donate

As ever our funding needs remain pressing…. ideas, contacts and suggestions are always welcome, and PLEASE - if you haven’t already - sign up online to make a regular donation, however small, to the organisation. It can really make a difference. http://www.tdpf.org.uk/support_Transform.htm

Our secure online donation page administered by the Charities Aid Foundation: Donations can be one off or regular, large or small. Please give generously - we need your support -Transform relies solely on donations from individuals and charitable trusts to maintain its work. http://www.tdpf.org.uk/AboutUs_TdpfFunding.htm

Media

Visit our extensive selection of hints and tips for engaging with the media: http://www.tdpf.org.uk/AboutUs_WhatYouCanDo.htm#medja

Online activism

The Internet gives you the opportunity to engage the drug law reform debate as never before. There are literally thousands of online forums, discussion groups, and media feedback opportunities where you can get involved and inject a little common sense into the debate.

They Work For You: detailed transcripts of parliamentary debates you can comment on. The following link will take you to all the recent debates involving the words ‘illegal & drugs’: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/search/?s=illegal+drugs

A lot of newspapers, from the Guardian to the Daily mail now allow you to post comments on news and comment items, as well as having extensive discussion forums. Get involved – it’s easy and makes a real difference.