The SWGDRUG IR library, version 3.1 (May 15, 2024) has been posted. Over 800 compounds are available in the library. swgdrug.org/ir.htm

1/3 National Crime Agency has published a strategic assessment. Some highlights from the drugs section: Global cocaine production doubled from 2014 to 2021. An estimated 2,300 tons produced in 2021. No reduction in supply of heroin to UK (yet) but wholesale price has risen/

I coordinate our drug tents at each event, they are *not* monitored and it’s acknowledged that people come to us for all reasons. We take in samples for public health purposes in agreement with all stakeholders without any issues. No issues have emerged at any event to date.

In light of the growing risk in the illicit drug market, Anne-Marie Cockburn & I were interviewed by anita anand & discussed the growing importance of #drugchecking & the work of The Loop on BBC Radio 4 PM yesterday. Listen to Anne Marie discussing her daughter Martha here:-

Only 4 out of 100 sexual assaults at Reading + Leeds Festival led to a prosecution in 2023. Yet police made 56 drug arrests + courts gave out many long prison sentences for drug supply. People consent to using drugs. Nobody consents to sexual assault. thesun.co.uk/news/30025332/…

Council tax should go. And stamp duty and business rates along with it. But how to cover the lost revenue, and avoid property values surging? Land value tax. taxpolicy.org.uk/2024/06/09/sta…

🧵 THREAD: Why the UK Government’s Use of “Zombie Drug” Language is Harmful 1/ The UK government’s decision to ban xylazine is no surprise. But using the term "zombie drug" in official communication is both unacceptable and dangerous. Here’s why👇 volteface.me/governemnts-st…

New article published in BJC by The Loop research team explores the proposed poppers exemption. We argue that this unprecedented & apparently liberal recommendation risks bolstering & thereby exacerbating differential discrimination through drug controls. doi.org/10.1093/bjc/az…

#NEWS | We have launched the city-region's first published drugs strategy this week alongside Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities at Manchester Metropolitan Uni. Alongside partners, we hope to reduce drug-related crime, deaths and users needing treatment even further. Read more: gmp.police.uk/news/greater-m…

Ahead of the weekend - and after several hospitalisations last weekend - The Loop is highlighting the importance of taking extra care in MDMA use & avoiding mixing drugs. Average pill strength nationwide is about 2x an adult dose. #GoSlowStayLow #TakeQuarterSipWater ♾️💜♾️

The largest single seizure of cocaine ever by Spanish authorities - 13 tons found in Spain in one shipping container, sent from Ecuador. That's a lot of eggs in one basket. Insight Crime with good coverage as per usual. bit.ly/4e7V3y7

Russia has developed a unique drug trade model combining darknet markets, cryptocurrency payments and physical ‘dead drops’, which now dominates its illegal drug economy 2/12

I'll be speaking in Warsaw next week, discussing drug trends in Europe using insight from data collected by drug checking organisations in TEDI. TEDInetwork.org hashtag#EHRC2024 organised by Correlation - European Harm Reduction Network

Ribeiro, R., da Silva, Y.C., Finotti, R. et al. Trema micranthum (L.) Blume as a new source of cannabinoids. Sci Rep 14, 29620 (2024). doi.org/10.1038/s41598…

CH-FUBBMPDORA, a new N-acylaminopyridone synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist has been identified. …iencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.10…

We have a significant server issue which means the reagent-tests.uk site is not loading. We expect to be back online in the next 2 hours.

reagent-tests.uk will be down for 2 hours on Wednesday 28th May from 10am for scheduled maintenance. Orders will be processed as normal.

📣♾️📣 2 deaths last weekend in London were from pills confirmed as #nitazenes & similar to pills tested by The Loop. They looked like oxys BUT it is not known what they were bought as. Take care whatever pills you take. Carry #naloxone, check in on friends & test if you can.

Notably use of these 'intoxicating hemp' products is twice as high in cannabis prohibition states than in regulated cannabis states. It is clear that the market opportunity for these products is created by the farm bill loophole combined with cannabis prohibition 5/🧵

We’re in a state of shock and grief to learn of the passing of Peter, a friend of us here and someone we’ve worked with many times. Rest well Peter - you’ve most certainly earned that rest. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…