The Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice

The Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice is an international platform dedicated to closing the information gap on drug policy issues. Our mission is to foster understanding and collaboration between the medical-scientific community, policymakers, practitioners, and the public. Our readership includes a diverse range of professionals, such as clinicians, researchers, policymakers, prevention specialists, and anyone interested in gaining insights into drug policy or contributing to its development.

Originally launched as a joint initiative between the Institute on Global Drug Policy and the International Scientific and Medical Forum on Drug Use, the Journal has served as a trusted resource in the field.

Explore past issues of the Journal below

We are excited to announce that DFAF is working on the Journal’s revival. Stay tuned for upcoming information on how to submit your work and contribute to this important dialogue.

Coming soon!

  • Issue 1
    • Challenges in the Use and Control of Narcotics
      In this edition of the Journal, the first of our featured papers, An Analysis of the Data on the Effectiveness of Policies in Controlling Production of Illicit Narcotics in Afghanistan, is by M. Reza Amirkhizi, PhD, lecturer of international law and politics at the University of California, Irvine. His experience with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Middle East diplomacy render a valuable and unique perspective on the situation of opium production in Afghanistan. The continued cultivation of opium in Afghanistan is quite concerning given its detrimental effect on the security, health and welfare of its citizens and also considering the international support to replace current opium cultivation practices with equally lucrative agricultural alternatives.
  • Issue 2
    • World Perspectives on Substance Abuse Policy
      In this edition, we are pleased to present some different perspectives on substance abuse policy from around the world.Our commentary is offered from Pennsylvania State Representative Matt Baker in his piece, The Worst Drug Epidemic in US History. Rep. Baker outlines the morbid, escalating statistics of overdose deaths in his state and the four areas of focus in Pennsylvania’s strategy to battle these drug issues.
  • Issue 3
    • World Views in Examining Drug Policy
      In our Commentary, Why I Oppose Legalizing Marijuana, Representative Matt Baker, Chairman, Health Committee, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, succinctly outlines his position based upon his analysis of the available research and information currently available, and urges the public to support our FDA approval process in the development of legitimate medicines.
  • Issue 4
    • Marijuana Violence and Law
      In our Commentary, Is Marijuana a Missing Link?, Dr. Eric Voth, provides his perspective on the evidence of increased marijuana usage and its connection to the upsurge in violent behavior, especially in states that have legalized pot.

  • Issue 1
    • Drug Abuse: Revealing the Impacts through Science
      In this edition of the Journal, our feature article is by Siskiyou County, CA Sheriff-Coroner Col. Jon E. Lopey, Sr., BA, MJM, FBINA, (USA-Ret) entitled Colorado’s Decriminalization of Marijuana: A Forecast for Justice System Administrators. Col. Lopey provides a comprehensive analysis of research on the impacts and effects experienced as a result of the marijuana legalization movement, especially in Colorado, and its negative implications to all of the citizens of the U.S.
  • Issue 2
    • Societal Trends in Drug Use and Policy
      In this edition of the Journal, our feature article entitled The Hidden Costs of Marijuana Use in Colorado: One Emergency Department’s Experience is by Kenneth Finn, MD, President of Springs Rehab, PC, and Rochelle Salmore, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Nurse Scientist, Penrose St. Francis Health Services (retired). This very significant study provides the results of a unique and timely 6-year quantitative evaluation of the financial impact of marijuana on a Colorado Springs, CO hospital emergency department. The results determined that there were indeed substantial negative consequences from marijuana legalization leading the authors to encourage all hospitals and healthcare facilities to conduct similar fiscal studies.
  • Issue 3
    • Developing Substance Abuse Policy: Perspectives from Around the World
      In this edition of the Journal, we feature a commentary, Getting Serious about Substance Abuse Treatment Requires Adopting the Five-Year Recovery Standard, by Robert L. DuPont, MD, President of the Institute for Behavior and Health. In it, he describes lessons that can be learned from the state physician health programs (PHPs) which set the standards for long-term outcomes for substance use disorders. The U.S. healthcare system is now in the early stages of being transformed to focus intensely on serious chronic disorders including prevention, early intervention, effective treatment and long-term monitoring. Substance use disorders must be a part of this transformation of care management. Dr. DuPont recommends the use of five-year recovery as a standard measure for treatment outcomes.

  • Issue 1
    • Bridging the Gap: The Role of Science in Policy II
      In this edition of the Journal, our theme is “Bridging the Gap: The Role of Science in Policy Part II.” The contributions include an original paper analyzing the state of substance abuse prevention programs.
  • Issue 2
  • Issue 3
    • Assessing the Impacts of Marijuana in America
      In this edition, our theme is “Assessing the Impact of Marijuana in America.” The contributions include an original paper entitled, Assessing Physicians’ Perspectives and Knowledge of Medical Marijuana and the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act. by Barret Michalec, PhD, Laura Rapp, PhD and Tanya Whittle, MA, that examines physicians’ knowledge regarding marijuana as a treatment and how many  physicians lack valuable knowledge of the policy.
  • Issue 4
    • Science Gone Bad: From Research Labs to Clandestine Labs
      Sharon S. Kelley, MS, PhD, of the University of South Florida’s College of Medicine, compares the worldwide crisis incursion of “designer drugs” to a pandemic viral outbreak in her paper entitled, Synthetic Drugs: A “Viral” Outbreak. Her thoughtful and eye-opening assessment sheds a new perspective on the necessity for increased global cooperation and involvement to address the constantly evolving catastrophe.

  • Issue 1
    • Global Substance Abuse Trends: Connecting the Science and the Policy
      Included in this edition of the Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice are the results of a study entitled, “Characteristics and Evidences of Effectiveness of a Locally Developed Prevention Framework: The Community Prevention Education Continuum.” This paper provides a detailed analysis of an on-going Canadian program called Community Prevention Education Continuum (CPEC) that utilizes multiple, concurrent, evidence-based approaches in youth substance abuse prevention and which follows best-practice processes in community action.
  • Issue 2
    • The Global Climate of Drug Abuse Part I
      There are more than 20 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized marijuana under the guise of medicine. Additional states are also considering similar action, either through legislation or ballot initiatives. In this edition of the Journal, our commentary contribution is from the esteemed Harvard Professor of Psychobiology, Dr. Bertha Madras. In her piece, The Medical Marijuana Movement Reflects an Indifference to Public Health, she provides an overview on concerns surrounding the medical efficacy of marijuana.
  • Issue 3
    • The Global Climate of Drug Abuse part II
      In our continuing journey around the world, with the theme of “The Global Climate of Drug Abuse Part II,” we head “Down Under” to hear from several of our colleagues who have shared their global perspectives in the effort to prevent the ravages of substance abuse on world society.
  • Issue 4
    • Bridging the Gap: The Role of Science in Policy
      In this edition of the Journal our theme is, “Bridging the Gap: The Role of Science in Policy.” The contributions include an original brief that provides a legal perspective on current state marijuana policies and a commentary highlighting the significant problem of diversion of prescription drugs among nurses and other healthcare workers.

  • Issue 1
    • THE IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL PART II
      The topic of substance abuse is a controversial and complex subject. There are few issues today that cause such stir and/or create such strong, passionate feelings and opinions as do the themes surrounding this topic. Although the science and data can be misinterpreted, few could or would deny the overwhelming scientific and anecdotal evidence that supports the conclusion that drugs negatively impact the mind, body and soul of the abuser, their families and communities. In this edition of the Journal, our subject matter experts further explore the complex themes surrounding the world of substance abuse.
  • Issue 2
    • Substance Abuse in Our World: Then, Now and Future Part I
      We live in a connected world. What happens in Asia, Africa and Australia impacts North America, Europe and South America. The influence of globalization could not be more evident than in 1he world of substance abuse. A constantly changing, tumultuous and dangerous problem, the global spread of drug abuse presents tremendous social, political and economic challenges to the world as a whole and to each affected region. In this edition of the Journal, our subject matter experts explore substance abuse in different parts of the world and how the associated problems become global problems.
  • Issue 3
    • Substance Abuse in Our World: Then, Now and Future Part II
      In our increasingly connected world, events and trends that originate in one country, region or state impact us all. Globalization influences almost every area of our lives. Even in the realm of substance abuse, what happens in Australia affects what happens in Arkansas. Constantly changing, tumultuous and dangerous, drug abuse and its associated harms present tremendous social, political and economic challenges to the world as a whole and to each affected region. In this edition of the Journal, we present two pieces on important substance abuse issues, written by authors from opposite sides of the globe, which have the potential to affect substance abuse policy and practice world-wide.
  • Issue 4
    • The Impact of Drug Policies on Our World
      Colorado, one of the two U.S. states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use, ushered in the New Year with the opening of retail marijuana establishments. Also in 2014, there are additional states considering the legalization of marijuana under the guise of medicine or for the purpose of recreation, either through legislation or ballot initiatives. In this edition of the Journal, a publication entitled, The Economic Impact of Marijuana Legalization compares the benefits and harms of marijuana legalization as it relates to the economy. The author takes a detailed approach when examining the issue and the reader will gain a real-world understanding of the potential consequences of legalizing marijuana.

  • Issue 1
    • TRENDS IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PART I
      In this issue, which is the first part of a two-part exploration of the area of substance abuse treatment throughout the world, subject matter experts will examine the evolution of and trends in this ever-changing field. Substance abuse, as a health, economic, and societal concern, is a serious challenge on multiple levels. Substance abuse treatment, as a necessary outcome, is a complicated issue that is shrouded in controversy. However, there is no doubt that treatment is of vital importance to the individual and society in general. Therefore, this edition of the Journal will focus on the issues related to this topic, and on the various substance abuse treatment modalities and approaches used around the world.
  • Issue 2
    • TRENDS IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PART II
      In this second part of a two-part exploration of the area of substance abuse treatment throughout the world, subject matter experts will examine specific problems and trends, as they relate to the treatment arena within the international community. Substance abuse, as a health, economic, and societal concern, is a serious global challenge. The subject of substance abuse is a  complicated and controversial one, but few would question the assertion that the treatment of drug abuse must be considered when looking at the totality of this issue. The impact of drug abuse spreads from the individual to the community to the society; therefore it must be viewed in a context of how best to deal with its impact from all these perspectives. In this edition of the Journal, we will further focus on issues related to this topic.
  • Issue 3
    • CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TRENDS IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
      In this issue, subject matter experts will examine new and/or evolving trends popping up on the international substance abuse landscape. Drug abuse continues to be a global challenge on many fronts: societal, economic, and health. The drugs of abuse are constantly changing to meet or create demand, with novel ones being developed or discovered and old ones being altered or intensified. Therefore, this edition of the Journal will focus on the issues related to this topic and hone in on specific areas of concern in the current substance abuse realm.
  • Issue 4
    • THE IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL PART I
      There is a massive amount of scientific and anecdotal evidence that supports the belief that drugs negatively impact the mind, body and soul of those who abuse them. Much of the evidence also shows that the family and surrounding community suffers equally. In this issue of the Journal, subject matter experts explore how substance abuse affects different facets of life.

  • Issue 1
    • International Controversies in Drug Treatment
      This issue examines two developments in drug treatment in the United Kingdom and Australia, respectively, to determine their effects on the public health in general and problem drug users in particular.
  • Issue 2
    • A Decade of Marijuana
      Currently there are 16 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. Eight of those states now have a decade-long perspective on the impacts of these laws.In this edition three specific states will be examined, as subject matter experts outline the trials and tribulations related to medical marijuana and the affects it has had over time in their states. Some pertinent points that will be addressed are marijuana dispensaries and marijuana “grow” operations that have developed to meet the demand of individuals seeking to use marijuana as a medicine. A close examination of the impacts on crime, public safety, the environment, businesses, the treatment industry, law enforcement, addiction rates, children, and the communities of these states will be undertaken.
  • Issue 3
    • Evolution of Drug Policy Part I
      In this issue, the drug policy of three countries will be examined, as subject matter experts outline the evolution and history of drug policy from the middle of the 19th century to the present. In detail, the drug policies of Sweden, the Netherlands, and Canada, are explained and explored. Historically, in these countries, drug policies have been less restrictive compared to other Western and/or European countries. The authors will offer specific examples of the history of this trend and how it has impacted society, and how drug policies changed or are evolving.
  • Issue 4
    • Evolution of Drug Policy Part II
      In this issue, which is a continuation of the Journal’s exploration of evolving drug policies throughout the world, subject experts will examine the history and evolution of drug policy, as well as the strategies, concerns and problems associated with drug prevalence and use. The policies of Canada and Switzerland are discussed as well as specific issues relating to US drug policies.

  • Issue 1
    • This issue focuses on a troubling and increasingly widespread problem – controlling prescription drug abuse. Its complexity requires a more in-depth examination and a longer treatment; hence, the editors decided to include both parts of a two part series in one issue. In our commentary piece, Dr. Robert DuPont reviews the current administration’s approach to medical marijuana.
  • Issue 2
    • Focus on Marijuana: Science and Policy
      The controversy surrounding marijuana, especially in light of its approval by states for medicinal use, continues to swirl. This issue surveys current research and discusses the drug’s documented harms in the scientific literature.
  • Issue 3
    • Underage Alcohol Use: An International Challenge
      The following papers represent state-of-the-art positions and information on underage drinking. Prominent in this discussion will be the fact that alcohol appears to affect young drinkers differently than adults. By virtue of their lack of brain development, alcohol exposure in adolescents sets them up for long-term medical consequences and greater likelihood of alcoholism.
  • Issue 4

  • Issue 1
    • Advances in pharmaceutical research and production have led to both progress in patient care and increased potential for abuse. This issue seeks to examine the varied hazards of prescribing for psychiatric patients, interventional approaches to chronic pain management, the government’s position on physicians’ liability and the creation of a standard of care for prescribing controlled substances.
  • Issue 2
    • A confluence of current research reveals varied findings which impact our understanding of who is at risk for drug abuse. Patterns of prescription opioid abuse and comorbidity, the unique characteristics of adolescent brain function that lead to risky behavior, the vulnerability of some medical specialties to substance abuse and the potential of case management for reducing relapse inform our awareness of the particular risks for abuse within certain population groups.
  • Issue 3
    • Patients struggling with addiction arrive at a doctor’s office or facility seeking help and trusting that physicians of any specialty will be cognizant of their symptoms and determine the best course of treatment for all their medical issues. Psychiatrists, emergency physicians and primary care physicians all may benefit from a heightened awareness of addiction medicine and how coordinating care can be in the patient’s best interest.
  • Issue 4
    • In the Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice, our authors have presented insights that illumine the many aspects of the international drug problem. At this juncture in our world political history, the editors asked for their contributions to a special New Year’s edition.

  • Issue 1
    • Marijuana: The present challenge and the future of cannabinoid research.
      Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Journal of Global Drug Policy and  Practice, a joint effort of the Institute on Global Drug Policy and the International Scientific and Medical Forum on Drug Abuse.
  • Issue 2
    • One of the most difficult subjects to understand and assess in the drug policy and practice field is harm reduction because of disputes about its intent and meaning. Issues 2, 3 and 4 will address the subject in depth with special attention to the history of the concept in a three part series.
  • Issue 3
    • One of the most difficult subjects to understand and assess in the drug policy and practice field is harm reduction because of disputes about its intent and meaning. Issue 3 continues to address the subject in depth with special attention to the history of the concept in the second of a three part series.
  • Issue 4
    • One of the most difficult subjects to understand and assess in the drug policy and practice field is harm reduction because of disputes about its intent and meaning. Issue 4 continues to address the subject on an international basis with special attention to the history of the concept in the last of a three part series. The editors thank Peter Stoker for his skillful coordination of this multi-issue examination of such a challenging topic.