Drug substances

TNI does detailed research on the production, markets and consumption of various illegal drug substances including cocaine and crack (derived from coca), marijuana, opium and synthetic drugs. On the producer-side, TNI calls for respect for human rights, particularly of peasant producers, who are often caught up in repressive drug policies. On consumption, TNI advocates an approach of harm reduction.

Chewing over Khat prohibition

January 2012
Martin Jelsma
Pien Metaal
Axel Klein

Khat has been consumed for thousands of years in the highlands of Eastern Africa and Southern Arabia.Strict bans on khat introduced in Europe ostensibly for the protection of immigrant communities have had severe unintended negative consequences.

In memoriam: Adrian Cowell

October 2011
Martin Jelsma
Tom Blickman

Adrian Cowell, a groundbreaking documentary film maker and good friend, died early October in London.

Amphetamine Type Stimulants and Harm Reduction

October 2011
Tom Blickman

Little is known about the methamphetamine market in East and Southeast Asia, but there are strong indications that the situation is deteriorating with substances becoming stronger, methods of use more harmful and the number of users steadily increasing. There is an urgent need for donors and governments to introduce effective harm reduction measures.

Conference: Potent Substances: on the Boundaries of Food and Medicine

September 2010

Potent Substances will engage historians, anthropologists, scientists and policy‐makers in conversation about the boundaries of food and pharmacy. Three days will be devoted to the following sub‐themes: Old Food and Drugs for New; Boundaries and Expertise; and Arts and the Environment. The long‐term aims are to offer policy and practice recommendations on the boundaries of food and pharmacy relevant to high priority current and likely future challenges, drawing on the interdisciplinary knowledge of the conference participants.

History: UN and Coca

February 2010
TNI

In 1961 the coca leaf was listed on Schedule I of the UN Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs together with cocaine and heroin. The
inclusion of coca has caused much harm to the Andean region and a
historical correction is long overdue, for the sake of further conflict
prevention and out of respect for the Andean culture.

Redefining Targets

December 2009
Martin Jelsma
Tom Kramer

Afghanistan remains the world’s largest producer of opium and has an under-reported but growing heroin-use problem. Current drug control policies in Afghanistan are unrealistic, reflecting a need for immediate signs of hope rather than a serious analysis of the underlying causes and an effort to achieve long-term solutions.

Afghanistan's hidden drug problem

November 2009
Martin Jelsma
Tom Kramer

Afghanistan's drug problem is not simply one of opium production - there is a growing number of heroin addicts that the country is ill prepared to deal with.

Neither War nor Peace report cover

Burma: Neither War Nor Peace

July 2009

Whilst a twenty year ceasefire still holds, there is unlikely to be peace and democracy in Burma without a political settlement that addresses ethnic minority needs and goals.

Coca Myths

June 2009
Pien Metaal
Anthony Henman

The present issue of Drugs & Conflict intends to debunk and disentangle the most prominent myths surrounding the coca leaf. It aims to clear the air and help steer the debate towards a more evidence-based judgement of the issues.

Towards a world market for coca leaf?

June 2009
TNI
Pien Metaal

When we think of people like Pope Paul VI, the Queen of Spain or Britain’s Princess Anne, most of us do not think of them as criminals. But that is what they are, under the current international drug law. Their crime? They all sipped coca tea on their arrival to the Bolivian capital La Paz. Bolivia is planning to submit a formal request to the UN to declassify coca as a narcotic drug, emphasizing in its arguments the traditional uses, such as the chewing of the leaf.