Drug Strategy 2010

IDMU Response to UK Government Drug Policy Consultation

Addresses fundamental issues as to the efficacy of a prohibition-based approach and offers practical alternatives to the existing paradigm.

The ‘why’ to issues surrounding the deterrent effects of legislation, and unforeseen consequences of otherwise successful supply-side interventions.

The ‘how’ – practical solutions to supplying drugs legally in a regulated market, taking the trade out of the hands of criminals and generating tax revenues whilst ensuring effective restrictions on availability.

REGULAR USERS II

UK Drug Market Analysis Purchasing Patterns and Prices

Prices of drugs other than cannabis, including bulk prices, are included for the first time, in national and regional tables- April 1999

Taxing the UK Drugs Market

IDMU has conducted surveys of drug consumption in the UK since 1994, involving a total of over 25000 UK drug users recruited at pop festivals and other outdoor events using anonymous self-completed questionnaires, collecting data on frequency of use of a range of different drugs, monthly spending on these drugs, among other data including whether the respondent had been "busted" for cannabis or other drugs.

IDMU Survey reports big hike in 2010 UK Drug Prices

The 2010 IDMU Drugs Survey has found that prices of illegal drugs in the UK have risen sharply over the past year, continuing and accelerating the rise seen since prices bottomed out in 2006. The increase is most notable for cannabis, where skunk prices have reached record levels and resin prices are returning to levels not seen since the mid 1990s. Cocaine purities are at an all time low and wholesale prices at a record high. Criminalising Mephedrone has resulted in a 50% increase in average prices compared to those offered on the internet in early 2010.