Josh Torrance
@joshtorrance.bsky.social
Finishing a PhD in policing drugs. Harm reduction, welfare, drug markets, drug diversion.
I recently finished a PhD on implementing drug diversion schemes. It explores the contextual conditions within which policy change occurs, some practical elements of implementing drug diversion schemes and some theoretical discussion. Have a read:
research-information.bris.ac.uk/ws/portalfil...
research-information.bris.ac.uk/ws/portalfil...
research-information.bris.ac.uk
June 3, 2025 at 1:35 PM
I recently finished a PhD on implementing drug diversion schemes. It explores the contextual conditions within which policy change occurs, some practical elements of implementing drug diversion schemes and some theoretical discussion. Have a read:
research-information.bris.ac.uk/ws/portalfil...
research-information.bris.ac.uk/ws/portalfil...
Interesting article about how cuts have damaged consent-based policing in Britain...
Policing England and Wales in 2025: The death of consent
policinginsight.com/feature/opin...
policinginsight.com/feature/opin...
Policing England and Wales in 2025: The death of consent
The UK’s policing by consent model was founded on Sir Robert Peel’s nine principles, but University of Staffordshire Senior Lecturer Dr John Lamb fears that the long-term impact of austerity cuts has…
policinginsight.com
April 2, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Interesting article about how cuts have damaged consent-based policing in Britain...
English wastewater analysis comparing Jan - Apr 23 with Jan - Apr 24.
Prevalence of ketamine prevalence up by *85%*
Prevalence of MDMA up by 52%.
Prevalence of ketamine prevalence up by *85%*
Prevalence of MDMA up by 52%.
March 20, 2025 at 9:20 AM
English wastewater analysis comparing Jan - Apr 23 with Jan - Apr 24.
Prevalence of ketamine prevalence up by *85%*
Prevalence of MDMA up by 52%.
Prevalence of ketamine prevalence up by *85%*
Prevalence of MDMA up by 52%.
Tragic case - The Vivienne dies from ketamine-related cardiac arrest.
Other factors aside (eg other drugs in the mix or underlying conditions) I wonder if the psychological element of catastrophising / drug induced anxiety could feed into cardiac issues, or if it is purely pharmacological.
Other factors aside (eg other drugs in the mix or underlying conditions) I wonder if the psychological element of catastrophising / drug induced anxiety could feed into cardiac issues, or if it is purely pharmacological.
March 18, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Tragic case - The Vivienne dies from ketamine-related cardiac arrest.
Other factors aside (eg other drugs in the mix or underlying conditions) I wonder if the psychological element of catastrophising / drug induced anxiety could feed into cardiac issues, or if it is purely pharmacological.
Other factors aside (eg other drugs in the mix or underlying conditions) I wonder if the psychological element of catastrophising / drug induced anxiety could feed into cardiac issues, or if it is purely pharmacological.
Cartels react to being designated a terrorist organisation by the US government:
www.crashoutmedia.com/p/exclusive-...
www.crashoutmedia.com/p/exclusive-...
Exclusive: Cartels React To Terrorist Designation
Narcos and gang members talk to CrashOut about Trump threats of U.S. strikes
www.crashoutmedia.com
March 4, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Cartels react to being designated a terrorist organisation by the US government:
www.crashoutmedia.com/p/exclusive-...
www.crashoutmedia.com/p/exclusive-...
For what it's worth (probably not much) I would say hash has medical utility, and better for the lungs.
Recent innovations (eg static sift & ice water) create cleaner product with less contaminants.
Shame it's not on offer on UK med, apart from distillate in a cart aka the worst possible option.
Recent innovations (eg static sift & ice water) create cleaner product with less contaminants.
Shame it's not on offer on UK med, apart from distillate in a cart aka the worst possible option.
I don't have a view on the medical utility of hashish...but Morocco's cannabis market moving into the legally regulated sphere for any kind of use, specifically with their governments approval, feels like progress from a sustainable development perspective
2/
2/
February 28, 2025 at 1:41 PM
For what it's worth (probably not much) I would say hash has medical utility, and better for the lungs.
Recent innovations (eg static sift & ice water) create cleaner product with less contaminants.
Shame it's not on offer on UK med, apart from distillate in a cart aka the worst possible option.
Recent innovations (eg static sift & ice water) create cleaner product with less contaminants.
Shame it's not on offer on UK med, apart from distillate in a cart aka the worst possible option.
1/4 So THCa (basically when a cannabis plant is cropped early before it becomes THC) is becoming a thing in the UK.
For quite a while companies have been shipping THCa products across all US states. Various UK companies are now importing them and delivering products online.
The Home Office states:
For quite a while companies have been shipping THCa products across all US states. Various UK companies are now importing them and delivering products online.
The Home Office states:
February 9, 2025 at 12:24 AM
1/4 So THCa (basically when a cannabis plant is cropped early before it becomes THC) is becoming a thing in the UK.
For quite a while companies have been shipping THCa products across all US states. Various UK companies are now importing them and delivering products online.
The Home Office states:
For quite a while companies have been shipping THCa products across all US states. Various UK companies are now importing them and delivering products online.
The Home Office states:
Found some casual bumper sticker stigma on a walk today...
February 8, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Found some casual bumper sticker stigma on a walk today...
Reposted by Josh Torrance
I've done a deep dive into the future of Bristol's only NHS detox unit
The campaign to save it has exposed the complex & shifting way services like this are funded, which leaves them vulnerable to closure
Read the full story here:
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
The campaign to save it has exposed the complex & shifting way services like this are funded, which leaves them vulnerable to closure
Read the full story here:
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
Who can save Bristol's only NHS detox centre
The campaign over the closure has highlighted the complex way treatment is funded
www.bristolpost.co.uk
January 23, 2025 at 12:53 PM
I've done a deep dive into the future of Bristol's only NHS detox unit
The campaign to save it has exposed the complex & shifting way services like this are funded, which leaves them vulnerable to closure
Read the full story here:
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
The campaign to save it has exposed the complex & shifting way services like this are funded, which leaves them vulnerable to closure
Read the full story here:
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
In a strange twist of fate, libertarian support for Trump resulted in the pardoning of Ross Ulbricht, who ran a major darknet market from 2011 to 2013.
www.techradar.com/pro/trump-pa...
www.techradar.com/pro/trump-pa...
Trump pardons Silk Road dark web market creator Ross Ulbricht
Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht gets Presidential pardon
www.techradar.com
January 22, 2025 at 1:19 PM
In a strange twist of fate, libertarian support for Trump resulted in the pardoning of Ross Ulbricht, who ran a major darknet market from 2011 to 2013.
www.techradar.com/pro/trump-pa...
www.techradar.com/pro/trump-pa...
Does anyone know of any studies / evidence on taxpayer savings resulting from detox specifically?
This is surely a prime example of a public service cut that increases strain on public resources in the long run...
This is surely a prime example of a public service cut that increases strain on public resources in the long run...
Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for a rethink on the closure of the only addiction detox centre on the NHS in Bristol.
The Acer unit at Southmead Hospital is facing closure at the end of March
Full story here:
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
The Acer unit at Southmead Hospital is facing closure at the end of March
Full story here:
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
Thousands call for rethink over closure of Bristol NHS detox centre
The ward will close on March 31
www.bristolpost.co.uk
January 21, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Does anyone know of any studies / evidence on taxpayer savings resulting from detox specifically?
This is surely a prime example of a public service cut that increases strain on public resources in the long run...
This is surely a prime example of a public service cut that increases strain on public resources in the long run...
Reposted by Josh Torrance
Nice one! Where has this guy been for the last 50 years? drugpolicy.org/news/drug-po...
Drug Policy Alliance Applauds Biden’s Commutations for Drug War Victims, Urges Elected Officials to Avoid Repeating Same Mistakes - Drug Policy Alliance
drugpolicy.org
January 18, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Nice one! Where has this guy been for the last 50 years? drugpolicy.org/news/drug-po...
We need more detox beds, not less! Where is the ADDER funding? Please sign this petition, this facility is amazing.
chng.it/XvD9DVstYS
chng.it/XvD9DVstYS
Sign the Petition
Save the Acer unit detox
chng.it
January 14, 2025 at 8:23 PM
We need more detox beds, not less! Where is the ADDER funding? Please sign this petition, this facility is amazing.
chng.it/XvD9DVstYS
chng.it/XvD9DVstYS
Reposted by Josh Torrance
Correlation and TEDI report on trends in samples analysed by drug checking services (2018-2024). A nugget:
"Cocaine purity increased until 2023, but in the 1st half of 2024 it started to decline, with an increase in detections of the local anaesthetic procaine."
correlation-net.org/2025/01/08/e...
"Cocaine purity increased until 2023, but in the 1st half of 2024 it started to decline, with an increase in detections of the local anaesthetic procaine."
correlation-net.org/2025/01/08/e...
European Drug Checking Trends 2018 – 2024 – European Harm Reduction Network
correlation-net.org
January 13, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Correlation and TEDI report on trends in samples analysed by drug checking services (2018-2024). A nugget:
"Cocaine purity increased until 2023, but in the 1st half of 2024 it started to decline, with an increase in detections of the local anaesthetic procaine."
correlation-net.org/2025/01/08/e...
"Cocaine purity increased until 2023, but in the 1st half of 2024 it started to decline, with an increase in detections of the local anaesthetic procaine."
correlation-net.org/2025/01/08/e...
I got quoted in glamour magazine... Props to Ella Glover for the quality journalism.
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/keta...
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/keta...
Why are so many Gen-Z women getting addicted to ketamine?
While other recreational drugs like ecstasy and cocaine fall out of favour, ketamine use continues to grow.
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk
January 8, 2025 at 7:04 PM
I got quoted in glamour magazine... Props to Ella Glover for the quality journalism.
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/keta...
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/keta...
Govt are considering reclassifying ketamine to a class A drug. ACMD will consider and make recommendations.
We'll have to wait to see what ACMD say, plus whether Labour govt. decide to follow said recommendations.
We'll have to wait to see what ACMD say, plus whether Labour govt. decide to follow said recommendations.
January 7, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Govt are considering reclassifying ketamine to a class A drug. ACMD will consider and make recommendations.
We'll have to wait to see what ACMD say, plus whether Labour govt. decide to follow said recommendations.
We'll have to wait to see what ACMD say, plus whether Labour govt. decide to follow said recommendations.
Reposted by Josh Torrance
The first sanctioned overdose prevention centre in Ireland opened its doors yesterday. #OPC #HarmReduction
Great news this morning across multiple media platforms, Dublin’s Supervised Injecting Facility is to open soon.
A journey that began in earnest on 20th January 2012…
www.thejournal.ie/plans-for-ne...
A journey that began in earnest on 20th January 2012…
www.thejournal.ie/plans-for-ne...
Plans for new supervised drug injecting centre in Dublin
The Ana Liffey Drug Project also wants to develop a Naloxone programme and a crisis detox unit for drug users.
www.thejournal.ie
December 22, 2024 at 2:57 PM
The first sanctioned overdose prevention centre in Ireland opened its doors yesterday. #OPC #HarmReduction
Reposted by Josh Torrance
Great news, much needed in Dublin City Centre!
This should reduce the use of pre-hospital emergency care (ambulances, A&E, etc.) amongst people who are intoxicated and/or experiencing psychological issues, etc. on their night out. Good news for everyone!
#ASafeSpace
www.newstalk.com/news/dublin-...
This should reduce the use of pre-hospital emergency care (ambulances, A&E, etc.) amongst people who are intoxicated and/or experiencing psychological issues, etc. on their night out. Good news for everyone!
#ASafeSpace
www.newstalk.com/news/dublin-...
Dublin to pilot ‘Welfare Area’ in city centre
A ‘Welfare Area’ will be set up in Dublin city centre providing essential support on key Christmas party dates.
www.newstalk.com
December 14, 2024 at 12:15 AM
Great news, much needed in Dublin City Centre!
This should reduce the use of pre-hospital emergency care (ambulances, A&E, etc.) amongst people who are intoxicated and/or experiencing psychological issues, etc. on their night out. Good news for everyone!
#ASafeSpace
www.newstalk.com/news/dublin-...
This should reduce the use of pre-hospital emergency care (ambulances, A&E, etc.) amongst people who are intoxicated and/or experiencing psychological issues, etc. on their night out. Good news for everyone!
#ASafeSpace
www.newstalk.com/news/dublin-...
"What you actually have are violent, drug zombies with dead eyes and needles and human feces on the street."
I hate to be gloomy but a huge amount of work on destigmatising people who use drugs has just been undone in one stroke.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
I hate to be gloomy but a huge amount of work on destigmatising people who use drugs has just been undone in one stroke.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
Elon Musk calls homelessness a ‘lie’ and ‘propaganda’ — and Trump is listening
Trump and his billionaire allies are out of touch with a crisis facing more than 600,000 Americans, advocates tell Alex Woodward
www.independent.co.uk
December 12, 2024 at 11:25 AM
"What you actually have are violent, drug zombies with dead eyes and needles and human feces on the street."
I hate to be gloomy but a huge amount of work on destigmatising people who use drugs has just been undone in one stroke.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
I hate to be gloomy but a huge amount of work on destigmatising people who use drugs has just been undone in one stroke.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
(Names changed, I have consent to share)
Waiting for my train at a quiet train station I see Jane, a woman I see almost every day in my neighborhood and have gotten to know. She has a needle out and is preparing to go into her groin. She looks flustered and apologises.
Waiting for my train at a quiet train station I see Jane, a woman I see almost every day in my neighborhood and have gotten to know. She has a needle out and is preparing to go into her groin. She looks flustered and apologises.
December 5, 2024 at 6:15 PM
(Names changed, I have consent to share)
Waiting for my train at a quiet train station I see Jane, a woman I see almost every day in my neighborhood and have gotten to know. She has a needle out and is preparing to go into her groin. She looks flustered and apologises.
Waiting for my train at a quiet train station I see Jane, a woman I see almost every day in my neighborhood and have gotten to know. She has a needle out and is preparing to go into her groin. She looks flustered and apologises.
Over 99% of over 14k BENZO deaths across England, Wales and NI between 1999 and 2021 involved polydrug use... 85% of them with opioids.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Impact of ‘street’ benzodiazepines on drug‐related deaths in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Introduction
‘Street’ benzodiazepines (BZD) are structurally and pharmacologically related to BZDs licensed for human use. In this study we investigated how street BZDs contribute to overall BZD use.....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 3, 2024 at 2:50 PM
Over 99% of over 14k BENZO deaths across England, Wales and NI between 1999 and 2021 involved polydrug use... 85% of them with opioids.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Cocaine seizures by Border Force went a bit mad at the start of 2024. Whether the record seizures in Q1 2024 impacted market price / purity would be a real test of law enforcement efforts.
December 3, 2024 at 11:32 AM
Cocaine seizures by Border Force went a bit mad at the start of 2024. Whether the record seizures in Q1 2024 impacted market price / purity would be a real test of law enforcement efforts.
Reposted by Josh Torrance
Traffickers have found a clever way to smuggle fentanyl precursor chemicals from China to Mexico – by first importing them into the United States using duty free “master carton” shipping that contains hundreds of smaller packages in which to hide the chemicals. They are then smuggled into Mexico.
The fentanyl funnel: How narcos sneak deadly chemicals through the U.S
Drug traffickers transport fentanyl-making chemicals from China to Mexico through the United States. To pull this off, they employ what’s called the “master carton” smuggling scheme.
www.reuters.com
October 3, 2024 at 6:41 PM
Traffickers have found a clever way to smuggle fentanyl precursor chemicals from China to Mexico – by first importing them into the United States using duty free “master carton” shipping that contains hundreds of smaller packages in which to hide the chemicals. They are then smuggled into Mexico.