Transform Drug Policy Foundation
@transformdrugs.bsky.social
Transform is an independent NGO, and UK registered charity, working nationally and internationally towards more just and effective drugs policies, including a safer system of legal regulation for all drugs.
https://transformdrugs.org/
https://transformdrugs.org/
Legalising UK cannabis would generate over £1 billion a year in tax 💰🍃
With the budget approaching, it’s time for evidence-led public spending. Legalising UK cannabis offers the possibility of vast revenue and significant public savings
Full report: transformdrugs.org/publications...
With the budget approaching, it’s time for evidence-led public spending. Legalising UK cannabis offers the possibility of vast revenue and significant public savings
Full report: transformdrugs.org/publications...
November 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Legalising UK cannabis would generate over £1 billion a year in tax 💰🍃
With the budget approaching, it’s time for evidence-led public spending. Legalising UK cannabis offers the possibility of vast revenue and significant public savings
Full report: transformdrugs.org/publications...
With the budget approaching, it’s time for evidence-led public spending. Legalising UK cannabis offers the possibility of vast revenue and significant public savings
Full report: transformdrugs.org/publications...
We were delighted to attend the Green Party conference to take part in Common Ground Justice Project’s event, Breaking Through the Noise. Our CEO, Jane Slater spoke about a new approach to crime and justice and how this relates to our drug policy reform work at Transform.
October 7, 2025 at 2:28 PM
We were delighted to attend the Green Party conference to take part in Common Ground Justice Project’s event, Breaking Through the Noise. Our CEO, Jane Slater spoke about a new approach to crime and justice and how this relates to our drug policy reform work at Transform.
This guest blog by @mikejay.bsky.social Mike Jay was originally published in the New Statesman, reproduced with permission
Mike Jay is a cultural historian, author, & former Transform Trustee
mikejay.net
His books include the recent: 'Psychonauts: drugs & the making of the modern mind'
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Mike Jay is a cultural historian, author, & former Transform Trustee
mikejay.net
His books include the recent: 'Psychonauts: drugs & the making of the modern mind'
2/
June 20, 2025 at 12:06 PM
This guest blog by @mikejay.bsky.social Mike Jay was originally published in the New Statesman, reproduced with permission
Mike Jay is a cultural historian, author, & former Transform Trustee
mikejay.net
His books include the recent: 'Psychonauts: drugs & the making of the modern mind'
2/
Mike Jay is a cultural historian, author, & former Transform Trustee
mikejay.net
His books include the recent: 'Psychonauts: drugs & the making of the modern mind'
2/
This is a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, & contribute to building a healthier, more compassionate city.
As drug deaths continue to rise (especially involving synthetic opioids) this event brings together local stakeholders to explore practical solutions emerging challenges
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As drug deaths continue to rise (especially involving synthetic opioids) this event brings together local stakeholders to explore practical solutions emerging challenges
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June 17, 2025 at 3:07 PM
This is a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, & contribute to building a healthier, more compassionate city.
As drug deaths continue to rise (especially involving synthetic opioids) this event brings together local stakeholders to explore practical solutions emerging challenges
2/
As drug deaths continue to rise (especially involving synthetic opioids) this event brings together local stakeholders to explore practical solutions emerging challenges
2/
"Many leaders privately agree but fear the political fallout of going public. Behind closed doors, I get a lot of support. The mayor of Bern openly supports me, as does Claudia López, the former mayor of Bogotá. Awareness is also growing within police, justice and health services."
May 14, 2025 at 9:02 AM
"Many leaders privately agree but fear the political fallout of going public. Behind closed doors, I get a lot of support. The mayor of Bern openly supports me, as does Claudia López, the former mayor of Bogotá. Awareness is also growing within police, justice and health services."
"Take MDMA: it’s less harmful than alcohol yet has been banned since the late 1980s. The consequence? The Netherlands is now the world’s biggest producer, resulting in illegal labs and drug wars. We want to investigate how much tax we are losing and what a regulated market could look like"
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May 14, 2025 at 9:02 AM
"Take MDMA: it’s less harmful than alcohol yet has been banned since the late 1980s. The consequence? The Netherlands is now the world’s biggest producer, resulting in illegal labs and drug wars. We want to investigate how much tax we are losing and what a regulated market could look like"
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They voted against anything that mentioned gender or SDGs whether they agreed with the rest of it or not.
Here's the US plenary speech they gave to explain their objection to the alternative development resolution - but it was essentially the same, and equally obnoxious, for all of them
Here's the US plenary speech they gave to explain their objection to the alternative development resolution - but it was essentially the same, and equally obnoxious, for all of them
April 4, 2025 at 12:56 PM
They voted against anything that mentioned gender or SDGs whether they agreed with the rest of it or not.
Here's the US plenary speech they gave to explain their objection to the alternative development resolution - but it was essentially the same, and equally obnoxious, for all of them
Here's the US plenary speech they gave to explain their objection to the alternative development resolution - but it was essentially the same, and equally obnoxious, for all of them
The future of the UN drug control system is now highly uncertain. Change is happening - which is good. But reform should be guided by core UN charter principles. not driven by a belligerent & ideologically unmoored US administration with little regard for international law
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April 4, 2025 at 9:36 AM
The future of the UN drug control system is now highly uncertain. Change is happening - which is good. But reform should be guided by core UN charter principles. not driven by a belligerent & ideologically unmoored US administration with little regard for international law
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Russia and China, usually the biggest blockers at CND, sat back while the US wreaked havoc. The result? Long-standing global drug control norms are unraveling, but with no clear direction.
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April 4, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Russia and China, usually the biggest blockers at CND, sat back while the US wreaked havoc. The result? Long-standing global drug control norms are unraveling, but with no clear direction.
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The US also announced funding cuts to UNODC, up to 40% of its budget.
While reformers may see defunding some drug control counterproductive programs as a positive, it is part of a much wider US defunding of critically important UN programs (UNAIDs, WHO, OHCHR etc.)
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While reformers may see defunding some drug control counterproductive programs as a positive, it is part of a much wider US defunding of critically important UN programs (UNAIDs, WHO, OHCHR etc.)
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April 4, 2025 at 9:34 AM
The US also announced funding cuts to UNODC, up to 40% of its budget.
While reformers may see defunding some drug control counterproductive programs as a positive, it is part of a much wider US defunding of critically important UN programs (UNAIDs, WHO, OHCHR etc.)
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While reformers may see defunding some drug control counterproductive programs as a positive, it is part of a much wider US defunding of critically important UN programs (UNAIDs, WHO, OHCHR etc.)
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The US positions opposing key UN principles and institutions unsurprisingly proved toxic in the UN arena - and they were completely marginalised in all the votes (excepting their new ideological ally, Argentina, and in one case, Russia).
See this graphic from
@IDPCnet
👇
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See this graphic from
@IDPCnet
👇
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April 4, 2025 at 9:34 AM
The US positions opposing key UN principles and institutions unsurprisingly proved toxic in the UN arena - and they were completely marginalised in all the votes (excepting their new ideological ally, Argentina, and in one case, Russia).
See this graphic from
@IDPCnet
👇
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See this graphic from
@IDPCnet
👇
17/
This year, however, the US was obstructive & belligerent (closer to Russia and China’s usual role). They objected to references to Sustainable Development Goals, the WHO, or gender, demanding votes on every resolution (even ones they otherwise agreed on) - unheard of at CND
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April 4, 2025 at 9:34 AM
This year, however, the US was obstructive & belligerent (closer to Russia and China’s usual role). They objected to references to Sustainable Development Goals, the WHO, or gender, demanding votes on every resolution (even ones they otherwise agreed on) - unheard of at CND
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The debate over coca and cocaine regulation continued to gain momentum at the CND
Transform’s offical side event explored models for regulating coca & cocaine; a topic which, only a few years ago was considered taboo at the UN, but which now has a high profile and high level engagement
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Transform’s offical side event explored models for regulating coca & cocaine; a topic which, only a few years ago was considered taboo at the UN, but which now has a high profile and high level engagement
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April 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
The debate over coca and cocaine regulation continued to gain momentum at the CND
Transform’s offical side event explored models for regulating coca & cocaine; a topic which, only a few years ago was considered taboo at the UN, but which now has a high profile and high level engagement
10/
Transform’s offical side event explored models for regulating coca & cocaine; a topic which, only a few years ago was considered taboo at the UN, but which now has a high profile and high level engagement
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The next challenges: ensuring the expert group is truly independent; securing funding; & navigating political interference, in particular resistance from states (& UNODC) still committed to the drug war status quo
The UN Gen Secretary will need to carefully manage the process
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The UN Gen Secretary will need to carefully manage the process
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April 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
The next challenges: ensuring the expert group is truly independent; securing funding; & navigating political interference, in particular resistance from states (& UNODC) still committed to the drug war status quo
The UN Gen Secretary will need to carefully manage the process
8/
The UN Gen Secretary will need to carefully manage the process
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Colombia’s role is crucial—having suffered decades of drug war violence, corruption, and environmental destruction. They are now leading the call for a rethink of the global drug control system.
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April 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Colombia’s role is crucial—having suffered decades of drug war violence, corruption, and environmental destruction. They are now leading the call for a rethink of the global drug control system.
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The 'emerging challenges' being scrutinised, while only obliquely referenced, must inevitably include tensions between the outdated, malfunctioning drug treaties & emerging member state legalisation/regulation, as well as growing conflicts with the SDGs, & with various human rights mechanisms
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April 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
The 'emerging challenges' being scrutinised, while only obliquely referenced, must inevitably include tensions between the outdated, malfunctioning drug treaties & emerging member state legalisation/regulation, as well as growing conflicts with the SDGs, & with various human rights mechanisms
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While this resolution may seem, superficially, like just a call for another meeting, it is significant.
The call for scrutiny is coming from UN drug control system itself; tacit acknowledgment that global drug policies are failing, & reform is needed to meet 'emerging challenges'
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The call for scrutiny is coming from UN drug control system itself; tacit acknowledgment that global drug policies are failing, & reform is needed to meet 'emerging challenges'
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April 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
While this resolution may seem, superficially, like just a call for another meeting, it is significant.
The call for scrutiny is coming from UN drug control system itself; tacit acknowledgment that global drug policies are failing, & reform is needed to meet 'emerging challenges'
5/
The call for scrutiny is coming from UN drug control system itself; tacit acknowledgment that global drug policies are failing, & reform is needed to meet 'emerging challenges'
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The expert group will include 19 members nominated by the UN General Secretary, WHO, INCB, and regional groups of the CND
It will assess whether the current drug control framework is achieving its goals (spoiler: it isn't) & report back, with recommendations in 2026 and 2027
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It will assess whether the current drug control framework is achieving its goals (spoiler: it isn't) & report back, with recommendations in 2026 and 2027
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April 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
The expert group will include 19 members nominated by the UN General Secretary, WHO, INCB, and regional groups of the CND
It will assess whether the current drug control framework is achieving its goals (spoiler: it isn't) & report back, with recommendations in 2026 and 2027
4/
It will assess whether the current drug control framework is achieving its goals (spoiler: it isn't) & report back, with recommendations in 2026 and 2027
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Colombia led a groundbreaking resolution calling for an independent expert group to scrutinize the global drug control system. This marks the first major internal UN review of the system's implementation.
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April 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Colombia led a groundbreaking resolution calling for an independent expert group to scrutinize the global drug control system. This marks the first major internal UN review of the system's implementation.
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THREAD🧵
The 68th UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) took place in Vienna last month
Key takeaways:
🔹Colombia's historic resolution to review the drug control system
🔹Growing discussions around coca/cocaine regulation
🔹The belligerent & obstructive new US delegation
1/
The 68th UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) took place in Vienna last month
Key takeaways:
🔹Colombia's historic resolution to review the drug control system
🔹Growing discussions around coca/cocaine regulation
🔹The belligerent & obstructive new US delegation
1/
April 4, 2025 at 9:28 AM
THREAD🧵
The 68th UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) took place in Vienna last month
Key takeaways:
🔹Colombia's historic resolution to review the drug control system
🔹Growing discussions around coca/cocaine regulation
🔹The belligerent & obstructive new US delegation
1/
The 68th UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) took place in Vienna last month
Key takeaways:
🔹Colombia's historic resolution to review the drug control system
🔹Growing discussions around coca/cocaine regulation
🔹The belligerent & obstructive new US delegation
1/
A special thanks to our production team - represented last night ON THE RED CARPET (well - wooden floor) by Dan Agha Rafei (director), Dan Harries (greenlightpictures.uk), Michaela Lowe (@Media_Trust) and Carl Pleasant (our star, Harold himself!)
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March 21, 2025 at 1:47 PM
A special thanks to our production team - represented last night ON THE RED CARPET (well - wooden floor) by Dan Agha Rafei (director), Dan Harries (greenlightpictures.uk), Michaela Lowe (@Media_Trust) and Carl Pleasant (our star, Harold himself!)
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3/
🎉Transform's "Don't be a Harold' short film WON A SMILEY AWARD last night!!🎉
Huge thanks to @cjalliance, @Media_Trust, the Crucible Foundation & our amazing production team!🙏
Watch the @SmileyCFA awards announcement & presentation ceremony here 👇
t.co/1E0zpsMW1D
Huge thanks to @cjalliance, @Media_Trust, the Crucible Foundation & our amazing production team!🙏
Watch the @SmileyCFA awards announcement & presentation ceremony here 👇
t.co/1E0zpsMW1D
March 21, 2025 at 1:47 PM
🎉Transform's "Don't be a Harold' short film WON A SMILEY AWARD last night!!🎉
Huge thanks to @cjalliance, @Media_Trust, the Crucible Foundation & our amazing production team!🙏
Watch the @SmileyCFA awards announcement & presentation ceremony here 👇
t.co/1E0zpsMW1D
Huge thanks to @cjalliance, @Media_Trust, the Crucible Foundation & our amazing production team!🙏
Watch the @SmileyCFA awards announcement & presentation ceremony here 👇
t.co/1E0zpsMW1D
“Our international legal frameworks and institutions, including the ICC, are fundamental to ensuring justice and achieving accountability for the most serious crimes, preventing future violations, and making the world safer for everyone.”
3/3
3/3
March 13, 2025 at 9:23 AM
“Our international legal frameworks and institutions, including the ICC, are fundamental to ensuring justice and achieving accountability for the most serious crimes, preventing future violations, and making the world safer for everyone.”
3/3
3/3
Great to join the @idpc.bsky.social network members from across the globe - for a strategy briefing before next week's UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs in Vienna.
Watch this space for updates throughout the week!✌️
Watch this space for updates throughout the week!✌️
March 9, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Great to join the @idpc.bsky.social network members from across the globe - for a strategy briefing before next week's UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs in Vienna.
Watch this space for updates throughout the week!✌️
Watch this space for updates throughout the week!✌️
Policy makers from across the political spectrum gathered in Westminster for the launch of Transform's new *High Returns* report this week
Public finance is a language they all understand; legal cannabis tax would bring in over £1bn a year for the Treasury (currently accruing to organised crime)👇
Public finance is a language they all understand; legal cannabis tax would bring in over £1bn a year for the Treasury (currently accruing to organised crime)👇
March 6, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Policy makers from across the political spectrum gathered in Westminster for the launch of Transform's new *High Returns* report this week
Public finance is a language they all understand; legal cannabis tax would bring in over £1bn a year for the Treasury (currently accruing to organised crime)👇
Public finance is a language they all understand; legal cannabis tax would bring in over £1bn a year for the Treasury (currently accruing to organised crime)👇