Cultivation of crops deemed illicit

Publications10 April 2024

The political economy of illicit drug crops: forum introduction

Thomson et al. examine coca, opium poppy and cannabis cultivation through the lens of agrarian political economy, drawing attention to key challenges for cultivators posed by synthetics and policy.

Publications1 April 2024

Business as usual? Cannabis legalisation and agrarian change in Zimbabwe

Rusenga et al. explore the inequity experienced by small-scale cannabis farmers engaged in the nascent medical cannabis market and the factors that contribute to its continued illicit cultivation in Zimbabwe.

Blog1 April 2024

As cannabis regulation becomes a reality in Europe, racial justice must be at the centre of our movement’s advocacy

Germany's cannabis reform signals a continental step in the right direction, but it is also a missed opportunity to centre racial justice and social equity

Blog25 January 2024

Cannabis social clubs in Barcelona: A model worth defending

El modelo cooperativo de cultivo de cannabis de Barcelona está siendo atacado, a pesar de la evidencia de su éxito en reducir daños y fomentar el reforzamiento comunitario.

Publications21 December 2023

Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2023: Cultivation, production, and implications

The UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific describes the diverging trends and drivers in the production of opium and heroin in Myanmar and Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR).

Publications19 December 2023

Caring for coca, living with chemicals: Towards ecological harm reduction

Rhodes. et al. shine a light on the criminalised coca trade through the lens of ‘ecological harm reduction’, inviting reflection on practices of care for humans, other living things, and environments, in contexts of structural violence.

News1 December 2023

WHO officially launches procedures for critical review of coca leaf

The WHO undertook to ensure that the review would not be delayed and Bolivia's Vice-resident stressed the importance of a comprehensive process, including due attention to traditional uses.

News27 November 2023

Jamaican cannabis struggles to integrate traditional growers

Jamaica's cannabis regulation must shift course and priorities: from enabling corporate greed and perpetuating racial inequality, to prioritising social equity and reparations.

Events

Beyond prohibition: Unpacking the connection between drug policies and sustainable development priorities

New York / Online

19 September 2023

This side event at the 2023 SDG summit underscores that without a major reframing of the 'world drug problem' and a focus on sustainable development priorities, there is a risk of falling short of achieving the 2030 Agenda.

News30 August 2023

Cannabis is illegal in Nigeria but provides a living for families - Study calls for rethink of drug laws

Cannabis growers rely on the crop as a source of vital income and would welcome the possibility of transitioning into a formal market, without stigma and criminalisation.

Publications30 August 2023

Crisis and opportunity: Unravelling Colombia’s collapsing coca markets

WOLA discusses the coca market crisis in Colombia, exploring its many potential causes and urging authorities to seize the opportunity to provide aid, improved civilian governance and avenues for economic development.

News26 August 2023

India: Punjab politicians renew demand for legalising opium sale, say 'it's part of our culture'

Calls for legal opium trade grow, citing the benefits of a regulated supply for youth and communities.

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