We collected data on what we tested, what we found and what people said they were going to do with that information. It is hoped that releasing this will show that this practice has a tangible public health benefit, to show that individuals or groups can help keep themselves, their crew and the people around them safe. […]

The unemployed 22-year-old has been buying chemicals online with money from his mum and plans to provide DIY reagent kits to punters heading to the Canberra leg of Groovin on the weekend. He’s posted a mobile number on his Facebook page and is asking punters who want to test their drugs to contact him in the lead up to the event.…

The arguments supporting pill testing are persuasive and are often made by health and law enforcement advocates with decades of relevant experience. Unfortunately, parliamentary politics is primarily focused on winning the next election. It can also be about threading effective policies through the political maze, while still surviving politically. As European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said recently: “We all know…

With 20 countries already allowing pill testing at music festivals, it’s welcome news that the ACT government is open to a trial later this year. […]

A leading drug expert has slammed the State Government as “cowards” for scotching a Melbourne council’s bid to trial pill-testing machines at popular venues and festivals. […]

Vice President Leni Robredo suggested on Friday that the Philippines look to the example of Portugal, which made the radical decision of decriminalizing drug use in 2001, leading to lower drug-related deaths and declines in drug abuse among its citizens. […]

A prominent pill testing advocate has hit back at claims their proposal to provide the service at Canberra’s upcoming Groovin The Moo music festival was not well formed, saying the ACT government even knew the uniforms staff were going to wear. […]

A groundbreaking report was released last month on the future of drug policy in Australia. The report, Can Australia respond to drugs more effectively and safely? openly acknowledged the failure of Australia’s punitive drug policies and called for a steady path towards decriminalisation. […]

If Congress were to legalize medical marijuana nationwide for medicinal purposes, it could save the Medicaid program $1 billion in prescription drug costs, according to new study published in Health Affairs. […]

Public health experts have been lobbying for a drug-testing program at Canberra music festivals for years. They say the practice, which is mainstream in several other countries, helps protect revellers from bad or dangerous substances that could lead to overdoses. […]