Ross Bell
Support and criticism for misuse of drugs bill at select committee
A select committee has heard the intent of a bill to reclassify synthetic cannabinoids is supported but the bill could unintentionally affect prosecutions Audio
Support and criticism for misuse of drugs bill at select committee
A select committee has heard the intent of a bill to reclassify synthetic cannabinoids is supported but the bill could unintentionally affect prosecutions
AudioHealth-based approach to synthetic cannabis welcomed
Organisations working with people addicted to synthetic cannabis are backing the Government's plan to take a less punitive and more health-based approach towards them. Over the past year more than… Audio
Synthetic drug reform
The changes announced today focus on a health approach for the users of synthetic drugs, instructing police to consider treatment instead of prosecution. Audio
Weighing up approaches to decriminalising drugs
While Portugal's approach to decriminalising drugs may have worked, New Zealand faces a very different set of circumstances, an academic says. Video, Audio
Sally Casswell, Ross Bell discuss mental health, alcohol
This week's Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction has singled out alcohol as a major problem. The panel suggested raising the minimum age for buying alcohol and increasing the price through more… Audio
Housing NZ issues apology, promises compensation
Housing New Zealand has today apologised to the tenants wrongly kicked out of their meth-tested homes ... they say 800 tenancies were involved... which according to Housing New Zealand's own averages… Audio
Synthetic drug deaths 'appalling' - Ross Bell
There has been a dramatic spike in the number of people dying from synthetic cannabis. Provisional figures from the coroner show between 40 and 45 people died in the year to June, compared to just two… Video, Audio
Bringing the big meth myth mess to light
Red flags were raised in the media about meth-testing houses, but it didn't stop the evictions, unnecessary repairs and the growth of an unregulated industry that made millions of dollars. How come?
…Bringing the big meth myth mess to light
Red flags were raised in the media about meth-testing houses, but it didn't stop the evictions, unnecessary repairs and the growth of an unregulated industry that made millions of dollars. How come?
… AudioNervous wait for tenants over meth compensation
People who've been needlessly booted out of state houses due to meth hysteria now face a nervous wait to find out if they'll get any compensation. Lawyers are struggling to find any legal options for… Audio
Govt points finger at Tonga over meth destined for NZ
The government has pointed the finger at Tonga saying it is a key transit route for methamphetamine and other drugs coming to New Zealand. Political reporter Benedict Collins reports. Video, Audio
Meth use advice at Massey school: Drug Foundation responds
The Drug Foundation is backing an Auckland school which is under fire for issuing pamphlets to students which describe how to safely use methamphetamine. A new study out today says New Zealand is… Audio
NZ's meth epidemic: Addiction services struggling to cope
RNZ has launched Broken Bad - an in-depth investigation into New Zealand's meth problem. In just a couple of decades the drug has become endemic - a recent survey of users found meth was easier to get… Audio
Outspoken - Medicinal Cannabis
In this outspoken, the Government wants to introduce a market for medicinal cannabis - our political reporter Benedict Collins speaks to several people about this including the former Associate health… Audio
KiwiRail cracks down on worker drug use, experts doubt success
KiwiRail is doubling its drug testing regime from next month. It comes after a railway official who tested positive for methamphetamine put workers at risk on the main trunk line. Audio
Drug Foundation concerns about testing
The Drug Foundation has raised concerns about the National Party policy on young beneficiaries being drug tested. The $72 million four-year plan to increase support for unemployed young people was… Audio
Beneficiary drug crackdown could push users to meth
The Drug Foundation says cracking down on young beneficiaries who use drugs, could push them from cannabis onto methamphetamine because it's harder to detect. The National Party yesterday announced a… Audio
Illicit drugs not as advertised
New research suggests music festival goers doing drugs are actually taking something much worse than they thought. The executive director of the Drug Foundation, Ross Bell, says he thought it would be… Audio
Insight: Medical Marijuana - Life in the Waiting Room
Demand for medical cannabis is growing, Teresa Cowie investigates how patients are coping with living in an 'illegal limbo' Audio
