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White powder being "cut" with a razor blade, bank notes and a pen knife
Image: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto/picture alliance Image: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto/picture alliance

Cocaine

Cocaine is an illicit, recreational drug, derived from the coca plant. Users typically snort it. But people also smoke a form of cocaine called crack, and inject into the bloodstream. It is highly addictive.

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Reports & Analysis

White powder, symbolizing cocaine, on a dark reflective surface, a pile of the powder, lines of it, and a rolled up bank note

Cocaine vaccine: Could it help drug addicts?

Cocaine vaccine: Could it help drug addicts?

Researchers in Brazil are developing a cocaine vaccine to stop users getting high and prevent addiction to the drug.
ScienceMarch 28, 2024
A small plastic bag filled with a white powder, next to a pile of the same powder, next to a needle, on a black surface

Canadian province decriminalizes hard drugs

Canadian province decriminalizes hard drugs

British Columbia has launched a pilot project to help curb the number of overdoses and reduce stigma around drug use.
HealthFebruary 5, 2023
MDMA pills in many different colours; Ecstasy / Extasy

Everything stopped but illicit drug use

Everything stopped but illicit drug use

Public health bodies have warned since the start of the coronavirus pandemic that illicit drug users are at high risk.
ScienceJune 26, 2020
Cannabis Pflanze Marihuana

Mother Nature's drug lab

Mother Nature's drug lab

Magic mushrooms, opium poppy, angel's trumpet - nature has powerful drugs to offer. Hands off!
ScienceJune 14, 201711 images
France cannabis smoker

Internet, MDMA loom large in new EU Drug Report

Internet, MDMA loom large in new EU Drug Report

European illicit drug use doesn't change fast. Cannabis is still the drug of choice. But one other is making a comeback.
May 31, 2016
14.04.2016 DW Global 3000 Legal Highs

WorldLink: Rethinking the war on drugs

WorldLink: Rethinking the war on drugs

In 1998 the UN General Assembly called on member states to push for a "drug-free world" by 2008. But given that the illegal drugs trade is worth a staggering 380bn euros per year it's no big surprise that the UN’s objective has not been achieved. Worse even. Dangerous new drugs and trends have emerged since then. Time for a different approach?
April 22, 201622:53 min
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