Today, we talk exclusively to the AFFCO meatworker who spent an hour and a half with a meat hook impaled in his head.

COMMENT: A feeble approach will simply send all the wrong messages to our young people and to our families - that drug use isn't that big a deal.

An international conference at the United Nations headquarters this week is expected to agree that the UN's "war on drugs" is over, and it has failed.

COMMENT: The world's approach to drugs simply isn't effective. The prosecute-and-punish model has had its chance and it doesn't work.

COMMENT: Drugs that do nothing for you up to that point have no redeeming social benefit to my mind. But it's not my business.

COMMENT: The days of cannabis prohibition in New Zealand appear to be coming to an end.

COMMENT: We must replace the criminal justice approach with health interventions, just as they did 15 years ago in Portugal, writes Dr Lance O'Sullivan and Tuari Potiki.

Nearly 390,000 Kiwis are illegal drug users - and if tax was paid on the associated trafficking, the Govt would pull in at least $245m a year.

Some New Zealanders are downright idiots when they drink. From couch burning to drunken brawls to smashing bottles in the streets, writes Jenesa Jeram.

A medical experts group convened by Johns Hopkins University and The Lancet have called for decriminalisation of all non-violent drug use and possession.

Hundreds of state houses are testing positive for methamphetamine contamination, but information on suspected properties shows that could get worse.

COMMENT: Sharapova is an experienced professional. She doped. The more interesting question is: why was meldonium placed on the banned list?

We're supposed to accept there aren't enough resources available to get the police out with their magnifying glasses to track the miscreants down.

Govt aims to let drug be grown for medical or scientific use, but more change is needed, writes Alex Wodak.

George Leaupepe has launched a stinging attack against New Zealand rugby after he says he was left on the scrapheap, broke and battered.

A simple jab could stop cravings for alcohol, cigarettes and junk food, say scientists.

The latest weapons in the police crime fighting arsenal are containers to gather samples from Auckland's wastewater treatment plants.

Hayden Bacon was sentenced to almost 3 years in jail.

Jarrod Gilbert writes: Did we elect idiots or did we elect smart people who have treated the public like idiots?

Some drug advertisement claims pitched at New Zealand doctors offer no supporting evidence, a new study warns.

Toxicology results from the second autopsy performed on Maggie Watson showed traces of chemicals or drugs in her system, her grandfather claims.

Restrictions and regulations which must be complied with just to sell alcohol have spawned entire industries.

Andrew Alderson spoke to two leading figures with contrasting views on possible solutions.

An undercover agent socialised in the VIP lounge at SkyCity casino to gain the confidence of suspected drug dealers.

Former supermarket manager finds a more fulfilling life working to help people.

Although the effects of the party drug ecstasy are transient and may not require medical attention, complications of severe toxicity have occurred, says Leo Schep.

A Wellington emergency doctor says the legalisation of pure MDMA - the main ingredient in recreational drug ecstasy - should be considered.

More than 30 people have been treated at hospitals for bad reactions to what is thought to be a potent synthetic cannabis, in a cluster of cases that have surprised doctors.