Moore, R and Treble, R and Wood, R and Hudson, S and Lawson, A J and Copeland, C S (2026) Selecting for potency: are drug controls shaping the evolution of illicit drug markets? International Journal of Drug Policy, 158, 105536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105536.
External website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/...
Since the late 2000s, illicit drug markets have been characterised by a seemingly endless succession of highly potent novel psychoactive substances (NPS) (Shafi et al., 2020). This phenomenon is commonly attributed to illicit innovation outpacing drug control systems (Seddon, 2014). Yet the possibility that drug controls may unintentionally promote the emergence of more potent substances – the so-called "potency paradox" – has been recognised for decades (Thornton, 1998). Here, we examine recent UK developments as a contemporary illustration of this longstanding hypothesis...
E Concepts in biomedical areas > Pharmacology and toxicology > Potency / strength
MM-MO Crime and law > Substance related offence > Drug offence > Illegal production of drugs
MM-MO Crime and law > Substance related offence > Drug offence > Illegal distribution of drugs (drug market / dealing)
MM-MO Crime and law > Substance use laws > Drug laws
VA Geographic area > Europe > United Kingdom or Great Britain
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