Power, morality and policy: a comparative analysis of approaches to novel psychoactive substances in Britain and Poland

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Purpose

Comparative policy analysis has become a popular tool for comparing policy developments and outcomes in different contexts. This paper compares policy responses to novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in two cases, Poland and Britain.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on frameworks from Habermas, Stevens and Zampini, this paper compares NPS policy developments in both countries, focusing on the roles of morality and power. The analysis is based on 33 qualitative interviews with senior police officers, academics, ministers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) workers and other relevant stakeholders.

Findings

The analysis shows a clash between actors and organisations with contrasting normative understandings of NPS in Poland and Britain, including those who favoured prohibition and those who sought to use the NPS “crisis” as an opportunity to reform existing drug policies. Most notably, it shows differences in how power was deployed in each case, with Polish stakeholders tending to use institutional and legal power in a more open and direct way.

Originality/value

This paper shows that the more mediated and “covert” use of power in Britain may be partly shaped by longer traditions of the public sphere and democratic governance.

Cannabis marketing in Canada and the USA, a scoping review

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Purpose

This scoping review aims to synthesize existing literature on cannabis marketing in these regions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search strategy was used using ProQuest Search Services and Web of Science, yielding 52 relevant studies after screening.

Findings

The reviewed articles documented the marketing practices of cannabis advertisers, including billboards, discounts and social media advertising. In some cases, regulatory violations were observed, including making false health claims, providing incentives and perceived targeting of youth.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to the period and geography (Canada and the USA) where cannabis sales have been decriminalized or legalized.

Practical implications

This paper develops an inventory of existing research on cannabis marketing. It provides a summary of the existing literature that researchers can further build on to develop new literature on cannabis marketing.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only literature review on cannabis marketing in Canada and the USA, and it is a significant study for those seeking to understand the marketing practices of cannabis retailers.

Drugs, Habits and Social Policy advanceAccess

Power, morality and policy: a comparative analysis of approaches to novel psychoactive substances in Britain and Poland

Cannabis marketing in Canada and the USA, a scoping review