Doug Johnson

Doug is a writer, editor and journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, Undark Magazine, New Scientist and Hakai, among others. He lives in Alberta, Canada.

Many People Left to Make Their Own Stimulant Pipes and Face the Risks

Across the globe, people who use stimulants have devised creative, sometimes ingenious, smoking tools. Often used to heat up and…

September 27, 2023

Opioid Settlement Funds: Will “Once-in-a-Generation” Chance Be Wasted?

As opioid settlement dollars start rolling into jurisdictions across the United States, debate has intensified around how they should be…

September 11, 2023

The Chronic Challenge of Burnout Among Harm Reduction Workers

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the midst of the overdose crisis, many harm reduction workers are…

March 20, 2023

Kentucky Takes Steps Toward Decriminalizing Fentanyl Test Strips

A bipartisan bill in Kentucky would decriminalize fentanyl test strips. In early March, House Bill 353, introduced by Rep. Kimberly…

March 10, 2023

Spread Across Cities, Could Fire Stations Host Safe Consumption Sites?

There are 41 fire stations spread across Calgary, Alberta. To a group of University of Calgary medical students, they represent…

March 7, 2023

The Case for Prohibition—and Its Violence—as UN Rights Breach

It’s well documented that banning drugs leads to violence. But a new paper, published in the International Journal of Drug…

February 27, 2023

“Regressive Thinking” Ends Syringe, Pipe Distribution at Edmonton Transit Stations

Until recently, Boyle Street Community Services staff had been handing out various harm reduction tools to people who wanted and…

February 21, 2023

Inherent Problems With Post-Incarceration Services for Drug Users

Social service programs have a long way to go to build trust with people who use drugs who have been…

February 15, 2023

Project to Set Up 100 Harm Reduction “Vending Machines” Across Canada

Vending machines are increasingly being deployed to distribute harm reduction supplies in North America. As Filter has reported, they’re being…

February 6, 2023

As Decriminalization Begins in British Columbia, Activists Watch Warily

British Columbia has officially become the first first province in Canada to decriminalize possession of small quantities of opioids, cocaine,…

January 31, 2023