Mafalda Pardal

An analysis of media framing of and by Cannabis Social Clubs in Belgium: making the news?

Abstract Aims: Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) are non-profit organizations that supply cannabis among their adult members. The goal of this paper is twofold: (1) to understand how Belgian CSCs have attempted to frame public debate through the media, and (2) to examine the ways in which the Belgian CSCs have been framed by that same domestic print media. Methods: We draw on semi-structured interviews with 15 CSC directors and a qualitative content analysis of Belgian print media (2006–2016), including 164 media articles. This dataset is complemented by a review of various Belgian CSCs’ internal documents. Findings: Most Belgian CSCs engaged with the domestic media. While the framing of the CSC model often focussed on legal issues, the news articles offered also some detail on CSCs’ functioning, in line with their self-defined practices. We noted a subtle shift in the framing over time. Conclusions: CSCs’ efforts in engaging with the media seem to have been somewhat successful, as they were able to contribute to the news production about the model. The media reporting was also generally less biased than previously anticipated. However, a public or political debate on the CSC model does not seem to have yet been initiated in Belgium.

The Belgian Cannabis Social Club landscape

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to map the presence of the Cannabis Social Club (CSC) model in Belgium since its emergence in the country and to analyze the inter-organizational relations among CSCs and between the CSCs and other supportive actors engaged in the wider cannabis movement. Design/methodology/approach This analysis draws on qualitative interviews (n=42) with directors of seven currently active and one former Belgian CSC(s), as well as with organizations or individuals reportedly collaborating with the Belgian CSCs. That data are complemented by fieldwork observations and a review of CSC internal documents. Findings Despite an uninterrupted presence in the country over the last decade, CSC presence in Belgium remains rather volatile and vulnerable to external control pressure. The CSC landscape is a somewhat segmented field as cooperation among CSCs remains limited. At the same time, the support base for the movement is diverse, encompassing different types of secondary organizations ranging from national and international advocacy groups, to cannabis industry entrepreneurs and other consultants. Originality/value This paper contributes to the yet limited body of knowledge on CSCs, by providing a first comprehensive overview of the presence of CSCs in one of the key settings associated with the model, by shedding light into the interplay between CSCs, and between other organizations supportive of the cannabis movement.

The supply of cannabis for medical use through Cannabis Social Clubs in Belgium

Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) are nonprofit associations of adult cannabis users, which collectively organize the supply of cannabis among their members. As CSCs currently also serve members using cannabis for medical purposes, this article aims to detail the particular features of Belgian CSCs as suppliers of cannabis for medical use, and how those are perceived by CSC members. In this article, we draw on data gathered through interviews with the managing staff (n = 21) of seven currently active Belgian CSCs. In addition, we conducted interviews (n = 21) and an online survey (n = 80) with members of Belgian CSCs using cannabis for medical reasons. We present Belgian CSCs’ practices building on an adapted version of the health services analytical framework proposed by Belle-Isle et al. This article thus provides a first overview of the features of Belgian CSCs as suppliers of cannabis for medical use as well as members’ perceptions. Structural differences emerged as to how the Belgian CSCs have accommodated medical members’ needs (in mixed CSCs where no formal distinction is made between recreational and medical members, in a separate CSC subunit or in a CSC admitting medical members only). Candidate medical members must fulfill specific criteria, particularly when applying for the medical units. The CSCs have adopted two different types of distribution methods, and the cannabis supplied is produced organically—systematic quality control is, however, lacking. We noted some flexibility in relation to frequency and quantity distributed to medical members. Affordability was positively appreciated by CSC members. Collaboration between CSCs and the health sector remains challenging. Some degree of diversity in practices among CSCs remains, as well as common issues which continue to affect the model in Belgium and are important in understanding the role and potential of CSCs as providers of cannabis for medical use.

Cannabis Use and Supply Patterns Among Belgian Cannabis Social Club Members

Cannabis Social Clubs (CSCs) constitute a noncommercial model for the supply of cannabis among registered, adults users, which is present in several countries—including in Belgium. This analysis provides a first descriptive examination of a sample of Belgian CSC members’ patterns of use and supply, as well as their sociodemographic features. According to a new voluntary survey of 190 Belgian CSC members, more than three quarters are male, Belgian, and more than half work full- or part-time. About 44% of respondents have completed university studies. Securing cannabis was the primary reason to adhere to a CSC, and most are (near-)daily users. Our results revealed that the CSC was the sole supplier for most respondents of cannabis-producing CSCs, who obtained almost exclusively (dried) herbal cannabis. The presence of (self-declared) medical users in our sample is noteworthy. This analysis advances our knowledge of the segment of the market served by this noncommercial model.

Using Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements to manage and supervise terrorist offenders: Findings from an exploratory study

The research aimed to identify priorities for further attention by policymakers and researchers looking at the effectiveness of post-release supervision of terrorist offenders under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).