Bluelight (web forum)

Bluelight is a web-forum, research portal, online community, and non-profit organization dedicated to harm reduction in drug use. Its userbase includes current and former substance users, academic researchers, drug policy activists, and mental health advocates. It is believed to be the largest online international drug discussion website in the world. As of February 2024, the website claims over 465,000 registered members.

Bluelight has been utilized by academic researchers as a primary source of data in numerous publications. Researchers also utilize the site to advertise research studies, recruit study participants, and better understand the world of substance use. Research groups and organizations that have partnered with Bluelight to recruit study participants include Imperial College London, Johns Hopkins University, Health Canada, Karlstad University, Curtin University, Macquarie University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, Toronto Metropolitan University (then known as Ryerson University), and MAPS.

Researchers have found that the most common reasons for substance users to visit Bluelight.org and similar online communities are to learn "how to use drugs safely" and "how to help others use drugs safely."

Bluelight does not condemn or condone drug use, but instead advocates educating individuals to make informed decisions, connecting them with local harm reduction services, and providing them with evidence-based harm reduction resources and public safety notices. Bluelight emphasizes "meeting users where they are", and supporting them whether they wish to continue, moderate, or cease their substance use.

In 2022, Bluelight launched an expansion to various social media platforms, most notably establishing a community on the instant messaging platform Discord dedicated to harm reduction, mental health, & peer support. As of February 2024, its Discord community is home to over 7,500 members.