The Drug Science Podcast

In this episode, Prof Jo Neill and Dr Hannah Thurgur sit down with Dustin Robinson, the visionary founding partner of Mr. Cannabis Law and a co-founder of Mr. Psychedelics Law. These law firms possess the expertise needed to navigate the intricate and strictly regulated realms of cannabis and psychedelics, addressing a wide range of legal and business challenges within these unique industries.Their discussion covers a range of thought-provoking topics, including US drug policy and reform, the intricate relationship between mental health and these substances, issues around integration of indigenous psychedelics into Western medicine, and the challenges surrounding research funding. Mr Cannabis LawMr Psychedelic LawAdventure Capital FirmKetaminePsilocybinMDMADMTPTSDKetamineTelehealthSmall PharmaMAPS MDMA TrialCompass PathwaysDecriminalise NatureThe Beckley Foundation AwaknSupport the Podcast  ★ Support this podcast ★

Recorded live from the launch event of David Nutt's latest book, "Psychedelics: The Revolutionary Drugs That Could Change Your Life – a guide from the expert," in this episode Dr. David Erritzoee and David Nutt engage in a discussion about Psychedelics. During the conversation, David Nutt provides valuable insights into the research that initially ignited his interest in Psychedelics and narrates his career journey from chairing the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to becoming a co-chair of Drug Science. Psychedelics: The revolutionary drugs that could change your life – a guide from the expertSentiaPsilocybinMDMAAntidepressants DepressionLSD DMT AyahuascaAmphetamineNitrous OxideKetamineCannabisEquasy — An overlooked addiction with implications for the current debate on drug harmsAustralia using MDMA and Psilocybin as MedicineSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Mike Jay explores the contents of his latest book titled "Psychonaut," which offers a thought-provoking and unique account of the scientists, writers, artists, and philosophers who engaged in drug exploration to uncover the enigmatic realms of the mind. The podcast delves into the historical perspective of psychedelics, shedding light on the evolving societal perceptions of these substances. Moreover, it seeks to rediscover a forgotten intellectual legacy of drug experimentation that contributed to the development of psychology, the exploration of the unconscious, and the rise of modernism. The High Society book Mescaline BookPsychonauts BookBrave New World BookThe Doors of Perception BookCocaine Papers Sigmund Freud AlcoholCocaineNitrous OxideCannabisLSDAddictionSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Meg Spriggs shares her firsthand experience dealing with the challenges mental health while pursuing her studies in academia. She candidly talks about the difficulties she faced with anorexia and mood disorders which led to her investigating the potential of psilocybin for treating Anorexia Nervosa. During the discussion, Meg reveals the shame she felt was associated with various mental health conditions and the consecutive impact this had on her; emphasising the significance of open communication when it comes to mental health, stressing the need for more dialogue and understanding in both the workforce and academia. Additionally, she underscores the importance of prioritising overall wellbeing within these environments. Anorexia NervosaPsilocybinAntidepressantsBeat Eating Disorder SupportSupport the podcastMeg’s Writing Support Meg’s writing   ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Jo Neill, and Hannah Thurgur are joined by Danny Ahmed, a highly experienced Registered Mental Health Nurse and Integrated Psychotherapist with over two decades of expertise. Together, they delve into a comprehensive discussion on a variety of harm reduction techniques. Throughout the episode, Danny shares his wealth of insights into the complex world of harm reduction. The conversation spans a broad spectrum of topics, including drug consumption rooms, the notion of ‘recovery’ and women who use drugs amongst much more. Danny offers an enlightening look into the multifaceted world of harm reduction. His expertise not only illuminates effective strategies but also underscores the importance of employing compassionate and empathetic approaches when supporting individuals on their path to well-being. Harm reductionNaloxoneMDMAHeroin CocaineAlcoholBenzodiazapinesMethadoneFentanylBuprenorphineSynthetic opioidsOverdose prevention centresRIOTT trials Project ADDERAlcoholics AnonymousPolydrug useNaloxoneOrder NaloxoneBuddyup AppSupport the Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Professr Valerie Curran, discusses the psychological effects of drugs that act on the human brain. Valerie Curren holds the position of Professorial Fellow in the Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program at ACU's Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre. She has an esteemed background as an Emeritus Professor of Psychopharmacology at University College London (UCL), having established the UCL Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit in 1996. Furthermore, she is a founding member of the charity Drug Science and serves as an advisor to the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Drug Policy Reform.Tune in to learn about her latest research into the short- and long-term effects of psychoactive drugs on mental health, cognition, memory and the brain as well as how CBD combined with psychological therapy may aid the treatment of cannabis use disorder.BenzosMDMAAlcoholCannabisCBDTHCKetamineMDMA midweek blues paper – in journal Addiction (mid 90s) Inappropriate benzodiazepine use in elderly patients and its reduction Combined and individual effects of CBD and THC on memoryDavid Nutt and Psilocybin in Australia  Cannabis potencyCBD treating clinical psychosisCBD in treating cannabis use disorderProject 2021Medical cannabis reducing opiate useJon snow takes cannabis Endocannabinoid systemSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Dr. Carol Routledge, a distinguished senior scientist and the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Small Pharma Labs. Dr. Routledge takes us on a journey through her remarkable career path that ultimately led her to work at Small Pharma. With a wealth of experience in both preclinical and clinical settings, she has delved into psychiatric and neurological indications, honing her expertise in understanding and treating mental health disorders.In this conversation, Dr. Carol Routledge draws upon her extensive clinical and psychedelic research background to shed light on the latest developments in DMT research and psychedelic integration therapy. With her profound insights, we explore the potential of these groundbreaking approaches to become formal medicines, revolutionizing the field of mental health treatment.Tune in as Dr. Carol Routledge shares her passion for advancing mental health treatments through innovative research. DMT DepressionSerotoninNor adrenaline Small PharmaChris Timmermann - Human brain effects of DMT assessed via EEG-fMRICMC British technology group (BTG)SSRI Psychedelic experienceAlzheimers research uk  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Peter Hunt discusses the journey which led himself and his wife co-founding Mind Medicine in Australia. Mind Medicine work to alleviate the suffering and suicides caused by mental illness in Australia through expanding the treatment options available to medical practitioners and patients, particularly through the establishment of safe and effective psychedelic-assisted therapies.Delving into the heart of their mission, Peter Hunt explores the groundbreaking potential of psychedelic-assisted treatments in addressing a wide range of mental illnesses. Mind Medicine Australia's commitment to providing accessible and innovative therapies shines through every step of their path.Peter delves into a comprehensive discussion of the recent developments surrounding the rescheduling of Psilocybin in Australia, shedding light on both the obstacles faced and the triumphs achieved throughout the process.Trigger Warning: Sexual assault and rapeMind MedicineMDMAPsilocybinDepressionAlcoholAddictionPTSDChildhood abuseSSRI antidepressantsCovid-19AnorexiaTherapeutic goods administrationAustralia Psilocybin Rescheduling ★ Support this podcast ★

This weeks Podcast features Frédéric Destrebecq and Tadeusz Hawrot as they discuss the latest developments in research and clinical development with psychedelics in Europe.Frédéric Destrebecq is the Executive Director of the European Brain Council (EBC), a non-profit organization based in Brussels, Belgium. The EBC is a network of organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting brain research, raising awareness about brain disorders, and advocating for better policies and funding for brain-related issues at the European level. As the Executive Director, Frédéric Destrebecq leads the organization's efforts in advocating for brain research and policy development, facilitating collaborations, and coordinating initiatives to improve brain health and well-being across Europe.Tadeusz Hawrot is involved in the European federation of neurological associations and the founder and Executive Director of PAREA Science. The Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance (PAREA) is a multistakeholder alliance bringing together organizations representing EU-wide patient advocacy groups, professional organizations, umbrella alliances, psychedelic foundations, and companies active in the field, advocating for implementing safe, effective and accessible psychedelic assisted therapies in Europe.Live Drug Science Podcast Recording in London  PAREA European Brain council European Federation of Neurological Associations The Value of Treatment Project Maps MDMA phase 3 trial Compass Pathways Small Pharma Politico Lancet Horizon MDMA Support the Podcast  ★ Support this podcast ★

This weeks podcast features Rory Lamont, a former professional Rugby Union player, as he discusses his experiences discovering the transformative healing potential of plant medicines such as Iboga and Ayahuasca.During the 2012 Six Nations tournament, while playing for Scotland, Rory suffered a severe leg break that brought his career to an end. Subsequently, he faced a debilitating health crisis that disrupted his life and vitality. As mainstream medicine failed to provide adequate assistance, Rory sought alternative healing methods.  This experience marked a significant shift in his self-awareness and improvement in his overall well-being.  Six Nations: Scotland shock as Rory Lamont suffers broken leg during defeat to France Scottish psychedelic research group Jo Rogan and Aubrey Marcus Podcast Benzos Opioids Psilocybin Ibogaine Iboga ceremony Ayahuasca Psychedelic Integration Ayahuasca Ceremony Link for the drug science event Support the Podcast  ★ Support this podcast ★