The Drug Science Podcast

In this week's episode of the Drug Science Podcast, Prof Nutt and Dr Thurgur are joined by Dr Evan Lewis of Numinus! Dr. Evan Lewis is a Paediatric Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist with expertise in epilepsy, epilepsy surgery, electroencephalography (EEG), tele-neurology and medical cannabis for the treatment of neurologic disorders. He is the director of the Neurology Centre of Toronto (NCT) which he established in January 2017. At NCT, Dr. Lewis treats children with a variety of neurological disorders and he also treats adults for concussions, headaches and epilepsy.In addition to this, Dr Lewis is the Vice President of Psychedelic Neurology at Numinus. His research area of interest (and the topic of this podcast episode) is cannabis and psychedelic-related neurology, for the treatment of epilepsy & other neurological conditions and the delivery of novel virtual care models in neurology. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this week’s episode, join Professor David Nutt as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr Alex Wodak, an internationally renowned authority on harm reduction and the esteemed president of the Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation. With a rich background as the former director of the Alcohol and Drug Service at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, Australia, Dr Wodak has been instrumental in pioneering groundbreaking initiatives such as Australia's inaugural needle exchange program and the first-ever Australian medically supervised injecting center in Kings Cross, Sydney.While Dr Wodak's expertise is widely recognised in the realm of drug policy and harm reduction, this podcast episode takes a compelling twist as he delves into a topic of immense global significance—the harm reduction approach to one of the most pervasive and widely used substances: tobacco. With an unwavering focus on promoting public health and minimising the detrimental impact of addictive substances, Dr Wodak shares his profound insights on the subject. Throughout the episode, listeners will have the opportunity to explore the nuances surrounding tobacco consumption. Dr Wodak's analysis sheds light on the complexities that contribute to the enduring prevalence of smoking, despite the well-documented health risks and the availability of potential alternatives. From psychological, sociocultural, and economic factors to the powerful grip of addiction, this thought-provoking conversation delves into the multifaceted reasons why individuals continue to smoke.  Alex WodakHarm reductionRoger WilliamsKaposi's sarcomaNational Institutes of HealthFDAAnthony FauciHarm Reduction InternationalScurvyAndre CalantzopoulosPsychoactive podcastHon LikHeated Tobacco ProductsChina National Tobacco Corporation ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us on this enlightening episode of the Drug Science podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of serotonergic pathways and their potential applications in treating psychiatric disorders and combating inflammation. Our special guest, Charles Nichols, a distinguished professor of pharmacology at LSU New Orleans, shares his groundbreaking research on the psychedelic 5-HT2A serotonin receptor.During our conversation, we explore the intricate relationship between the 5-HT2A receptor and its role in both anti-inflammation and the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Charles Nichols guides us through the mechanisms behind these processes, shedding light on how psychedelics like LSD can play a crucial role in modulating the 5-HT2A receptor.Drawing from his innovative studies, Charles Nichols reveals a surprising avenue of research involving the administration of LSD to depressed fruit flies. We uncover the intriguing results of these experiments and discuss the implications they hold for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying depression and potential treatments.As we venture further into our conversation, we explore the broader implications of Charles Nichols' work, touching on the potential of psychedelics in revolutionizing mental health treatments and redefining our understanding of brain function. We examine the challenges and prospects of translating this research into practical therapies for individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders.Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of the Drug Science podcast to discover the cutting-edge advancements in psychedelic research, and gain a deeper appreciation for the therapeutic potential of serotonergic pathways in treating mental health disorders and combating inflammation. British Association for PsychopharmacologySerotonin 5-HT2a receptorDavid NicholsSerotonin DopamineElaine Sanders-Bush5-HT2C receptorFunctional selectivityPorsolt forced swimming testLSDPsilocybinCocaineMetamphetamineTryptophanCitalopram2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI)TNF-alphaInterleukin 6 (IL6)Stephania CormierTimothy FosterDMTMicroglia ★ Support this podcast ★

Is depression evolutionary? Is inflammation good or bad? Can sleep be bad for you? Tune in to find out.  Depression is a complex and debilitating mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite the prevalence of depression, its causes and origins are still not entirely understood. In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we explore the evolutionary perspective on depression with renowned psychiatrist and researcher, Dr. Charles Raison. Dr. Charles Raison is a psychiatrist and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Emory University. Having moved from the field of anthropology into psychiatry, Dr. Raison is now internationally recognized for his studies examining novel mechanisms involved in the development and treatment of major depression and other stress-related emotional and physical conditions, as well as for his work examining the physical and behavioral effects of compassion training.   The New Mind-Body Science of DepressionAndrew H. Miller  Interferon alphaParoxetine for the prevention of depression induced by high-dose interferon alfaInfliximab Tumor necrosis factorA randomized controlled trial of the tumor necrosis factor antagonist infliximab for treatment-resistant depression: the role of baseline inflammatory biomarkersAntidepressant treatment resistance is associated with increased inflammatory markers in patients with major depressive disorderBurning down the house: reinventing drug discovery in psychiatry for the development of targeted therapies CRP Interleukin 6 (IL-6)Interleukin 1 betaWim HofPivotal mental statesUsona InstituteCOMPASS PathwaysCentre for Psychedelics and Spirituality Psilocybin MAPSMDMATrial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression5-MeO-DMTSleeping with one eye open: loneliness and sleep quality in young adults ★ Support this podcast ★

Are you curious about the impact of drug policies on marginalized communities? Then tune in to this week's episode of our podcast! Our guest, Kassandra Frederique, the Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, joins Dr. Hannah Thurgur to discuss the impact of drug policies on Black, Latino, Indigenous, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities. You'll also discover how the Drug Policy Alliance is working to build alternatives grounded in justice and equity. Join us to explore how we can end the war on drugs not just in the US, but worldwide. Listen now!Through innovative campaigns on policing, overdose crises, and marijuana legalization, Kassandra has been fighting for justice and equity in drug policies. Her work lies at the intersection of science, compassion, health, and human rights. With her guidance, the Drug Policy Alliance has been mobilizing cities to rethink their approach to drug policy from the ground up. Rudy Giuliani  Lindesmith Center Supervised Consumption Centers in New York Transform Drug Policy Foundation Release Regulating Right, Repairing Wrongs: Exploring Equity and Social Justice Initiatives within UK Cannabis Reform Scottish overdose prevention service Methadone Narcan ★ Support this podcast ★

T21 (formerly Project Twenty21) is a pioneering medical cannabis registry launched in the United Kingdom in 2019. It aims to create the UK's largest body of evidence for the effectiveness and tolerability of medical cannabis in treating a range of conditions.T21 focuses on patients with conditions that can be treated with medical cannabis such as chronic pain, anxiety conditions, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Tourette's syndrome, and substance use disorder. A list of conditions that qualify for medical cannabis treatment can be found here. The registry provides patients with access to discounted medical cannabis from licensed producers and clinicians who have undergone training in the use of medical cannabis while collecting data to strengthen the evidence base The project is seen as a significant step forward in promoting research into the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, and in improving patient access to this treatment option in the UK.In this very special episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we will be joined by three members of the Drug Science team: David Badcock – Chief Executive Officer of Drug ScienceProf Michael Lynskey – Chief Research OfficerAlkyoni Athanasiou-Fragkouli – Research Officer for T21  *Please note that in this episode we make reference to a medical cannabis legal document that will be provided in the shownotes, this document is VERY close to being finished but it needs a few last-minute reviews to ensure that all of the information is 100% accurate, we appreciate your patience. Meet the presenters!Find out more about T21  David Nutt >< David Badcock Hepatitis C project T21 latest data & data nuggetsT21 publications: ·         Medication sparing after medical cannabis initiation: A case study of a chronic pain patient in Project Twenty21·         Developing a real-world evidence base for prescribed cannabis in the United Kingdom: preliminary findings from Project Twenty21·         Characteristics of People Seeking Prescribed Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Evidence From Project Twenty 21·         The value of real world evidence: The case of medical cannabis·         Preliminary findings from project Twenty21 Australia: An observational study of patients prescribed medicinal Cannabis for chronic pain, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder and multiple sclerosis  ★ Support this podcast ★

Are you curious about the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy? Tune in to this week's episode of our podcast, where we have a fascinating conversation with Dr. Graham Campbell, a renowned consultant psychiatrist and researcher in the field.Drawing from his extensive experience in both psychedelic research and clinical work, Dr. Campbell shares his insights on a range of topics. Discover his thoughts on the possibility of introducing psychedelic treatments by the NHS, the differences between magic mushrooms and DMT in the treatment of depression, and the crucial role of music in a psychedelic journey.Join us for an engaging and informative discussion on the cutting-edge of psychedelic-assisted therapy, with one of the leading experts in the field. Don't miss out - listen to our latest episode now!Listen to Graham's music here! Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Small Pharma DMT Ketamine Intranasal Esketamine (SpravatoTM) for Use in Treatment-Resistant Depression In Conjunction With an Oral Antidepressant Schizophrenia Bipolar disorder Schizoaffective disorder Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression Rosalind Watts Michelle Baker Jones Roberta Murphy  Jonny Martell Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner Psilocybin Institute of Psychedelic Therapy The Readiness of Psychiatrists to Implement Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Ayahuasca Monoamine oxidase inhibitor Serotonin  The ACE Model The hidden therapist: evidence for a central role of music in psychedelic therapy Max Cooper Music and the Mind by Anthony Storr Mind Foundation Maria Papaspyrou ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to season 4 of the Drug Science Podcast! In this episode, we're introducing our new hosts: Professor Jo Neill and Dr Hannah Thurgur!  Jo Neill is a professor of psychopharmacology at the University of Manchester and the chair of the Medical Psychedelics Working Group of Drug Science. Following years of clinical and scientific experience, Jo decided to focus on spreading knowledge about the use of psychedelic medicines to tackle the mental health crisis head-on! Hannah Thurgur is a doctor of neuroscience. After finishing her studies her research focus shifted from the lab to working with patients in clinical trials involving medical cannabis and psychedelics. She is the study coordinator for the Drug Science Long Covid study which aims to test a high cannabidiol (CBD) containing medical cannabis oil to see if it can improve the symptoms of this challenging condition. Tune in to meet Jo and Hannah and hear about the upcoming events, podcasts, and plans for Drug Science! ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we present you with part 2 of the podcast recorded live at the book launch of 'Drug Science and British Drug Policy’. We’re going to hear panel discussions on the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and different approaches to drug policy with co-authors of the book. This time, professor David Nutt will talk with Niamh Eastwood (Release), Steve Rolles (Transform drug policy foundation), and Cara Lavan (Anyone’s Child).   Naloxone Sentia GABA SpiritThe Numbers in Black And White: Ethnic Disparities In The Policing And Prosecution Of Drug Offences In England And WalesDrugs, Crime and Public Health: The Political Economy of Drug PolicyThe LoopLewisham Diversion SchemeUtrecht MDMA shopLegal Regulation of Drugs in ColombiaSynthetic cannabinoidsThe House I Live InCrack cocaineStrip search Stop and search  ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we present you with a podcast recorded live at the book launch of ‚Drug Science and British drug policy’. We’re going to hear panel discussions on the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and different approaches to drug policy with co-authors of the book. In part 1 professor David Nutt will talk with Prof Alex Stevens (Professor in Criminal Justice), Prof Val Curran (Professor of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology), and Roz Gittins (Director of Pharmacy). Tune in to hear about 50 years of failed drug policy, and what you can do to influence change. Drug Science and British Drug Policy: Critical Analysis of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971Misuse of Drugs Act 1971Sentia GABA SpiritProfessor Alex StevensAdvisory Council on the Misuse of DrugsEcstasy (MDMA)‚Drug policy ratchet’CannabinoidTetrahydrocannabinol (THC)Harm reduction The Drugtakers. The Social Meaning of Drug Use by Jock YoungOverdose prevention centre (OPC)Foil for harm reductionBaroness Wootton of AbingerDame Carol BlackControlled Drug ClassesRonnie CowanNational Institute of Drug AbuseDrug Science Student Society NetworkHeroinNaloxoneHuman psychobiology of MDMA or 'Ecstasy': an overview of 25 years of empirical research by Andrew Parrott George Ricaurte MDMA Research Controversy Nitrous oxideSadiq Khan plans pilot to ‘decriminalise’ minor cannabis offences in LondonIntranasal Naloxone Khat ★ Support this podcast ★