The Drug Science Podcast

In this episode, David Nutt meets with Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the Independent and Evening Standard newspaper. Lebedev shares his transformative journey during his first Ayahuasca ceremony in Costa Rica. Throughout the episode, Lebedev not only shares insight into the ceremony's practices but also describes each personal ayahuasca experience and the themes that tied them together. He highlights his revelations resulting from the ceremony and they discuss the potential of psychedelics within healing practices. 

Ayahuasca

Psilocybin

LSD

DMT

Small Pharma

Medical Cannabis

Vietnam hippies

OCD

Depression

Dr Gabor Mate

Support the podcast

In the last episode of our live series, David meets with Sorcha as she explains her ongoing research into using low dose psilocybin in treating OCD. She discusses the pre-existing treatment paradigms for OCD and highlights the potential benefits of Psilocybin assisted psychotherapy in future treatment. She overviews her current study and the theories behind it. 

Schizophrenia

OCD

Psilocybin

SSRI              

Neuroplasticity

The Mushroom Cure

Support the Podcast

Tomasso discusses his journey on how he became interested in neuroscience and how that lead to him becoming involved with the UK's leading Psychedelic Research Centre. He discusses the potential of psychedelics in promoting positive sexual wellbeing and healthy relationships. He discusses research into the advantages of using psilocybin as an alternative to SSRI’s as well as the potential uses of MDMA in promoting communication within relationships.  

DMT

5-MEO DMT

Psilocybin

MDMA

MAPS

Treatment resistant PTSD

Oxytocin

Support the Podcast

David talks to Hannah, a 3rd year PhD student as she discusses her research into using psychedelics to treat eating disorders. She highlights how following personal experiences she came to find current treatment methods for anorexia were not sufficient and instead began conducting her own research with Imperial College London to investigate psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to treat eating disorders. Hannah explains the theories underlying this research as well as the neuroplasticity following from psilocybin which may increase its effectiveness in mental health treatment

Anorexia

Eating disorder 

Serotonin

ayahuasca

Psilocybin

Neuroplasticity

Become a Drug Science Community Member

In the first of our LIVE Psilocybin Series, David Nutt speaks to Rayyan Zafar a final year PhD student at Imperial College London.  Rayyan discusses his interest of the connection between the mind and the brain and how it led to his research into using psychedelics to treat addiction. Rayyan delves into various behavioural and neurochemical theories into why dependency occurs and highlights neuroimaging studies which indicate these varied reactions. He further goes on to discuss his current research in using psychedelics to treat addiction and why this treatment is proven to be so successful.

Addiction

MDMA

Cocaine

LSD

Psilocybin 

Ketamine

Neurotransmitters

Dopamine

Compass Pathways

Bill Wilson AA Psychedelics

Become a drug science community member

In this episode, Josh Hardman, the founder of Psychedelic Alpha, explores the multitude of challenges currently being encountered by the psychedelic industry. He engages in discussions regarding the progress of decriminalisation and legalisation initiatives, upcoming clinical trial milestones, and delves into the current state and the potential evolution of the Psychedelic industry.

Psychedelic Alpha

MDMA

Psilocybin

GHB

Cannabis

DMT

Psychoplastogens

MAPS

COMPASS Pathways

NICE

Oregon Psilocybin Services

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 Law

Mr Psychedelic Law

Adventure Capital Firm

Ketamine

Psilocybin

MDMA

DMT

PTSD

Ketamine

Telehealth

Small Pharma

MAPS MDMA Trial

Compass Pathways

Decriminalise Nature

The Beckley Foundation 

Awakn

Support the 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 expert

Sentia

Psilocybin

MDMA

Antidepressants 

Depression

LSD 

DMT 

Ayahuasca

Amphetamine

Nitrous Oxide

Ketamine

Cannabis

Equasy — An overlooked addiction with implications for the current debate on drug harms

Australia using MDMA and Psilocybin as Medicine

Support the 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 Book

Psychonauts Book

Brave New World Book

The Doors of Perception Book

Cocaine Papers Sigmund Freud 

Alcohol

Cocaine

Nitrous Oxide

Cannabis

LSD

Addiction

Support the 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 Nervosa

Psilocybin

Antidepressants

Beat Eating Disorder Support

Support the podcast

Meg’s Writing 

Support Meg’s writing  

In this episode, Jo Neil, and Hannah Thurger 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 reduction

Naloxone

MDMA

Heroin 

Cocaine

Alcohol

Benzodiazapines

Methadone

Fentanyl

Buprenorphine

Synthetic opioids

Overdose prevention centres

RIOTT trials 

Project ADDER

Alcoholics Anonymous

Polydrug use

Naloxone

Order Naloxone

Buddyup App

Support the 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.

Benzos

MDMA

Alcohol

Cannabis

CBD

THC

Ketamine

MDMA 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 memory

David Nutt and Psilocybin in Australia  

Cannabis potency

CBD treating clinical psychosis

CBD in treating cannabis use disorder

Project 2021

Medical cannabis reducing opiate use

Jon snow takes cannabis 

Endocannabinoid system

Support the 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 

Depression

Serotonin

Nor adrenaline 

Small Pharma

Chris Timmermann - Human brain effects of DMT assessed via EEG-fMRI

CMC 

British technology group (BTG)

SSRI 

Psychedelic experience

Alzheimers research uk 

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 rape

Mind Medicine

MDMA

Psilocybin

Depression

Alcohol

Addiction

PTSD

Childhood abuse

SSRI antidepressants

Covid-19

Anorexia

Therapeutic goods administration

Australia Psilocybin Rescheduling

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 

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 

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.

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 Wodak

Harm reduction

Roger Williams

Kaposi's sarcoma

National Institutes of Health

FDA

Anthony Fauci

Harm Reduction International

Scurvy

Andre Calantzopoulos

Psychoactive podcast

Hon Lik

Heated Tobacco Products

China National Tobacco Corporation

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 Psychopharmacology

Serotonin 5-HT2a receptor

David Nichols

Serotonin 

Dopamine

Elaine Sanders-Bush

5-HT2C receptor

Functional selectivity

Porsolt forced swimming test

LSD

Psilocybin

Cocaine

Metamphetamine

Tryptophan

Citalopram

2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI)

TNF-alpha

Interleukin 6 (IL6)

Stephania Cormier

Timothy Foster

DMT

Microglia

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 Depression

Andrew H. Miller  

Interferon alpha

Paroxetine for the prevention of depression induced by high-dose interferon alfa

Infliximab 

Tumor necrosis factor

A randomized controlled trial of the tumor necrosis factor antagonist infliximab for treatment-resistant depression: the role of baseline inflammatory biomarkers

Antidepressant treatment resistance is associated with increased inflammatory markers in patients with major depressive disorder

Burning down the house: reinventing drug discovery in psychiatry for the development of targeted therapies 

CRP 

Interleukin 6 (IL-6)

Interleukin 1 beta

Wim Hof

Pivotal mental states

Usona Institute

COMPASS Pathways

Centre for Psychedelics and Spirituality 

Psilocybin 

MAPS

MDMA

Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression

5-MeO-DMT

Sleeping with one eye open: loneliness and sleep quality in young adults