133. Psychedelic Ethics with Dr Edward Jacobs and Sam Bloomfield

Prof Ravi Das is a leading expert in psychopharmacology and cognitive neuroscience, with a career dedicated to understanding and developing innovative treatments for addiction and anxiety disorders. He completed his BSc in Psychology and MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London (UCL), followed by a PhD in Psychopharmacology at the UCL Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit. Prof Das’s research takes a translational and experimental medicine approach, focusing on the mechanisms of memory plasticity and their role in the development of addictive and anxiety disorders. A key area of his work is memory reconsolidation—the process by which established memories become temporarily unstable when retrieved, creating an opportunity to modify maladaptive memories. By targeting these unstable memories, Prof Das explores how drug or behavioral interventions could potentially disrupt the cravings and relapse associated with addiction, the fear underlying anxiety disorders, or the flashbacks experienced in PTSD. In addition to his work on memory reconsolidation, Prof Das is deeply interested in the phenomenology and effects of illicit drug use, as well as the role of cognitive and mindfulness-based strategies in treating substance use disorders. His research bridges the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective, evidence-based treatments for mental health challenges. Prof Celia MorganProf Val CurranProf Sunjeev KambojMemory Research and consolidation Biggest DMT studyPlacebos in psychedelic clinical trials Prof Mitul MehtaPsychedelic gold rush RFK Jr pro-psychedelics FDA reject Lykos decision UNITy screening form Wellcome LeapLSD study Preparation for Psilocybin studyUNITy ★ Support this podcast ★

11 Feb 56min

Tune in to the latest episode of the drug science podcast where we meet with Dr James Morgan, Prof Chris Chandler and Prof Jo Neill, the founders of Street Drugs Discussions (SDD). They discuss the process which led to them founding SDD, a series of webinars featuring experts on drug policy and drugs featuring topics surrounding overdose prevention centres, trafficking, specific substances and more. They reflect on the journey which got them to their current position as well as future hopes for SDD. Further, in this episode, the speakers discuss specific research conducted into long term heroin use and learning theory of addiction.   Street Drugs DiscussionsBuvidal WedinosBarodpsycareDiamorphine assisted treatmentLeapNeil Woods EpisodeNeedle exchangeTrainspottingHeroinCrack cocaineNicotineAlcohol MDMAmorphineDrug Science Community Member ★ Support this podcast ★

29 Jan 55min

A conversation between Prof David Nutt and research scientist Dr Matthew X. Lowe.Dr Matthew X. Lowe PhD is Director of Research for Realm of Caring and Executive Director for Unlimited Sciences, a not-for-profit, observational research organisation with a focus on cannabis and psychedelic use by underrepresented population groups and a toll-free info line providing evidence-based support for anyone using psychedelics.In this episode, they discuss the vital role of observational and longitudinal research when it comes to the medicalisation of cannabis and psychedelics — and the importance for safetyof bringing real-world data into our collective knowledge base.They start with the genesis of Realm of Caring and Unlimited Sciences. Both organisations were conceived following first-hand experience of the banned compounds they research being profoundly medically transformative — inspiring co-founder Heather Jackson to grow related research and make it freely available to all who stand to benefit from such education. The origin stories of the organisations are followed by Dr Lowe’s personal route to his current research role and the roots of his passion for pursuing psychedelic research questions.Their focus then shifts to the present day with a comparison of roadblocks and red tape around researching cannabis and psychedelics in the UK and the US, noting the pioneering role that parents so often play in advocating for research into medicinal cannabis. Next comes a deeper exploration of specific properties of psychedelics that relate to their potential therapeutic applications, including their anti-addictive nature and positive habit-forming potential resulting from the neuroplastic window they potentiate — Unlimited Sciences has conducted the world’s largest naturalistic study on psilocybin use with further papers coming out on these implications.For the remainder of the episode, Prof David Nutt and Dr Matthew Lowe go into specifics on several key projects from Realm of Caring and Unlimited Sciences, including:-       The Realm of Caring Observational Research Registry, being done in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Cannabis Science Laboratory. This ongoing research is an IRB-approved online survey study looking at the effects on a variety of health conditions, in people who do and do not use cannabis. It is open to everyone in the world with internet access.  -       The Cannabis and Health Research Initiative (CHRI), another collaboration between Johns Hopkins and Realm of Caring, examining the patient-level impact of therapeutic cannabis use, through data collection and dissemination — aiming to aid clinical decision making and policymaking. And finally, two ceremonial research projects looking at ayahuasca, foregrounding the role of community and context in ceremonial psychedelic experiences — both exemplifying Unlimited Sciences’ diversification of the evidence base on psychedelics by collecting real world data on underrepresented population groups: -       With subjects who were Arabic-speaking women, a study exploring the psychological benefits of ayahuasca for refugees — with DrugScience collaborator Dr Robin Carhart-Harris.  -       And, currently in data analysis, with first results set to release in 2025, an IRB-approved study about ayahuasca use in the LGBTQIA+ community in collaboration with Costa Rica plant medicine retreat Jungle Gayborhood, with an emphasis on the importance of set and setting being truly safe spaces in the sense of meeting the specific needs of participants involved. Find out more about Dr Matthew X. Lowe and Unlimited Sciences below! Dr Matthew X. Lowe Realm of CaringUnlimited Sciences The Psychedelic Info LineCharlotte’s Web, Charlotte Figi and Realm of CaringRealm of Caring’s research libraryLong-term CBD study (Realm of Caring)Observational Research Registry (Realm of Caring)World’s largest naturalistic study on psilocybin use (Unlimited Sciences)Psychological benefits of ayahuasca for refugees (Unlimited Sciences)Jungle GayborhoodThe LGBTQIA+ study  ★ Support this podcast ★

15 Jan 52min

Tune in to the latest episode of the drug science podcast where Prof Nutt meets with several Drug Science Community members for a session of “Ask David Anything”. Together, they explore questions such as the use of cannabis as a psychoactive substance in psychedelic therapy and the latest developments in regulatory decisions on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.   CannabisTHCCBDMDMAPsilocybinKetamineOxford Ketamine ClinicMike Jay Psychonaughts bookBreathworkPsychedelic Cannabis book Daniel McqueenTreatment resistant depressionPTSDMaps ★ Support this podcast ★

1 Jan 45min

In the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, David Nutt sits down with Zoe Cormier, author of  ‘Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll’. In this episode, Zoe draws upon her two great passions of music and science and how these lead to her interest around Drugs - she discusses the current landscape of drug policy, drawing upon similarities and differences between the UK, Canada, and the US. She shares insight on the political situation in the US, with reference to recent elections and the potential impact this may have on future drug policy.  Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll BookCannabisLSDPsilocybinMDMADMTMDMA for PTSDMAPS CanadaMAPS IncidentSchizophreniaSkunkInuitsDonald TrumpJoe BidenMonty PythonRoald DahlManifest destinyGlastonbury festivalSmall Pharma FibromyalgiaBreaking ConventionSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

18 Des 202448min

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we hear from Andrew Feldmár, a psychotherapist with over 52 years of experience. He discusses his journey into psychotherapy, his departure from mainstream psychiatric and therapeutic practices rooted in the concept of mental illness, and his experiences with LSD. Feldmár also critiques various techniques used in contemporary psychedelic research and offers a fresh perspective based on what he has learnt in his years of experience.  Radical Adventure: An Inquiry into Psychedelic Psychotherapy BookAuschwitz 1956 Hungarian uprisingJon Hopkins Medical SchoolPsycholinguisticsLSDAlcoholPsilocybinFreudTimothy Leary AristotleSupport the Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

4 Des 202445min

In this episode, Prof Neil and Dr Thurgur speak with electronic musician Jon Hopkins. Together, they explore the intersection of music, mental health, and psychedelics. Jon shares his personal journey, from his early love of music to his experiments with electronic sounds as well as discussing how experiences with meditation and psychedelics have profoundly influenced his music, shaping albums like ‘Music for Psychedelic Therapy’ and ‘Ritual’. They delve into the therapeutic potential of music, especially within psychedelic therapy, and reflect on how music can serve as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Find out more about Jon Hopkins and his music below!Jon HopkinsRitual Music For Psychedelic Therapy LinksMercury prizeLeo abrahamsQigong shaking practiceCannabisMdmaMichael pollanMagic mushroomsDMTTM - transcendental meditationPsilocybinTayos cavesShuar tribeAyahuascaMendel kaelan wave pathsEast forestRam dassKetaminePtsdSit around the fireRam dass foundation talksSpotifyThe icarosKetamine therapyPsychedelic therapyDolby atmos formatGlastonbury festCharli xcxColdplayBrat albumKundalini yoga breathing meditationYoga nidraVedic mantra meditationWim hof Become a Drug Science Community MemberBrat albumKundalini yoga breathing meditationYoga nidraVedic mantra meditationWim hof Become a Drug Science Community Member ★ Support this podcast ★

20 Nov 202452min

In this episode, Prof Nutt meets with Prof Alex Stevens, researcher in drug policy, treatment and harm reduction and Gillian Shorter, a researcher into the health and wellbeing of people who use alcohol and drugs. In this episode they discuss harm reduction strategies in the UK. They delve into the root causes of the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and explore the effectiveness of various harm reduction approaches, such as needle exchange programs and drug consumption rooms. The conversation also considers the politics surrounding these strategies and the limitations imposed by the Misuse of Drugs Act.   Drug consumption Rooms BBCDrug Science Enhanced Harm Reduction Working Group Needle ExchangeNaloxoneDrug Consumption Room High Tolerance Housing The Merseyside Model Drug TestingDrug Testing KitsInternational Harm Reduction Association HIV and AIDSOpiate Substitution Therapy Winter Comfort Case Support the Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

6 Nov 202454min