Will Lawn
@willlawn.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer at King's College London IoPPN. I research cannabis, opioids, substance use disorders, adolescent drug use, and reward processing.
@brendadacres.bsky.social @janetdaby.bsky.social
I live on Littlewood, London, SE13 6SD.
Please can you repave and start weeding the pavements on Littlewood and Fordyce Road? The pavements are so cracked and weeds have grown so big that the pavement is unusable for prams and wheelchairs.
Thanks!
I live on Littlewood, London, SE13 6SD.
Please can you repave and start weeding the pavements on Littlewood and Fordyce Road? The pavements are so cracked and weeds have grown so big that the pavement is unusable for prams and wheelchairs.
Thanks!
August 24, 2025 at 10:45 AM
@brendadacres.bsky.social @janetdaby.bsky.social
I live on Littlewood, London, SE13 6SD.
Please can you repave and start weeding the pavements on Littlewood and Fordyce Road? The pavements are so cracked and weeds have grown so big that the pavement is unusable for prams and wheelchairs.
Thanks!
I live on Littlewood, London, SE13 6SD.
Please can you repave and start weeding the pavements on Littlewood and Fordyce Road? The pavements are so cracked and weeds have grown so big that the pavement is unusable for prams and wheelchairs.
Thanks!
We have published our new review 'Recent Innovations to Detect and Intervene to Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths' led by Basak Tas and John Strang.
kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
July 2, 2025 at 10:12 AM
We have published our new review 'Recent Innovations to Detect and Intervene to Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths' led by Basak Tas and John Strang.
kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/pu...
See our 4-year longitudinal CannTeen findings in our pre-print here: osf.io/8hmy9/
Joint first authors: Ayse Doga Lamper and Layla Sadek.
Joint first authors: Ayse Doga Lamper and Layla Sadek.
Four-year trajectories of mental health symptoms in adolescents and adults who do and do not use cannabis
Hosted on the Open Science Framework
osf.io
July 1, 2025 at 8:25 AM
See our 4-year longitudinal CannTeen findings in our pre-print here: osf.io/8hmy9/
Joint first authors: Ayse Doga Lamper and Layla Sadek.
Joint first authors: Ayse Doga Lamper and Layla Sadek.
Pleased to say that I've been awarded a small Impact Acceleration grant to scale up my cannabis education school assemblies and explore their acceptability and short-term impact on early-mid adolescents.
June 30, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Pleased to say that I've been awarded a small Impact Acceleration grant to scale up my cannabis education school assemblies and explore their acceptability and short-term impact on early-mid adolescents.
We analysed data from the KARE trial (n=96) to examine ketamine’s (0.8mg/kg infusion) psychoactive effects in alcohol use disorder and whether they mediate treatment response.
Drug effects were strong and mainly onsistent across 3 infusions, but did not mediate reduced drinking.
osf.io/kbswd
Drug effects were strong and mainly onsistent across 3 infusions, but did not mediate reduced drinking.
osf.io/kbswd
June 27, 2025 at 8:35 AM
We analysed data from the KARE trial (n=96) to examine ketamine’s (0.8mg/kg infusion) psychoactive effects in alcohol use disorder and whether they mediate treatment response.
Drug effects were strong and mainly onsistent across 3 infusions, but did not mediate reduced drinking.
osf.io/kbswd
Drug effects were strong and mainly onsistent across 3 infusions, but did not mediate reduced drinking.
osf.io/kbswd
The London Drugs Commission report on cannabis makes several recommendations which I support. We must (1) deliver research-informed cannabis education to *early* adolescents, (2) offer evidence-based, specialist treatment for CUD to youth and adults. www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...
www.london.gov.uk
June 11, 2025 at 9:10 AM
The London Drugs Commission report on cannabis makes several recommendations which I support. We must (1) deliver research-informed cannabis education to *early* adolescents, (2) offer evidence-based, specialist treatment for CUD to youth and adults. www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...
Enjoyed presenting at #SOBP2025 on a #cannabis symposium organised by @emesekroon.bsky.social & @jcousijn.bsky.social. I presented 4-year longitudinal CannTeen data: teens who quit cannabis have reduced psychotic-like symptoms, and over 4 yrs teens are > sensitive to impact of frequent C use on CUD.
April 24, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Enjoyed presenting at #SOBP2025 on a #cannabis symposium organised by @emesekroon.bsky.social & @jcousijn.bsky.social. I presented 4-year longitudinal CannTeen data: teens who quit cannabis have reduced psychotic-like symptoms, and over 4 yrs teens are > sensitive to impact of frequent C use on CUD.
Reposted by Will Lawn
I've been asked why negative effects might happen in universal school MH interventions, so going to share thoughts here. Short answer is we don't know, but there are multiple (not mutually exclusive) possibilities:
(thread)
(thread)
Important new evidence published today: large-scale DofE trial (N=12,166) found that two universal MH awareness interventions, in secondary schools, led to an *increase* in emotional symptoms at long term (9-12 month) follow up
tinyurl.com/4ffday8y
Thread below
/1
tinyurl.com/4ffday8y
Thread below
/1
February 26, 2025 at 3:12 PM
I've been asked why negative effects might happen in universal school MH interventions, so going to share thoughts here. Short answer is we don't know, but there are multiple (not mutually exclusive) possibilities:
(thread)
(thread)
We need to better understand ketamine use in YP. And we need to improve prevention of and treatment for problem ketamine use. But when you read stories like this www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... you would think all YP are doing k. SDD in YP shows 0.4% 14-yos & 2.5% of 15-yos have used k in past yr.
Generation K: The disturbing rise of ketamine abuse among young people
Increasing numbers of young people are using the drug, experts say. The health impacts can be catastrophic.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 25, 2025 at 10:52 AM
We need to better understand ketamine use in YP. And we need to improve prevention of and treatment for problem ketamine use. But when you read stories like this www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... you would think all YP are doing k. SDD in YP shows 0.4% 14-yos & 2.5% of 15-yos have used k in past yr.
Credit to Dr Basak Tas and Sir John Strang for this important and challenging work which I had the privilege of being involved with. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the lab model of OD. More work needed to really explore impact of dose on respiratory depression @kingsioppn.bsky.social
The degree of respiratory depression caused by diamorphine does not appear to be dose dependent. Open access research by Basak Tas and colleagues @kingsioppn.bsky.social @willlawn.bsky.social https://buff.ly/4jXVDTw
February 15, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Credit to Dr Basak Tas and Sir John Strang for this important and challenging work which I had the privilege of being involved with. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the lab model of OD. More work needed to really explore impact of dose on respiratory depression @kingsioppn.bsky.social
Reposted by Will Lawn
The long-awaited evaluation of Project ADDER is now out, and makes fascinating reading for all with a concern for illicit drug problems in England and Wales. A thread: 1/? ttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/project-adder-impact-evaluation/project-adder-impact-evaluation#key-findings
Project ADDER: Impact evaluation
www.gov.uk
February 13, 2025 at 1:23 PM
The long-awaited evaluation of Project ADDER is now out, and makes fascinating reading for all with a concern for illicit drug problems in England and Wales. A thread: 1/? ttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/project-adder-impact-evaluation/project-adder-impact-evaluation#key-findings
Dr Basak Tas has published her important experimental work investigating the respiratory depressant effects of diamorphine in people with OUD. She increased dose of drug by 10 & 20% and measured respiratory function, in n=4. Honoured to be a part of this work.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
February 11, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Dr Basak Tas has published her important experimental work investigating the respiratory depressant effects of diamorphine in people with OUD. She increased dose of drug by 10 & 20% and measured respiratory function, in n=4. Honoured to be a part of this work.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
🚨New Paper- How does the brain value #cannabis vs. snacks? 🍃🍔 Using fMRI & real purchases, we found strong cannabis value signals in reward regions (vmPFC, ventral striatum, dpCC), but not for snacks. Thanks to PI & lead author
@gillbedi.bsky.social
🔗 Read more: link.springer.com/article/10.1...
@gillbedi.bsky.social
🔗 Read more: link.springer.com/article/10.1...
February 11, 2025 at 8:47 AM
🚨New Paper- How does the brain value #cannabis vs. snacks? 🍃🍔 Using fMRI & real purchases, we found strong cannabis value signals in reward regions (vmPFC, ventral striatum, dpCC), but not for snacks. Thanks to PI & lead author
@gillbedi.bsky.social
🔗 Read more: link.springer.com/article/10.1...
@gillbedi.bsky.social
🔗 Read more: link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Gray et al. (2025) report a well-powered (n=192) clinical trial testing 12 weeks of daily n-acetylcysteine for youth CUD. Prelim research suggested NAC might help youth stay abstinent when trying to quit. No significant difference NAC vs. placebo here.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
February 10, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Gray et al. (2025) report a well-powered (n=192) clinical trial testing 12 weeks of daily n-acetylcysteine for youth CUD. Prelim research suggested NAC might help youth stay abstinent when trying to quit. No significant difference NAC vs. placebo here.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Will Lawn
I am delighted to see @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social in the top 10 in the world for psychology. So much hard work goes into our work, and whilst rankings are not the be-all and end-all, it's a nice way to start 2025.
www.timeshighereducation.com/world-univer...
www.timeshighereducation.com/world-univer...
World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Psychology
Top Psychology school rankings 2025: Leading universities for Psychological Studies Discover the Psychology Rankings results with the definitive Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2025.
www.timeshighereducation.com
January 23, 2025 at 9:35 PM
I am delighted to see @kingscollegelondon.bsky.social in the top 10 in the world for psychology. So much hard work goes into our work, and whilst rankings are not the be-all and end-all, it's a nice way to start 2025.
www.timeshighereducation.com/world-univer...
www.timeshighereducation.com/world-univer...
Thanks to Catch22 and Tracy Scares for inviting me to speak at their Substance Misuse meeting about adolescent cannabis use. I've worked with Catch22, supporting them in their development of new PSHE cannabis education resources, which has been super rewarding.
February 6, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Thanks to Catch22 and Tracy Scares for inviting me to speak at their Substance Misuse meeting about adolescent cannabis use. I've worked with Catch22, supporting them in their development of new PSHE cannabis education resources, which has been super rewarding.
Reposted by Will Lawn
We’re at @wellcometrust.bsky.social for the launch of the Atlas of Longitudinal Datasets - a free online platform that maps longitudinal datasets around the world🌎 @larseneault.bsky.social @mqmentalhealth.bsky.social
🔗https://atlaslongitudinaldatasets.ac.uk/ #AtlasLongitudinalDatasets
🔗https://atlaslongitudinaldatasets.ac.uk/ #AtlasLongitudinalDatasets
January 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
We’re at @wellcometrust.bsky.social for the launch of the Atlas of Longitudinal Datasets - a free online platform that maps longitudinal datasets around the world🌎 @larseneault.bsky.social @mqmentalhealth.bsky.social
🔗https://atlaslongitudinaldatasets.ac.uk/ #AtlasLongitudinalDatasets
🔗https://atlaslongitudinaldatasets.ac.uk/ #AtlasLongitudinalDatasets
Reposted by Will Lawn
Fantastic to see the UK’s first drug consumption room finally open its doors in Glasgow. Congratulations to all those who made this happen. As the experience from more than 200 drug consumption rooms around the world shows, The Thistle will save many lives: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
‘All eyes are on Glasgow’: UK’s first legal drug consumption room ready to open
The Thistle will be available 365 days a year and provide a supervised space where drugs can be injected safely
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Fantastic to see the UK’s first drug consumption room finally open its doors in Glasgow. Congratulations to all those who made this happen. As the experience from more than 200 drug consumption rooms around the world shows, The Thistle will save many lives: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
It was a privilege to exhibit TheDifference's IncludEd25 event, advertising my assemblies and workshops about cannabis to educators from mainstream and alternative provision schools. Everyone's efforts to boost inclusion are inspiring. Great to make such meaningful connections.
January 11, 2025 at 2:25 PM
It was a privilege to exhibit TheDifference's IncludEd25 event, advertising my assemblies and workshops about cannabis to educators from mainstream and alternative provision schools. Everyone's efforts to boost inclusion are inspiring. Great to make such meaningful connections.
Reposted by Will Lawn
New podcast episode with @jamesnicholls.bsky.social
'Culture, politics & drinking'
Please check it out/leave a review etc!
www.buzzsprout.com/1275176/epis...
'Culture, politics & drinking'
Please check it out/leave a review etc!
www.buzzsprout.com/1275176/epis...
Culture, politics & drinking with Dr James Nicholls - The Alcohol 'Problem' Podcast
In this episode we talk to Dr James Nicholls about how drinking came to be such a significant part of many modern cultures. We discuss how alcohol use and problems have evolved over recent centuries, ...
www.buzzsprout.com
January 10, 2025 at 12:39 PM
New podcast episode with @jamesnicholls.bsky.social
'Culture, politics & drinking'
Please check it out/leave a review etc!
www.buzzsprout.com/1275176/epis...
'Culture, politics & drinking'
Please check it out/leave a review etc!
www.buzzsprout.com/1275176/epis...
Great opinion piece from James Nicholls and Geoffrey Hunt. Dismissing the pleasures/benefits that people get from alcohol is naive, over-simplifies debates & ignores important motivations (-> reducing intervention efficacy). This doesn't prevent recognition of huge harms caused by alcohol.
New 'For debate' paper in @addictionjournal.bsky.social in which we ask whether alcohol research needs to take pleasure more seriously. It's an invitation to discuss, so I'd be interested to hear views!
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Taking pleasure seriously: Should alcohol research say more about fun?
Background This paper invites discussion on whether pleasure should receive more attention in public health-oriented research on alcohol. While there is a history of sociological and anthropological...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
January 10, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Great opinion piece from James Nicholls and Geoffrey Hunt. Dismissing the pleasures/benefits that people get from alcohol is naive, over-simplifies debates & ignores important motivations (-> reducing intervention efficacy). This doesn't prevent recognition of huge harms caused by alcohol.
Reposted by Will Lawn
New paper in @deppjournal.bsky.social looking at ethical and political divergences within drug policy reform advocacy through the lens of three key concepts in liberal thought: positive/negative freedom; rational autonomy and social contract
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Liberal moralities and drug policy reform
While debates on drug policy express a range of ethical viewpoints, many are underpinned by core ideas drawn from liberal philosophy. Much recent analysis on the moral principles underpinning drug ...
www.tandfonline.com
November 18, 2024 at 10:12 AM
New paper in @deppjournal.bsky.social looking at ethical and political divergences within drug policy reform advocacy through the lens of three key concepts in liberal thought: positive/negative freedom; rational autonomy and social contract
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
New paper from the icps. People living in legal-cannabis US states and Canada are more likely to seek help for a cannabis problem using a health professional than people living in cannabis-illegal states in the US, who use alternative options www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Help-seeking behaviours among cannabis consumers in Canada and the United States: Findings from the international cannabis policy study
Little literature exists on what sources of help individuals utilize for cannabis-related problems. The current study examined the percentage of consu…
www.sciencedirect.com
January 5, 2025 at 2:54 AM
New paper from the icps. People living in legal-cannabis US states and Canada are more likely to seek help for a cannabis problem using a health professional than people living in cannabis-illegal states in the US, who use alternative options www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The UK advisory council on misuse of drugs has published their SOP on how they say they evaluate harm and class of illegal recreational drugs. I'm sharing thanks to seeing Owen Bowden-Jones's tweet on X.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6777c924…
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6777c924…
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6777c924…
January 3, 2025 at 8:46 PM
The UK advisory council on misuse of drugs has published their SOP on how they say they evaluate harm and class of illegal recreational drugs. I'm sharing thanks to seeing Owen Bowden-Jones's tweet on X.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6777c924…
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6777c924…
Osborne et al. analysed the #ABCD cohort to investigate the relationship between #cannabis use and #psychotic like symptoms in 10-15 year-olds. They found evidence for shared vulnerability and self-medication, & mixed evidence for cannabis contributing to harm (1/6)
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Psychosis Spectrum Symptoms Before and After Adolescent Cannabis Use Initiation
This cohort study assesses associations between cannabis use and psychosis symptoms among adolescents.
jamanetwork.com
December 29, 2024 at 4:34 AM
Osborne et al. analysed the #ABCD cohort to investigate the relationship between #cannabis use and #psychotic like symptoms in 10-15 year-olds. They found evidence for shared vulnerability and self-medication, & mixed evidence for cannabis contributing to harm (1/6)
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...