Drug Science
@drugscience.bsky.social
Drug Science is the UK's leading independent scientific body on drugs - guiding evidence-based drug policy and drug research. Please donate to support our work.
www.drugscience.org.uk
www.drugscience.org.uk
As psychedelic interest grows, so do its ecological implications.
We spoke to Dr Anya Ermakova and Dr Sam Gandy about how rising demand and psychedelic tourism may be threatening the very plants and animals at the heart of psychedelic practices.
drugscience.org.uk/p...
We spoke to Dr Anya Ermakova and Dr Sam Gandy about how rising demand and psychedelic tourism may be threatening the very plants and animals at the heart of psychedelic practices.
drugscience.org.uk/p...
Psychedelic species under threat: Are psychoactive plants and toads facing a conservation crisis ?
Psychedelic tourism and growing demand surrounding species of psychoactive plants and toads might be posing a threat to their survival.
www.drugscience.org.uk
December 12, 2025 at 12:46 PM
As psychedelic interest grows, so do its ecological implications.
We spoke to Dr Anya Ermakova and Dr Sam Gandy about how rising demand and psychedelic tourism may be threatening the very plants and animals at the heart of psychedelic practices.
drugscience.org.uk/p...
We spoke to Dr Anya Ermakova and Dr Sam Gandy about how rising demand and psychedelic tourism may be threatening the very plants and animals at the heart of psychedelic practices.
drugscience.org.uk/p...
Lab research with animals often raises eyebrows, but little is publicly understood about how it supports modern science.
Prof Emma Robinson takes us inside this world, confronting common myths and explaining its role in mental health research.
🎧 drugscience.org.uk/p...
Prof Emma Robinson takes us inside this world, confronting common myths and explaining its role in mental health research.
🎧 drugscience.org.uk/p...
December 12, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Lab research with animals often raises eyebrows, but little is publicly understood about how it supports modern science.
Prof Emma Robinson takes us inside this world, confronting common myths and explaining its role in mental health research.
🎧 drugscience.org.uk/p...
Prof Emma Robinson takes us inside this world, confronting common myths and explaining its role in mental health research.
🎧 drugscience.org.uk/p...
Psychedelics are moving fast. Our theories and ethics need to keep up.
A new framework challenges the biopsychic model dominating current research by expanding what “set and setting” means in both clinical and community contexts.
Read now in DSPL📖
drugscience.org.uk/s...
A new framework challenges the biopsychic model dominating current research by expanding what “set and setting” means in both clinical and community contexts.
Read now in DSPL📖
drugscience.org.uk/s...
The medical sociological and social epidemiological psychedelics paradigm (MSSEPP)
Although psychedelics have shown therapeutic potential in treating conditions such as depression, PTSD, and addiction, concerns remain regarding ethical practices, participant diversity, and the structural limitations of prevailing theoretical frameworks.
www.drugscience.org.uk
December 10, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Psychedelics are moving fast. Our theories and ethics need to keep up.
A new framework challenges the biopsychic model dominating current research by expanding what “set and setting” means in both clinical and community contexts.
Read now in DSPL📖
drugscience.org.uk/s...
A new framework challenges the biopsychic model dominating current research by expanding what “set and setting” means in both clinical and community contexts.
Read now in DSPL📖
drugscience.org.uk/s...
Buzzing from an incredible day at PSYCH Symposium. Amazing to bring together a community so passionate about advancing psychedelic medicine — the energy in the room truly reflected the momentum driving the field forward.
Huge thanks to everyone who made it such a success ✨
Huge thanks to everyone who made it such a success ✨
December 5, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Buzzing from an incredible day at PSYCH Symposium. Amazing to bring together a community so passionate about advancing psychedelic medicine — the energy in the room truly reflected the momentum driving the field forward.
Huge thanks to everyone who made it such a success ✨
Huge thanks to everyone who made it such a success ✨
Meet Simon Doherty, a journalist focused on harm reduction in club spaces. On the latest episode of the DSP, he exposes what he’s uncovered... from the lack of accessible, evidence-based info to how some clubs avoid adopting harm reduction practices. 👀
drugscience.org.uk/p...
drugscience.org.uk/p...
December 1, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Meet Simon Doherty, a journalist focused on harm reduction in club spaces. On the latest episode of the DSP, he exposes what he’s uncovered... from the lack of accessible, evidence-based info to how some clubs avoid adopting harm reduction practices. 👀
drugscience.org.uk/p...
drugscience.org.uk/p...
~ 1 in 3 people with epilepsy experience seizures that don’t respond to standard meds.
Professor David Nutt’s new journal publication reviews clinical trials + real-world evidence on how cannabis may improve the quality of life for those with drug-resistant epilepsy.
magonlinelibrary.com...
Professor David Nutt’s new journal publication reviews clinical trials + real-world evidence on how cannabis may improve the quality of life for those with drug-resistant epilepsy.
magonlinelibrary.com...
Just a moment...
www.magonlinelibrary.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:06 PM
~ 1 in 3 people with epilepsy experience seizures that don’t respond to standard meds.
Professor David Nutt’s new journal publication reviews clinical trials + real-world evidence on how cannabis may improve the quality of life for those with drug-resistant epilepsy.
magonlinelibrary.com...
Professor David Nutt’s new journal publication reviews clinical trials + real-world evidence on how cannabis may improve the quality of life for those with drug-resistant epilepsy.
magonlinelibrary.com...
A study of 121 hEDS/HSD patients found better sleep, mood, pain + quality of life after 3 months of prescribed cannabis, with reduced opioid use and only 5% AEs.
Co-author Lucy Stafford explains the results through both science and lived experience⬇️
drugscience.org.uk/b...
Co-author Lucy Stafford explains the results through both science and lived experience⬇️
drugscience.org.uk/b...
Bendy Bodies, Real-World Results: Medicinal Cannabis Treatment in hEDS/HSD
The symptoms of hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders are often invisibile, delaying diagnosis. This leaves many to seek medicinal cannabis, leading to life-changing effects.
www.drugscience.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 10:21 AM
A study of 121 hEDS/HSD patients found better sleep, mood, pain + quality of life after 3 months of prescribed cannabis, with reduced opioid use and only 5% AEs.
Co-author Lucy Stafford explains the results through both science and lived experience⬇️
drugscience.org.uk/b...
Co-author Lucy Stafford explains the results through both science and lived experience⬇️
drugscience.org.uk/b...
Dr. Peter Hunt, co-founder and chair of MMA, spoke with us about Australia’s “pivotal” decision to fund psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD and TRD, a move that affirms the country as a global leader in psychedelic-based mental healthcare.
drugscience.org.uk/a...
drugscience.org.uk/a...
Australian government funds psychedelic assisted therapy for veterans in a global leading decision
The Department of Veterans Affairs in Australia have recently decided to fund MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment resistant depression among military veterans.
www.drugscience.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Dr. Peter Hunt, co-founder and chair of MMA, spoke with us about Australia’s “pivotal” decision to fund psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD and TRD, a move that affirms the country as a global leader in psychedelic-based mental healthcare.
drugscience.org.uk/a...
drugscience.org.uk/a...
Only 2 days to go until the Cannabis Health Symposium 2025! 🌿
We’re excited to have our very own Dr. Anne Schlag on the expert lineup, sharing the latest clinically grounded insights on cannabis-based medicinal products with UK healthcare professionals.
eventbrite.co.uk/e/c...
We’re excited to have our very own Dr. Anne Schlag on the expert lineup, sharing the latest clinically grounded insights on cannabis-based medicinal products with UK healthcare professionals.
eventbrite.co.uk/e/c...
November 23, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Only 2 days to go until the Cannabis Health Symposium 2025! 🌿
We’re excited to have our very own Dr. Anne Schlag on the expert lineup, sharing the latest clinically grounded insights on cannabis-based medicinal products with UK healthcare professionals.
eventbrite.co.uk/e/c...
We’re excited to have our very own Dr. Anne Schlag on the expert lineup, sharing the latest clinically grounded insights on cannabis-based medicinal products with UK healthcare professionals.
eventbrite.co.uk/e/c...
For #StudentDrugAndAlcoholAwarenessWeek, we’re celebrating the Drug Science Student Society Network and their ongoing efforts to educate and empower students through evidence-based drug policy and harm reduction.
drugscience.org.uk/s...
drugscience.org.uk/s...
Students | Drug Science
The Drug Science Student Society Network (SSN) is an international network of university student societies relating to drug policy, science and research, all of which are aligned with Drug Science’s mission.
www.drugscience.org.uk
November 19, 2025 at 12:10 PM
For #StudentDrugAndAlcoholAwarenessWeek, we’re celebrating the Drug Science Student Society Network and their ongoing efforts to educate and empower students through evidence-based drug policy and harm reduction.
drugscience.org.uk/s...
drugscience.org.uk/s...
New on the DS blog: An analysis of nearly 2,000 confiscated vapes reveals how social media is fuelling a drug crisis in UK schools — and why banning disposables won’t fix it.
drugscience.org.uk/s...
drugscience.org.uk/s...
How social media is fuelling a drug crisis in UK schools
When teachers confiscate a vape from a student, they often assume it contains nicotine or perhaps even cannabis. What many don’t realise, is that some of these vapes contain Spice, a dangerous synthetic drug that young people often mistake for cannabis.
www.drugscience.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 11:08 AM
New on the DS blog: An analysis of nearly 2,000 confiscated vapes reveals how social media is fuelling a drug crisis in UK schools — and why banning disposables won’t fix it.
drugscience.org.uk/s...
drugscience.org.uk/s...
We're thrilled - though hardly surprised - to see Prof David Nutt listed among the likes of Sir Ian McKellen, Ebere Eze, and Prince William on Esquire's "Better Men List 2025," celebrating men who inspire others by "consistently aiming to be better in everything they do."
esquire.com/uk/cultu...
esquire.com/uk/cultu...
The Better Men List 2025: Celebrating the Certified Good Guys Defining Positive Masculinity
A comprehensive roll call of leading figures – from politicians and pop stars to activists and actors – who are setting the standard
www.esquire.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:38 AM
We're thrilled - though hardly surprised - to see Prof David Nutt listed among the likes of Sir Ian McKellen, Ebere Eze, and Prince William on Esquire's "Better Men List 2025," celebrating men who inspire others by "consistently aiming to be better in everything they do."
esquire.com/uk/cultu...
esquire.com/uk/cultu...
We teamed up with YouTuber The Giant Shoulders & psychedelic researcher Dr Grace Blest-Hopley to dive into the neuroscience of cannabis & psychedelics.
From THC & psychosis to MDMA, ibogaine & trauma treatment- watch to learn what the science really says.
youtube.com/watch?v=...
From THC & psychosis to MDMA, ibogaine & trauma treatment- watch to learn what the science really says.
youtube.com/watch?v=...
Psychedelics Expert: Who is Blocking Psychedelic Research? Cannabis Vs Alcohol, MDMA & Ayahuasca
Get 10% Off Your Manta Sleep Mask. Use Code GIANTSMANTA10 and click this link - https://bit.ly/4ilzfBLGet Professional High Quality Talk Therapy at BetterHel...
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:13 AM
We teamed up with YouTuber The Giant Shoulders & psychedelic researcher Dr Grace Blest-Hopley to dive into the neuroscience of cannabis & psychedelics.
From THC & psychosis to MDMA, ibogaine & trauma treatment- watch to learn what the science really says.
youtube.com/watch?v=...
From THC & psychosis to MDMA, ibogaine & trauma treatment- watch to learn what the science really says.
youtube.com/watch?v=...
We’re proud to join the IDPC — a global network of 190+ organisations promoting person-centred, rights-affirming drug policies grounded in evidence & social justice.
Together we'll keep advancing reform shaped by science, compassion, and human rights.
idpc.net/
Together we'll keep advancing reform shaped by science, compassion, and human rights.
idpc.net/
International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC)
The International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) is a global network of over 192 NGOs that promote objective and open debate on drug policy at national, regional and international level.
idpc.net
November 9, 2025 at 12:09 PM
We’re proud to join the IDPC — a global network of 190+ organisations promoting person-centred, rights-affirming drug policies grounded in evidence & social justice.
Together we'll keep advancing reform shaped by science, compassion, and human rights.
idpc.net/
Together we'll keep advancing reform shaped by science, compassion, and human rights.
idpc.net/
Important new findings on harm reduction at music festivals 🎶
A pilot study of a video-based intervention for festival attendees found reduced substance-related harm, positive behaviour change, and improved perceptions of onsite services.
Read it now in DSPL⬇️
🔗 drugscience.org.uk/p...
A pilot study of a video-based intervention for festival attendees found reduced substance-related harm, positive behaviour change, and improved perceptions of onsite services.
Read it now in DSPL⬇️
🔗 drugscience.org.uk/p...
An evaluation of a psychoeducational harm-reduction focused intervention targeting music festival attendees/at risk of negative outcomes surrounding recreational substance use
This pilot study assessed a video-based psychoeducational intervention designed to reduce substance-related harm among music festival attendees. Participants (N = 273) completed pre-intervention surveys, with 144 engaging in the intervention.
drugscience.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Important new findings on harm reduction at music festivals 🎶
A pilot study of a video-based intervention for festival attendees found reduced substance-related harm, positive behaviour change, and improved perceptions of onsite services.
Read it now in DSPL⬇️
🔗 drugscience.org.uk/p...
A pilot study of a video-based intervention for festival attendees found reduced substance-related harm, positive behaviour change, and improved perceptions of onsite services.
Read it now in DSPL⬇️
🔗 drugscience.org.uk/p...
An inside look at one of modern medicine’s most fascinating evolutions ⬇️
Professor David Nutt’s latest editorial explores how decades of research have reshaped our understanding of ketamine and its growing role in psychiatric treatment.
🔗 journals.sagepub.com...
Professor David Nutt’s latest editorial explores how decades of research have reshaped our understanding of ketamine and its growing role in psychiatric treatment.
🔗 journals.sagepub.com...
Just a moment...
journals.sagepub.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:08 AM
An inside look at one of modern medicine’s most fascinating evolutions ⬇️
Professor David Nutt’s latest editorial explores how decades of research have reshaped our understanding of ketamine and its growing role in psychiatric treatment.
🔗 journals.sagepub.com...
Professor David Nutt’s latest editorial explores how decades of research have reshaped our understanding of ketamine and its growing role in psychiatric treatment.
🔗 journals.sagepub.com...
Poppers have been “popping” up since the 1920s — in clinics, clubs & queer culture.
We caught up with Deep Sniff author Adam Zmith to learn what the history of poppers reveals about pleasure, politics & community resistance.
🎧drugscience.org.uk/p...
#DrugSciencePodcast
We caught up with Deep Sniff author Adam Zmith to learn what the history of poppers reveals about pleasure, politics & community resistance.
🎧drugscience.org.uk/p...
#DrugSciencePodcast
October 29, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Poppers have been “popping” up since the 1920s — in clinics, clubs & queer culture.
We caught up with Deep Sniff author Adam Zmith to learn what the history of poppers reveals about pleasure, politics & community resistance.
🎧drugscience.org.uk/p...
#DrugSciencePodcast
We caught up with Deep Sniff author Adam Zmith to learn what the history of poppers reveals about pleasure, politics & community resistance.
🎧drugscience.org.uk/p...
#DrugSciencePodcast
As psychedelics go mainstream, how can we build a psychedelic ecosystem rooted in inclusivity, care, safety & equity?
On 22/11, we'll spend the day at KCL reimagining psychedelic culture through inclusivity, accountability, & collective care.
Join us ⬇️ eventbrite.co.uk/e/t...
On 22/11, we'll spend the day at KCL reimagining psychedelic culture through inclusivity, accountability, & collective care.
Join us ⬇️ eventbrite.co.uk/e/t...
October 25, 2025 at 12:09 PM
As psychedelics go mainstream, how can we build a psychedelic ecosystem rooted in inclusivity, care, safety & equity?
On 22/11, we'll spend the day at KCL reimagining psychedelic culture through inclusivity, accountability, & collective care.
Join us ⬇️ eventbrite.co.uk/e/t...
On 22/11, we'll spend the day at KCL reimagining psychedelic culture through inclusivity, accountability, & collective care.
Join us ⬇️ eventbrite.co.uk/e/t...
The latest ONS drug death stats confirm what frontline worker Plinio Ferreira sees firsthand: drugs are increasingly dangerous, & the gov is doing little to protect people who use them.
He shares what can be done today to stop people from dying tomorrow.
drugscience.org.uk/o...
He shares what can be done today to stop people from dying tomorrow.
drugscience.org.uk/o...
Office of National Statistics - Drug deaths of 2024
Drug related deaths are preventable most of the times and these increasing number on drug deaths prove that the government is failing to provide essential care to its citizens.
drugscience.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The latest ONS drug death stats confirm what frontline worker Plinio Ferreira sees firsthand: drugs are increasingly dangerous, & the gov is doing little to protect people who use them.
He shares what can be done today to stop people from dying tomorrow.
drugscience.org.uk/o...
He shares what can be done today to stop people from dying tomorrow.
drugscience.org.uk/o...
TONIGHT: Professor David Nutt and other leading experts are in Plymouth discussing how psychedelic medicines are transforming addiction and PTSD treatment. Will we see you there?
All purchases/donations are split between Drug Science & Heroic Hearts UK 🙏
🔗givewheel.com/fundra...
All purchases/donations are split between Drug Science & Heroic Hearts UK 🙏
🔗givewheel.com/fundra...
Pathways to recovery: The role of psychedelics, plant medicine and ketamine in treatment of addiction and mental health
On October 22nd, Eden Clinic is hosting a powerful evening exploring science behind the use of psychedelic medicine in the treatment of addiction, PTSD an…
givewheel.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:51 PM
TONIGHT: Professor David Nutt and other leading experts are in Plymouth discussing how psychedelic medicines are transforming addiction and PTSD treatment. Will we see you there?
All purchases/donations are split between Drug Science & Heroic Hearts UK 🙏
🔗givewheel.com/fundra...
All purchases/donations are split between Drug Science & Heroic Hearts UK 🙏
🔗givewheel.com/fundra...
What does it take to keep showing up for others when your own wellbeing is at risk?
@ProfDavidNutt speaks w/ the Scottish Ambulance Service about the emotional weight of emergency work, and how ayahuasca helped them heal its lasting impact.
👇
drugscience.org.uk/p...
@ProfDavidNutt speaks w/ the Scottish Ambulance Service about the emotional weight of emergency work, and how ayahuasca helped them heal its lasting impact.
👇
drugscience.org.uk/p...
October 22, 2025 at 2:31 PM
What does it take to keep showing up for others when your own wellbeing is at risk?
@ProfDavidNutt speaks w/ the Scottish Ambulance Service about the emotional weight of emergency work, and how ayahuasca helped them heal its lasting impact.
👇
drugscience.org.uk/p...
@ProfDavidNutt speaks w/ the Scottish Ambulance Service about the emotional weight of emergency work, and how ayahuasca helped them heal its lasting impact.
👇
drugscience.org.uk/p...
Patient access, education, and real-world research can improve the future of medical cannabis in the UK.
We explain why in our new response to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ call for evidence on cannabis-based products ⬇️
drugscience.org.uk/d...
We explain why in our new response to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ call for evidence on cannabis-based products ⬇️
drugscience.org.uk/d...
Drug Science response to ACMD call for evidence on cannabis-based products for medicinal use
Drug Science has responded to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drug’s (ACMD’s) call for evidence related to cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs).
www.drugscience.org.uk
October 21, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Patient access, education, and real-world research can improve the future of medical cannabis in the UK.
We explain why in our new response to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ call for evidence on cannabis-based products ⬇️
drugscience.org.uk/d...
We explain why in our new response to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs’ call for evidence on cannabis-based products ⬇️
drugscience.org.uk/d...
UK drug overdose deaths are at a 30-year high — but what counts as a drug-related death? Street Drugs Discussions will look at how coroners make those calls, and why it matters for policy, research & public health.
Join the free webinar on 26/11. eventbrite.com/e/str...
Join the free webinar on 26/11. eventbrite.com/e/str...
Street Drugs Discussions: Drug Death Statistics Tickets, Wed 26 Nov 2025 at 12:00 | Eventbrite
Eventbrite - Drug Science presents Street Drugs Discussions: Drug Death Statistics - Wednesday, 26 November 2025 - Find event and ticket information.
www.eventbrite.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:16 PM
UK drug overdose deaths are at a 30-year high — but what counts as a drug-related death? Street Drugs Discussions will look at how coroners make those calls, and why it matters for policy, research & public health.
Join the free webinar on 26/11. eventbrite.com/e/str...
Join the free webinar on 26/11. eventbrite.com/e/str...
Can medical cannabis help people sleep better — even when sleep isn’t the main reason for treatment?
New Project Twenty21 data suggests prescribed cannabinoids may improve not only primary conditions, but also quality of life through better sleep.
drugscience.org.uk/m...
New Project Twenty21 data suggests prescribed cannabinoids may improve not only primary conditions, but also quality of life through better sleep.
drugscience.org.uk/m...
Changes in sleep quality among patients prescribed medicinal cannabis: Real-world evidence from Project Twenty 21
Emerging research suggests that prescribed cannabinoids may improve sleep quality both among people with formal diagnoses of insomnia and among those experiencing disturbed sleep in the context of other chronic health conditions.
www.drugscience.org.uk
October 9, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Can medical cannabis help people sleep better — even when sleep isn’t the main reason for treatment?
New Project Twenty21 data suggests prescribed cannabinoids may improve not only primary conditions, but also quality of life through better sleep.
drugscience.org.uk/m...
New Project Twenty21 data suggests prescribed cannabinoids may improve not only primary conditions, but also quality of life through better sleep.
drugscience.org.uk/m...
Drug research has been built on male-dominated samples, policies, and assumptions. This month’s Street Drugs Discussions will ask what happens when women’s bodies, lives, and voices are finally included.
🗓️ 24 Oct | 2–4PM BST | Online
Register for free: eventbrite.co.uk/e/s...
🗓️ 24 Oct | 2–4PM BST | Online
Register for free: eventbrite.co.uk/e/s...
Street Drugs Discussions: Women and Drugs Tickets, Fri 24 Oct 2025 at 14:00 | Eventbrite
Eventbrite - Drug Science presents Street Drugs Discussions: Women and Drugs - Friday, 24 October 2025 - Find event and ticket information.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Drug research has been built on male-dominated samples, policies, and assumptions. This month’s Street Drugs Discussions will ask what happens when women’s bodies, lives, and voices are finally included.
🗓️ 24 Oct | 2–4PM BST | Online
Register for free: eventbrite.co.uk/e/s...
🗓️ 24 Oct | 2–4PM BST | Online
Register for free: eventbrite.co.uk/e/s...