Prof. David Nutt describes 'On Drugs' as “one of the best books on psychedelics since Huxley.” He sits down with the author Justin Smith-Ruiu for a candid convo about the early psychedelic experiences and cultural observations that inspired the work🎙️ drugscience.org.uk/p...

Thrilled to welcome another pioneer of psychedelic therapy to the MPWG! Beautiful Space specialises in relationships & sexual wellbeing, supporting people through loss of connection, relationship challenges & life transitions. Explore their work: beautifulspace.org/

In London on Feb 25? Make sure to catch the free UK premiere of Quiet the Sirens, a powerful documentary following 3 firefighters living with PTSD as they seek healing through an innovative psychedelic-assisted therapy group. Screening to be followed by a live Q&A. 🎬 eventbrite.com/e/qui...

Texas has committed $50 million to ibogaine research, positioning the state as a new major player in psychedelic science. What does this signal about the future of psychedelic research funding in the U.S? We unpack the implications in the link below. drugscience.org.uk/t...

Our next Street Drugs Discussions looks back on 5 years of overdose prevention policy in the UK. From the first safer drug consumption facility in Glasgow to harm reduction in Northern Ireland, we'll unpack what’s changed, what’s stalled, & what's next. eventbrite.co.uk/e/s...

Professor David Nutt founded Drug Science in part to help create the foundation for sensible and effective drug laws. This long-form piece revisits his work on nicotine harm, MCDA, and what we lose when policy refuses to distinguish between levels of harm. disobedientmargins.c...

Current drug policies promote harm, not solutions. IPDC's new report shows how punitive approaches continue to drive pain & undermine the UN goals of peace, rights & development. bit.ly/idpc-ungass-1...

The ACMD has published an updated review of ketamine use, harms, and its legal classification. We explain why we broadly welcome their findings, and what must happen next if the government is serious about reducing ketamine-related harms. drugscience.org.uk/a...

From early research on esketamine to leading the first EU-funded multi-site study on PAT, pioneer researcher Robert Schoevers has seen it all. He joined the pod to talk esketamine, the realities of EU funding, and what it takes to bring therapies into mainstream healthcare. drugscience.org.uk/p...

21 peer-reviewed articles. 86 expert authors. One year of evidence on critical developments in psychedelics, cannabis, harm reduction, and drug policy worldwide. We’ve summarised the key findings from DSPL in 2025 to help you stay on top of the debates defining 2026. drugscience.org.uk/d...

A new study exposes "reverse spin bias" — a pattern where evidence of benefit is downplayed in academic conclusions, particularly for controversial treatments. We explore how this practice can quietly derail evidence-based drug policy. drugscience.org.uk/r...

With drug-related deaths at record levels, practical guidance grounded in neuroscience and public health is a key part of keeping people safer. Dr Rayyan Zafar spoke to Metro about what the science tells us about reducing the long-term impact of repeated drug use. metro.co.uk/2026/01/...

Important progress in language accessibility in psychedelic research👏 The 5D-ASC Rating Scale, which captures changes in consciousness induced by pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods and predicts clinical outcomes, is now available in Mandarin. drugscience.org.uk/m...

We often talk about how drug laws restrict clinical research. But what about other areas of knowledge production? A spotlight on research into mushroom-forming fungi in NZ shows how drug policy limits scientific advancement far beyond the clinic.👇 drugscience.org.uk/t...

#DYK When cocaine and alcohol are used together, your body creates a more toxic compound called cocaethylene. Our latest blog shares a firsthand account of its health consequences, and why better education for healthcare professionals is urgently needed. drugscience.org.uk/c...

Introducing How (Not) To Heal, a new alternative mental health community rethinking care beyond diagnosis. 📍Don't miss their first event on 3/2, hosted by Rose Cartwright. DS Community Members can email [email protected] for 15% off tickets. eventbrite.co.uk/e/m...

Forgot a Christmas present this year? Gift an exclusive night of art, science, & celebration at Elmore Court on 30/1 🎨 Expect intimate talks from Prof David Nutt and Bruce Parry, a live auction + an afterparty. All funds go directly to support our work⬇️ uk.givergy.com/ELMOR...

....and we're live! 🎟️ 🎨 Place your bid to join us for an unforgettable night of art, music, and science on the beautiful grounds of Elmore Court on January 30. Offers include GA tickets plus a premium overnight stay for two. ⏬ Bidding ends Jan 19. uk.givergy.com/ELMOR...

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...

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...

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...

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 ✨

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...

~ 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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=...

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/

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Strict drug abstinence rules in hostels can lead to unsafe public drug use. In Norway, Huset Bergen offers another way — a high-tolerance housing model open to those experiencing or recovering from substance use. 💲 Donate to help us document its lessons drugscience.org.uk/h...

The overdose crisis in the US demands urgent innovation in both policy & medical technology. A new article explores how existing frameworks designed to mitigate substance use paradoxically restrict the research and development of reversal agents and drug-delivery devices. drugscience.org.uk/o...

Psychedelic research has long grappled with the tension between science and the humanities. Dr. Andy Letcher, a religious scholar with expertise in both, joined Professor David Nutt on the DSP to trace this divide and its influence on the way we study psychedelics. drugscience.org.uk/p...

🚨 New from the Drug Science Medical Psychedelics Working Group: a framework for standardised terminology in psychedelic medicine. From pharmacological classes to micro- vs macrodoses, this paper sets the groundwork for clinical + regulatory clarity. drugscience.org.uk/p...

Terminal diagnoses often bring profound emotional suffering. Profs Joanna Neill & Muireann Quigley and Dr Laura Downey discuss the role of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in palliative care — and why the UK risks falling behind global progress 📑 drugscience.org.uk/e...

As Prof David Nutt notes, we "welcome the Royal College of Psychiatrists' landmark position statement on psychedelics & assisted psychotherapy, which marks a crucial step forward for the UK psychedelic medicine industry." 🔗 We give our full take on the RCPsych report drugscience.org.uk/r...

In a new viewpoint, Prof David Nutt explains how stalled developments in psychiatric medicine can be revitalised by putting psychiatrists back at the heart of innovation - and how the Royal College of Psychiatrists can lead this change. cambridge.org/core/j...