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
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...
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...
💲 Donate to help us document its lessons drugscience.org.uk/h...
Help us raise funds for people who use drugs
Every day, people who use drugs are forced into unsafe, rushed street injecting because most hostels and housing projects ban active drug use. The Voices of Sandwell project in the UK revealed a clear truth: while hostels protect people from homelessness, strict abstinence rules can push them into dangerous public drug use—dramatically increasing overdose risk.
www.drugscience.org.uk
October 6, 2025 at 10:49 AM
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...
💲 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...
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...
Losing the innovation footrace: Refining regulations in the creation of overdose reversal technology within the United States
To date, there has been a lack of consensus in the field of psychedelic research regarding key terms. It is our hope that development of this lexicon can aid in translating findings across various research groups and improve clarity and precision in our communications with each other and the general public.
www.drugscience.org.uk
October 4, 2025 at 4:22 PM
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...
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...
drugscience.org.uk/p...
October 3, 2025 at 8:57 AM
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...
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...
From pharmacological classes to micro- vs macrodoses, this paper sets the groundwork for clinical + regulatory clarity.
drugscience.org.uk/p...
A lexicon for psychedelic research and treatment
To date, there has been a lack of consensus in the field of psychedelic research regarding key terms. It is our hope that development of this lexicon can aid in translating findings across various research groups and improve clarity and precision in our communications with each other and the general public.
www.drugscience.org.uk
October 1, 2025 at 8:18 AM
🚨 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...
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...
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...
Easing End-of-Life Distress: Should Psychedelic Therapy Be Part of Palliative Care in the UK?
Facing a terminal diagnosis is one of life’s most difficult challenges. Beyond the physical burden of illness, patients often experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, and existential distress – a sense of suffering that touches mind and body alike.
www.drugscience.org.uk
September 28, 2025 at 10:38 AM
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...
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...
🔗 We give our full take on the RCPsych report
drugscience.org.uk/r...
Royal College of Psychiatrists call for more research into psychedelics for medical use
The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) have released a position statement on the efficacy and safety of psychedelics and related substances (PARS), in addition to updated clinical guidance surrounding research into these compounds and a framework for delivering assisted psychotherapy.
www.drugscience.org.uk
September 25, 2025 at 4:56 PM
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...
🔗 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...
cambridge.org/core/j...
How to put psychiatrists back at the centre of medicine’s innovation | The British Journal of Psychiatry | Cambridge Core
How to put psychiatrists back at the centre of medicine’s innovation
www.cambridge.org
September 24, 2025 at 4:13 PM
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...
cambridge.org/core/j...