Politics

Russia’s harm reductionists are once again under attack

Finding common ground with Russia’s Soviet-era understanding of addiction—known as “narcology”—they promote abstinence, and abstinence only, from all illegal substances … Russia is about as bad as it gets. The country also has one of the highest populations of injecting drug users in the world. Once Crimea went under Russian control, the territory’s “registered drug addicts” found themselves cut off…

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Anthropology

The crucial role of mothers in reforming drug policy

Mothers in the UK, US, Canada, and beyond are advocating for drug policy reform; for many, their advocacy follows the death or incarceration of their child as a result of the drug war …  many mothers and other family members have come together in the fight for evidence-based, person-centred drug policy reform due to the effect…

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Science

Alleged magic mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis) test as ergosterol, a compound present in ergot and many other fungi

“We’re not sure what to say about this result. Plant-based and fungal materials pose special challenges. Ergosterol is a substance that is present in the cell membranes of fungi.” EcstasyData entry shows a brown, yellow and off-white dried fungal matter that was sourced in Dallas, TX as “Psilocybe cubensis grown with DiPT,” but which tested as nothing more…

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Science

Scientists identify [difference between oral doses vs. IV doses of whole plant botanical kratom and two active constituents]

This particular study in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (NOTE : led by graduate student Lauren Smith ofThe Scripps Research Institute​) produced results that join another study in the same journal, Journal of the American Chemical Society) (NOTE : led by a Dr. Andrew Kruegel Ph.D. of Columbia University).   [The Scripps study reported]… None of the mice died…

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Politics

…ban kratom[?]

The abusive concern for kratom centers on two organic compounds called alkaloids contained within the leaves: mitragynine (MG) and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-HMG). These two drugs show activity at μ-opioid receptors, which are related to pain relief. While these chemicals are not true opioids, they have demonstrated effective pain relief in human and animal studies. “In the…

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Psychology

To avoid a bad trip, be prepared before trying LSD

Whether or not you’ve tried LSD before, you have heard about bad trips.  For [those] looking to take LSD while avoiding these nightmarish experiences, self-examination is your best bet … To avoid being overwhelmed… recommends that if [someone] is going to take LSD they should always do so with a group of close, supportive friends…

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Modern Culture

Group launches effort to allow cannabis cafes in Oregon

Oregon Flower : Cannabis visited by a Frog Sam Chapman with the New Revenue Coalition says Oregon lawmakers need to give people public places to smoke, especially since many have rental agreements that don’t allow them to smoke on the property. Perhaps Chapman’s biggest hurdle will be persuading lawmakers to permit waivers to the Indoor Clean…

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