Modern Culture

Imagine if the media covered alcohol like other drugs

“It actually starts to rewire the brain chemistry,” one law enforcement official said. “They have no control over their thoughts. They can’t control their actions. It’s just a dangerous, dangerous drug.” Despite the heightened public health crisis, federal and state officials seem reluctant to do anything about the drug, which remains legal for adults 21…

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Anthropology

Preparations containing ibogaine, either as such or in combination with any other pharmacologically active ingredient(s)

“…by resolution approved by the Minister of Health, determined that, with effect from the date of publication of this notice, all preparations which contain ibogaine, either as such or in combination with any other pharmacologically active ingredient(s) shall be subject to registration as medicines…” The Medicines Control Council, by virtue of powers vested in it…

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Anthropology

Ayahuasca Tourism is ripping off Indigenous Amazonians

“As Ayahuasca has become more and more popular with foreign tourists—and at the same time, less and less popular with the Indians themselves—we have found that pseudo-shamans have sprung up everywhere to cater for the demand.” While some argue that the commercialization of ayahuasca has bastardized the ritual, others claim that it’s brought much needed…

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Science

From Psilocybin to MDMA: Researchers are in the throes of a psychedelic revival

Those who reported a “mystical experience” had the most success in breaking their addiction. Griffiths’s lab pressed ahead with their work in a 2014 study on the possibility of treating nicotine addiction with psilocybin, the psychedelic component of “magic mushrooms.” Participants had three psilocybin sessions and three cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions to diminish cravings. Eighty percent…

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Spirituality

Profits have become hospital focus

“Shouldn’t a community hospital’s $171 million profit be used to help the people of Lane County?” So not-for-profit Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend is the ninth-most profitable hospital in the United States (“Sacred Heart at RiverBend is No. 9 on profitability list,” May 3). Isn’t that an oxymoron? I’m a retired oral and maxillofacial…

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Anthropology

U.N. not a place to find good policy

“No, the U.N. leadership is not that open to reform (in 2016)… the U.N. was confiscating copies of the letter calling for the end of the drug war that were being handed out in front of the U.N.” UN Security was apparently ordered to confiscate the letter, and attendees were ordered to hand over their…

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