Allaying the fears: MDMA with therapy is a medicine
MDMA has been developed over the past 30 years by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies as a novel treatment for PTSD.
top of page
Research
Drug Science publishes peer reviewed research, reports, and articles to provide clear, evidence-based information without political or commercial interference.
Drug Science Policy and Law Journal
Peer Reviewed Research
Reports
Alex Stevens, Niamh Eastwood and more
- Mar 24
- 1 min
In defence of the decriminalisation of drug possession in the UK
Authors Alex Stevens, Niamh Eastwood and Kirstie Douse Published March 24, 2024 Abstract In this review article, we develop the case for...
Ksenia Cassidy, Eva Henje and more
- Mar 20
- 1 min
Childhood trauma, challenging experiences, and post traumatic growth in ayahuasca use
Authors Ksenia Cassidy, CJ Healy, Eva Henje and Wendy D’Andrea Published March 20, 2024 Abstract Challenging experiences in ayahuasca...
Simon Ruffell, Sam Gandy, and more
- Feb 28
- 2 min
Participation in an indigenous Amazonian-led ayahuasca retreat associated with increases in nature relatedness – a pilot study
Authors Simon GD Ruffell, Sam Gandy, WaiFung Tsang, Rono Lopez, Nathan O’Rourke, Arsalan Akhtar, Nige Netzband, Jack Hollingdale, Daniel...
Torsten Passie
- Feb 22
- 1 min
A history of the European Medical Society for Psycholytic Therapy (EPT) 1964–1974
Authors Torsten Passie Published February 22, 2024 Abstract The emergence of a so-called psychedelic renaissance has been proposed to...
Shreya Malde and Naumih Noah
- Jan 31
- 2 min
Investigation of the household storage of medicines and disposal practices in Parklands sub-county in Nairobi, Kenya
Over time there has been an increase in access to medicine, leading to the bulk of drugs becoming unused and being kept at home.
Sean Matthew Viña
- Jan 9
- 1 min
Minorities’ diminished psychedelic returns: Cardio-metabolic health
Minorities’ diminished psychedelic returns: Cardio-metabolic health. Race differences remain a critically understudied gap in psychedelic li
Tom Cooney and Fiona Measham
- Nov 21, 2023
- 1 min
Counting and accounting for drug-related deaths at UK music festivals 2017–2023: A commentary
The exact number of drug-related deaths at UK music festivals in recent years is unknown, and there are no standard processes for reporting
Harjeev Kour Sudan, Jane Kim and more
- Nov 19, 2023
- 2 min
Decrypting the cryptomarkets: Trends over a decade of the Dark Web drug trade
The Dark Web is a subsection of the Internet only accessible through specific search engines, making it impossible to trace users.
Rosalind Gittins, Roya Vaziri, and more
- Nov 16, 2023
- 2 min
The impact of over the counter and prescription medication misuse on friends and family
Over the counter and prescription-only medication misuse is of concern. Little is known about the impact on friends/family who provide indiv
Octavian Dixon Ritchie, Cameron Donley and more
- Sep 7, 2023
- 1 min
From prohibited to prescribed: The rescheduling of MDMA and psilocybin in Australia
On February 3, 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, announced that on
Petter Grahl Johnstad
- Sep 6, 2023
- 1 min
Racial and religious motives for drug criminalization
The world has a long-standing system of drug control intended to suppress the use of a range of psychoactive drugs on the basis that such us
Anoek Van Vugt, Josjan Zijlmans and more
- Sep 2, 2023
- 1 min
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with adolescents suffering from PTSD: Do or don’t? a qualitative study with youth, parents, and clinicians
PTSD in adolescence causes much suffering and has substantial health-care costs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perspective
Zakaria Belrhiti and Fatima Zohra Serghini
- Sep 1, 2023
- 2 min
Perceived barriers to access to hepatitis C for people who inject drugs in Morocco: A qualitative explorative study
Worldwide, approximately there are 15.6 million people who inject drugs. Recently, a rising prevalence of hepatitis C virus among the people
Benjamin Korman
- Jul 31, 2023
- 1 min
Could classic psychedelics influence immigrants’ acculturation process? A narrative review contemplating how
Rising international migration, paired with increasing public support for far-right political parties, poses a growing challenge to the coun
Antonio Metastasio, Silvio Mignogna, and more
- Jul 31, 2023
- 1 min
A phenomenological analysis of Fellini's films to understand the effect of LSD therapy on his creativity
Since its discovery in 1943, LSD has been used by artists, scientists, and intellectuals, amongst others, to stimulate their creative insigh
Jon Waldron, Meryem Grabski, and more
- Jul 10, 2023
- 2 min
Impact of the introduction of medical cannabis in the UK on risk perception and recreational use of cannabis: A longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis
Cannabis was rescheduled in the UK in November 2018 so that it can now be prescribed as a treatment for certain medical conditions.
Sean Viña and Amanda Stephens
- Jun 23, 2023
- 1 min
Minorities’ diminished psychedelic returns
Although there is a growing support for the use of psychedelics to improve the health of marginalized groups, there are some critical gaps.
Adriana D’Arienzo and Giorgio Samorini
- Jun 6, 2023
- 1 min
Italian psychedelic therapies of the past century: An historical overview
In recent years, the historical record of psychedelic therapy in Europe and the Americas has undergone considerable revision.
Paul McCrone, Henry Fisher and more
- Jun 2, 2023
- 2 min
Cost-effectiveness of psilocybin-assisted therapy for severe depression: exploratory findings from a decision analytic model
There is growing evidence to support the use of the psychedelic drug psilocybin for difficult-to-treat depression. This paper compares the c
Kylie O’Brien, Justin Beilby and more
- May 25, 2023
- 2 min
Medicinal cannabis for pain: Real-world data on three-month changes in symptoms and quality of life
Internationally, one of the most common conditions for which people seek medicinal cannabis (MC) is chronic pain. However, relatively little
Michael White and Nicholas Burns
- May 25, 2023
- 1 min
Does the co-use of cannabis exacerbate the effect of alcohol on the risk of crashing? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Does the co-use of cannabis exacerbate the effect of alcohol on the risk of crashing? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Meg Spriggs, Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner and more
- May 11, 2023
- 2 min
ARC: a framework for access, reciprocity and conduct in psychedelic therapies
The field of psychedelic assisted therapy (PAT) is growing at an unprecedented pace. The immense pressures this places on those working in t
Professor Michael Lynskey, Dr Anne Schlag and more
- May 5, 2023
- 2 min
Characteristics of and 3-month health outcomes for people seeking treatment with prescribed cannabis
Medicinal cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018 but there is limited information about characteristics of people seeking prescribed
Jaden Brandt
- Apr 26, 2023
- 1 min
A roadmap for psychedelic pharmacy in Canada
The unprecedented progress in the science and clinical investigation of psychedelic medicine will require those in healthcare leadership and
Kellen Russoniello, Sheila Vakharia and more
- Apr 11, 2023
- 1 min
Decriminalisation of drug possession in Oregon: Analysis and early lessons
In November 2020, Oregon voters approved Measure 110, a ballot initiative that decriminalized possession of small quantities of all drugs an
Alfred Balston, Kuljit Hunjan and more
- Apr 6, 2023
- 2 min
The use of chlordiazepoxide for outpatient gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) detoxification: An observational study
Various detoxification regimens are used for gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), including diazepam, barbiturates, ba
Peter Sunderland, Professor David Nutt and more
- Mar 14, 2023
- 2 min
Medication sparing after medical cannabis initiation: A case study of a chronic pain patient in T21
Authors Peter Sunderland, David J Nutt, and Anne Katrin Schlag Published March 14th, 2023 Prescribed cannabinoids are legal in the UK and...
Christopher Humphries
- Nov 14, 2022
- 1 min
The United Kingdom's Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Where are we now?
Authors Christopher Humphries Published November 14th, 2022 This narrative review describes the background to the introduction of the UK...
Rosalind Gittins, Joseph Tay Wee Teck, and more
- Oct 26, 2022
- 2 min
Examining the gender dimension in the non-medical use of over the counter and prescription only medication
There is concern regarding gender differences in problematic non-medical over the counter (OTC) and/or prescription only medication (POM) us
Christina Sagioglou and Matthias Forstmann
- Oct 2, 2022
- 1 min
Psychedelic use predicts objective knowledge about climate change via increases in nature relatedness
Author Christina Sagioglou, Matthias Forstmann Published October 2, 2022 Abstract Lifetime psychedelic substance use has previously been...
Dr Anne Schlag, Professor David Nutt and more
- Sep 23, 2022
- 2 min
A comparative study of the harms of nitrous oxide and poppers using the MCDA approach
Author Plinio M Ferreira, Adam R Winstock, Anne Katrin Schlag, Brigitta Brandner, David Nutt, Graeme Henderson, Ian Miller, Jan Van...
FL Smith, JC Neill and more
- Sep 7, 2022
- 1 min
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the use of psilocybin by veterans with symptoms of trauma
Author FL Smith, JC Neill and V Wainwright Published September 7, 2022 Abstract Veterans are at increased risk of experiencing symptoms...
Michael White and Nicholas Burns
- Aug 15, 2022
- 2 min
How to read a paper on the short-term impairing effects of cannabis: A selective and critical review of the literature
Author Michael A White, Nicholas R Burns Published August 15, 2022 Abstract The prosecution of cannabis-presence driving offences (in the...
Petter Grahl Johnstad
- Jul 25, 2022
- 2 min
Comparative harms assessments for cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco: Risk for psychosis, cognitive impairment, and traffic accident
Author Petter Grahl Johnstad Published July 25, 2022 Abstract Researchers have associated cannabis use with risk for psychosis, cognitive...
MaryKate Duska, Jared Rhoads and more
- Jul 25, 2022
- 1 min
State naloxone co-prescribing laws show mixed effects on overdose mortality rates
Author MaryKate Duska, Jared M. Rhoads, Elizabeth C. Saunders, Tracy Onega Published July 25, 2022 Objective To examine the relative...
Matthew Robinson
- Jul 18, 2022
- 1 min
Eating ourselves to death: How food is a drug and what food abuse costs
Author Matthew Robinson Published July 18, 2022 Abstract The objective of this paper is to examine definitions of the terms “drug,” “drug...
Cathal Gallagher
- Jul 11, 2022
- 1 min
The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001: A case study in poor legislative drafting
Author Cathal T Gallagher Published July 11, 2022 Abstract The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (MDRs) create exemptions to the offences...
Carissa Paz Dioquino
- May 20, 2022
- 2 min
A critical review of drug testing policy in the Philippines
Authors Carissa Paz Dioquino Published May 16, 2022 Abstract The drug policy in the Philippines is written as the Comprehensive Dangerous...
Sam Gandy, Valérie Bonnelle and more
- May 18, 2022
- 2 min
Psychedelics as potential catalysts of scientific creativity and insight
Authors Sam Gandy, Valérie Bonnelle, Edward Jacobs, David Luke Published May 16, 2022 Abstract Creativity, that is the creation of ideas...
Fabian Pitter Steinmetz and Maja Kohek
- May 11, 2022
- 2 min
Farmability and pharmability: Transforming the drug market to a health-and human rights-centred approach from self-cultivation to safe supply of controlled substances
Authors Fabian Pitter Steinmetz, Maja Kohek Published May 3, 2022 Background The supply chains addressing the global demand for major...
Plinio Ferreira and Professor David Nutt
- Apr 29, 2022
- 2 min
Regulating the oxides of nitrogen – popping the myths
Authors Plinio M Ferreira, David Nutt Published April 25, 2022 In 2015 and 2016, during the debates that culminated in The Psychoactive...
Jeremy Roscoe and Olivia Lozy
- Mar 16, 2022
- 2 min
Can psilocybin be safely administered under medical supervision? A systematic review of adverse event reporting in clinical trials
Authors Jeremy Roscoe, Olivia Lozy Published March 16, 2022 Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive chemical produced by various...
Michael White and Nicholas Burns
- Dec 14, 2021
- 4 min
How does cannabis affect road crash risk? A systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors Michael A. White, Nicholas R. Burns Published December 13, 2021 The development of drug driving policies should rest on sound...
Ben Houghton, Alexis Bailey and more
- Nov 29, 2021
- 2 min
Professional Perspectives on Treatment for Substance Use Disorders with Mental Health Problems
Authors Ben Houghton, Alexis Bailey, Christos Kouimtsidis, Theodora Duka, Caitlin Notley Published November 25, 2021 Background...
Annie Howard, Joanna Neill and more
- Oct 26, 2021
- 3 min
Schedule 1 Barriers to Research in the UK: An In-depth Qualitative Analysis
Authors Annie Howard, Joanna C Neill, Anne Katrin Schlag, Charlotte Lennox Published October 25, 2021 Prior to the 1970s, psychedelics...
Fabian Steinmetz and Heino Stöver
- Oct 18, 2021
- 2 min
The Cocaine Vape - A concept of a harm reduction device for current users of smokable cocaine forms
Authors Fabian P Steinmetz, Heino Stöver Published October 16, 2021 Although there are great regional differences, smokable forms of...
Dang Minh Hieu, Benjamin Gray and more
- Sep 6, 2021
- 1 min
Facing drug addiction: Vietnam’s struggle with opioids
Authors Dang Minh Hieu, Benjamin Gray, Dang Minh Tuan, Benjamin P Colman Published August 29, 2021 Drug addiction is a historical issue...
Dr Anne Schlag, Professor David Nutt and more
- Aug 26, 2021
- 2 min
“We're asking for quality of life for our children” - Medical cannabis and epilepsy in the UK: A qualitative analysis of the carers’ perspective
Authors Anne Katrin Schlag, Rayyan Zafar, David Nutt Published August 24, 2021 Despite the legalisation of cannabis based medicinal...
Edward James, Thomas Robertshaw and more
- Aug 9, 2021
- 3 min
Developing a Model for a Legal Cannabis Market in the UK
Authors: Edward James, Thomas L Robertshaw, Michael J Pascoe, Fiona M Chapman, Andrew D Westwell, Mathew Hoskins, Jacob Barrow, Ben...
James Bunn
- Jul 31
- 2 min
Suicidal Ideation in Medicinal Cannabis Patients: A 12-Month Prospective Study
To document the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation (SI) among individuals seeking cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs); to
Michael Lynskey
- Jun 18
- 2 min
Prescribed Medical Cannabis Use Among Older Individuals: Patient Characteristics and Improvements in Well‑Being: Findings from T21
There are important differences between individuals aged 65+ years and younger individuals receiving cannabis-based medicinal products. Olde
Alkyoni Anthanasiou-Fragkouli
- Jun 6
- 2 min
Prescribed Medicinal Cannabis for the Treatment of Chronic Pain Comorbid with Depression: Real World Evidence from Project Twenty21
Chronic pain is one of the most common conditions for which people seek treatment with cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) and there i
Medicinal cannabis for treating PTSD and comorbid depression: Real World Evidence from Project T21
Authors Michael Lynskey, Alkyoni Athanasiou-Fragkouli, Hannah Thurgur, Anne Schlag and David Nutt Published March 12, 2024 Background...
Dr Hannah Thurgur, Dr Anne Schlag, and more
- Aug 31, 2023
- 1 min
Cannabis-based medicinal products for the treatment of Long COVID symptoms: current and potential applications
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can result in a range of persistent symptoms impacting everyday funct
Dr Rose Crossin
- Aug 21, 2023
- 7 min
A drug harms ranking study for Aotearoa New Zealand
Drug harm is a significant public health burden in Aotearoa New Zealand ; though harms are not evenly distributed across the populati
Balázs Szigeti, Professor David Nutt and more
- Jul 17, 2023
- 1 min
Bayesian analysis of real-world data as evidence for drug approval: Remembering Sir Michael Rawlins
The two pillars of modern medical research are where in most randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the active treatment is compared with plac
Rayyan Zafar, Maxim Siegel and more
- Jun 12, 2023
- 1 min
Psychedelic therapy in the treatment of addiction: the past, present and future
Psychedelic therapy has witnessed a resurgence in interest in the last decade from the scientific and medical communities with evidence now
Kylie O’Brien, Justin Beilby and more
- Mar 23, 2023
- 2 min
Preliminary findings from T21 Australia
An observational study of patients prescribed medicinal Cannabis for chronic pain, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder and multiple...
Professor Michael Lynskey, Dr Anne Schlag and more
- Nov 3, 2022
- 4 min
The value of real world evidence: The case of medical cannabis
Authors Anne Katrin Schlag, Rayyan Zafar, Michael Lynskey, Lawrence D Phillips, Alkyoni Athanasiou-Fragkouli, David J Nutt Published...
Robin Carhart-Harris and Professor David Nutt
- Jul 7, 2022
- 32 min
User perceptions of the benefits and harms of hallucinogenic drug use: A web-based questionnaire study
Authors Robin Carhart-Harris, David Nutt Published July 30, 2010 Abstract This study used a web-based questionnaire to investigate user...
Dr Anne Schlag, Professor David Nutt and more
- Jun 21, 2022
- 2 min
Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in fibromyalgia: a review of preclinical and clinical research
Authors Stephanie Bourke, Anne Schlag, Saoirse Elizabeth O’Sullivan, David Nutt, David Finn Published May 21, 2022 Fibromyalgia affects...
Dr Anne Schlag, Professor David Nutt and more
- Jun 13, 2022
- 3 min
Characteristics of People Seeking Prescribed Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Evidence From Project Twenty 21
Authors Anne Katrin Schlag, Michael Lynskey, Alan Fayaz, Alkyoni Athanasiou-Fragkouli, Brigitta Brandner, Barbara Haja, Elizabeth Iveson...