Using science to reduce the harms and enhance the benefits of drugs

14 May, 6 pm, Cosmos Hall
suitable for adults 18+

Many drugs have long been subject to policies  supposedly designed to reduce use harms but in practice driven by political machinations and moral judgements. As well as being unjust and encouraging the us relatively harmful but legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco these policies seriously inhibit research and clinical treatment. The worst example is the global ban on psychedelics that was initiated under the 1971 UN Conventions  and still exists today. Other drugs such as cannabis and MDMA have similarly been banned though not for as long.  together these bans represent the worst censorship of research in the history of science, that have held back research for patient benefit for decades. The extent of the harm this ban has done is becoming apparent from the recent renaissance of research with medical cannabis psilocybin and MDMA. These have revealed major effects in disorders such as addiction PTSD and depression. Join Prof. David Nutt from Imperial College London for to explore the misconceptions that drive the international bans, reveal the latest data on the comparative safety of these compounds and also reveal some of the neuroscience advances that have been made with these compounds that help explain their therapeutic effects.

Get your book signed by Prof. Nutt after the event. 

In partnership with British Council Bulgaria, Centre for Humane Policies and Iztok-Zapad Publishing House.