The drug policy thread.

[Techno Natch]

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/apr/07/magic-mushrooms-treat-depression

This is an old article on the red-tape and also explains how the research I mentioned above works. They have done more studies since then including one that is to be published.

 

[Techno Natch]

I went for my medical assessment for the Psilocybin trial today and passed it. Going to go down next month for two studies. They are interested in how it interacts with another medication and what they both do to the brain, they are hoping it might give information on how similar medication could help people with schizophrenia. I will be put into MRI scanner and then have Psilocybin injected directly into my bloodstream, apparently the come up is 1 minute which is obviously a lot quicker than when you normally ingest psychedelics but it will also subside much quicker. There will be lots of other tests for me to do alongside this and while in the scanner.

Really excited about this and happy that I am being involved in something that I have followed for a long time. Of course getting paid to trip is also a bonus.

 

[Dr Mantis Toboggan]

wtf i wanna do that

the idea that psychadelics could help treat mental illness is interesting. i feel a lot of people go into psychedelics feeling they should feel totally happy all the time and they'll see things of utter beauty etc. i think a proper trip is far more personal in reality. most drugs are quite short-term: u take coke and md and u feel fucking great for a short-time then rough as shit. acid can be worthwhile whilst being, in the short-term, terrifying. i struggle to think of a more confusing, scary time than when having a bad trip, but i've never regretted any of it. md could help people with depression or ptsd experience something beautiful, not necessarily the happiness but the empathetic element: truly understanding and appreciating another person entirely. psychedelics use to depression would be more in understanding yourself i believe. i feel i've learnt a great deal about myself from them. mdma and acid really do need a lot more study because they really could help a great deal with mental illness, and self medication with them could be great or really quite dangerous

 

[The East Terrace]

Sadly our MP's will never be capable of holding a grown up debate on the issue of drugs so all the research is interesting but not relevent. Any party that wants to decriminalise any drugs will get shouted down as being soft on crime, etc, etc and thats why it won't happen. Most common drugs are pretty much legal now in some areas. The constant stench of cannabis in certain area's of Stevenage while the chavs just stand there selling it in full view of everyone.

 

[Techno Natch]

Whole day went smoothly. I don't know if I was given a
placebo of saracatnib or not but when they administered the Psilocybin it had the (Desired?) effects you'd expect it to have.

I was in the MRI scanner for 1 hour and 30 minutes in rotal. Luckily the noises reminded me of techno music so I just put a beat to them and I was pretty relaxed. Had lots of tests to do while I was in there.

They injected the Psilocybin which meant a really quick come up in the machine, it felt like I was going deeper into the machine, even though I was told after it hadnt moved and I was the first person to report that experienc. I noticed a increase in my heart rate which has been steady. Started to trip really quickly some really cool CEV's and lots of stuff going on in my head during a 15 minute scan.

During the whole scan there was a constant drone from the machine and my head was held in place so I couldn't really move. It was a little uncomfortable during initial come up but fine after a while. Had to do more tests and then still tripping when I came out. Unfortunately it didn't last much further beyond that.

The research facility and staff are amazing and very professional as you'd expect. The research is really interesting and potentially very important for people who suffer from schizophrenia so happy that I can be a part of that research. Next one is at the end of September.

 

[Techno Natch]

Drug related deaths in the England and Wales have risen to the highest level since records began with a worrying increase in the Heroin related deaths. According to the government the current drug policies are working.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34136930
http://www.theguardian.com/society/...-and-morphine-related-deaths?CMP=share_btn_fb

 

[Dr Mantis Toboggan]

a society with everyone on molly and smoking joints sounds infinitely more peaceful and lovely than an alcohol-fueled one

 

[The East Terrace]

If you just legalise one drug then you don't deal with the problem of dealers and the crime related to drugs turf wars etc. As I said its practically decriminalised anyway. I hate the smell of weed, vile sickly sweet smell and hate knowing that my kids smell it and see the groups of chavs hanging around the place as normal. As with smoking or drinking or over eating, if people want to do things that they know harm them then who are we or any government to decide which of these things should be legally available. Pure herion is what is used in some cases to help addicts off the drug, I know 2 people who have had success with kicking herion thanks to pure herion. It doesn't spazz them out like the street crap, they were back at work and to anyone who didn't know them they would never have known.

 

[Techno Natch]

Good to know that was a success for your friends. It's possibly better than being on methadone as then you're fighting two addictions it seems and so many use on top anyway. Not that I am anti Methadone mind.

-----
http://metro.co.uk/2015/09/10/this-...left-in-wheelchair-after-taking-mdma-5385232/

This article is a prime example of what is wrong with reporting on drugs in the Uk, it's actually embarrasing.

Headline: ‘This is what a tiny pill can do’: Teen left in wheelchair after taking ‘MDMA’

"But whichever side of the fence you sit on, it is hard not to be shocked by the transformation taking MDMA has had on this teenager from Glasgow."

At this point we are all certain that this poor girl has definitely taken MDMA and in a freak and incredibly rare incident its had an extreme reaction on her. A bit like when people eat peanut and go into shock and die. Tragic but no need for Hysteria. Keep in mind though that 16 year olds shouldn't have access to MDMA but dealers dont tend to ask for ID.
-------

HOWEVER the article then descencds into utter confusion:

"Amy Thomson, 16, only took one crystal capsule of MDMA (or what was sold as MDMA) "

Wait hold on a minute "Or what was sold as MDMA" the headline seemed fairly certain.

----

"Now, we aren’t saying that MDMA was the cause of her falling ill, but often it is mixed with unknown substances that could prove fatal."

Erm I'm fairly sure you the whole article has just given this impression. You've also then stated that it's the unknown substances that could prove fatal. Well guess what - unknown substances are symptom of prohibition. But this article just keeps going......

-----

"The toxicology report detailing taken substances has not been released because of pending criminal cases, Police Scotland says."

WHOAAAAA! Hold on a fucking minute. You've just written an article implying that MDMA put this girl in a wheelchair, you then try to deny that you're saying that halfway through the article.... Despite saying in the headline that this is what MDMA has done to the girl.

And then it turns out you have no clue at all what was in the powder because the toxicology report hasn't been released. So just like the people that took the drug you have no clue at all what was in it? Even after acknowledging that contaminants are a big risk to street MDMA, so shouldn't you wait and give facts before spreading hysteria?

Without knowing what the substance is, how it was taken and the dose we can't make any assumptions. In fact sensationalist reporting causes more harm than honest and sensible reporting. But I guess that doesn't get the clicks in?

Congratulations to Nicole Morley for some of the worst reporting I've ever seen.

http://metro.co.uk/2015/09/10/this-...left-in-wheelchair-after-taking-mdma-5385232/

 

[Dr Mantis Toboggan]

dunno what a crystal capsule is either. is that a capsule containing powder or is that the actual crystalised mdma?

 

[The East Terrace]

Not far off the reporting about Ecstasy in 90's. Its more addictive and deadly than herion, blah, blah, blah. Proff Nutt's league table showed it to be less harmful than fags & booze. The then Labour government didn't like that and tried to rubbish him and his report. We will never move on as a society if we do not use and act upon research. There was a time when people thought smoking was good for you because it calmed you down, "go and have a fag you will feel much better". When the link to lung cancer was established, if that was in modern politics they would just silence those people because it isn't what they want us to know. The whole Legalise puff arguement is as boring, long winded, pointless and out of date as our governments drug policies and both sides of the arguement need to re-think.

 

[Techno Natch]

Write up for today below, kind of repeats some of what I've said previously but today was different -


So today I think I had Saracatnib rather than a placebo. Thought I'd do a little write up as I know its of interest to some and I'm in a cafe wasting time to come home.

The researchers believe that Saracatnib might completely stop the psychedelic effects of the Psilocybin or at the very least dampen it considerably. If this research is successful then it can lead to more research on similar drugs that could be developed to help treat schizophrenia and other mental health problems. These drugs would hopefully be less damaging than other anti-psycotics currently being used such as Clozapine etc.(Thats my rough understanding of it...)

The first time I think I had a placebo and Psilocybin. I experienced interesting visuals with very impressive closed eye visuals, there was sound distortion, interesting thought processes and melting into my surroundings. The come up was pretty quick/intense due to it being injected and I was in a different place for a bit but in a very nice way. A very typical and enjoyable psychedelic experience.

This time around I believe that I had Saracatnib. I did still have some visuals, the cross in the MRI scanner was moving and had a halo on it, their were some visuals and very faint fractles. Absolutely no closed eye visuals which was dissapointing, I was tripping but not quite there. I also felt a tiny bit sick but this was not related to the sarcatnib rather just the quick come up and psychedelics can sometimes have that effect I suppose. No sound distortion. I could see risduals on the games but that was about it. The peak effects were much shorter than the time before but the tracers etc lasted longer. The researcher said that this is similar to the effects that MDMA will have on someone whose on anti - psychotic medication - it will dampen the effects but they will last for longer which is interesting.

As the test is blind he had no clue if I had a placebo or saracatnib today. He did say though my reported experiences are very similar to others which could indicate that there is promise in this research. smile emoticon Wont know until the research is concluded next year. My only doubt is maybe because I felt sick it dampened the experience but I would say thats unlikely as I would still have expected closed eye visuals.

Overall a really interesting experience and the team there are brilliant. They are still looking for people to do this trial later in the year. So if your male, right handed and fancy being paid to take what is virtually a dose of magic mushrooms in a legal setting for a good cause then let me know.

 

[Dr Mantis Toboggan]

omg i wanna do that gimme the deets

 

[blade1889]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/u...-all-drugs-says-richard-branson-a6699851.html

 

[Stagat]

He's a good dude is Branson.

 

[Techno Natch]

Yeah he's been very vocal on this issue. Potentially big news as well, UNGASS should be interesting next year.

 

[Dave-Vale]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/p...minister-of-canada-who-wants-to-a6700976.html

Looks like Canada will get legal Marijuana soon.

 

[Techno Natch]

Interesting article on current developments in Iran here: https://theconversation.com/could-iran-be-the-next-country-to-legalise-cannabis-and-opium-49183

 

[Dave-Vale]

Never thought I would think that Iran has better attitudes to drugs that most of the west.

 

[Techno Natch]

Don't worry they still execute over 300 people a year for drug offences.

 

[Dr Mantis Toboggan]

afghanistan just became the world's biggest producer of weed too

 

[Ebeneezer Goode]

ha

Iran and Russia play three-dimensional chess while Obama is playing snakes and ladders.

 

[Techno Natch]

I was reading about Amphetamine addiction this afternoon and came across this well written erowid report from a guy who got hooked on his mates prescribed Dextrostat . Thought I'd share as it shows the fine line between enjoyment and addiction and how blurry it can be even when you know you are addicted. This was 2003 can't help but wonder what happened to him.

Erowid Experience Vaults: Amphetamines (Adderall) - My Gift and My Curse - https://www.erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=22166o

 

[JoshBCFC]

I was reading about Amphetamine addiction this afternoon and came across this well written erowid report from a guy who got hooked on his mates prescribed Dextrostat . Thought I'd share as it shows the fine line between enjoyment and addiction and how blurry it can be even when you know you are addicted. This was 2003 can't help but wonder what happened to him.

Erowid Experience Vaults: Amphetamines (Adderall) - My Gift and My Curse - https://www.erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=22166o

Thanks for the SSL connection error

 

[Techno Natch]

How strange works fine for me.

 

[JoshBCFC]

"Unable to make a secure connection to the server. This may be a problem with the server, or it may be requiring a client authentication certificate that you don't have."
My problem is probably the latter.

 

[Techno Natch]

Here you go -

I felt it like I needed to write this about the one drug that once it had its hold on me, has been very hard to shake. About two years ago, I went through a very hard time in life. I had to move in with a relative due to me and my parents not getting along. Doing so might have been my biggest mistake. That relative was perscribed Dextroamphetamine Sulfate for ADHD. Prior to this this time, I was very new to the world of speed. I had done meth a few times, and even some cocaine. That relative knew that I liked speed, so they started to give me their medicine instead of taking it. 40mg of Dextroamphetamine Sulfate a day on the days when I got all four of the pills that person took. At the time, I would snort them, that person had two brand names they took, DextroStat and Dexedrine Spansules. At first I would only snort the DextroStat, since it was in tablet form. At first this was fun for me, I would go into the bathroom at any given time and snort one or two 10mg Dextrostat pills. I would come out feeling alive. This was something I planned to hang on to... or so I thought ...

Well, all good things must come to an end. And so did my receiving the pills. I had moved out. At the time, I was at an age where I didn't understand addiction fully. I hadn't really expierenced it, or withdraws or any of the like. So after the free speed stopped, I had to do something. Where I had moved to, was out in the middle of nowhere, no teenagers my age at the time, nothing. Unfortunately that also meant no speed.

I was diagnosed with ADD when I was around 10, took ritalin off and on untill the 6th grade when I got so sick of the way it made me feel that I basically refused to take the pills (60mg a day of that stuff at age 10...) Remembering I had an evaluation done around that time, so I made a doctors appointment. When I went, I asked for something to help with my 'ADD' and eventually I got perscribed Dexedrine. Well by this time, people were kind of catching onto me. My pills were monitored, etc. The dose was only 5mg a day, which wasnt much at all.

A few months later, I went downhill more. I got taken away from my family all together due to by inability to obey my parents, or get along with them. When I left, the pills went with me and at the time, thats all that mattered.

A different doctor provided by the state perscribed me Dexedrine, only he said the dose I was taking wasnt near enough to do anything for someone my age/weight. So he adjusted my dosage, I was now perscribed Dexedrine Spansules 15mg to be taken twice daily. Very bad move on the doctors part, I figured 'his mistake is my gain' right? If only I knew how wrong I was then.

My pattern of abuse of my little pills continued for about 8 months. To the point where I would take 120mg (8 of my pills), by opening the capsules, and dumping the time released 'balls' of medicine in my mouth, followed by a quick swig of something to drink. I was taking 8 just to feel right. I saw myself sinking...deeper into this hole. I wondered when I was going to get out, and at times, if I did get out of this drugs grasp, was it going to be in a coffin?

Soon thereafter everyone started to catch on. They knew I had to be abusing the medicine, I wasnt eating, I was wired cosntantly, I was starting to isolate myself from everyone and everything. Everything but my dexamphetamine. Well eventually, I was caught, I was asked to give them my bottle, as there were 18 missing from it. Immediately (not wanting the doctor, or the *drug* counselors at the time find out I was abusing it, along with my probation officer) I decided that most I would admit to was selling them for extra money. I was not going to admit to abuse, in my mind, if I did, I may never see a bottle of the little capsules that had hold of my soul with my name on it again.

I surrendered the perscription, stating I didnt even want to take it anymore (yes, I would do anything to prevent tarnishing the relationship I had with amphetamines). So I started buying large (20 or so) ammounts of ritalin and Adderall at school. Which only progressed my problem.

Finally the nightmare seemed half over, as my life got back on track. I was back with my family, trying to start over (let it be said some pretty traumatic stuff went on during the later time period). I come up with the genious idea to goto the doctor, by that time, I had gained love and hate for ritalin. So when I received it, I didnt aruge. Ritalin was alot less of a habit for me, after a while it was making me irratable, aggravated, etc. So eventually, it came time to say goodbye.

Which leads me to this point. I had my gift and my curse given back to me. Only with a new look this time. It was in the form of name brand Adderall. Only this time, I was scared of my old friend. I knew her powers, so I took that as directed. After four days of taking as directed, I tried to go one day without taking it. I was depressed, nothing was of interest, i was tired, anti-social and just plain bumming. Untill I swallowed two pills, and with the feel of the pills going down my throat, I felt instantly better. She had made her presence known, and I could not beat her.

Now as I sit here, still awake from yesterday morning. My face is kind of sunken, my stomach hurts, I couldnt sleep if I was chloroformed, and my head hurts. I've expierienced and still do dry skin, other skin crap, that I'm almost sure is compliments of amphetamines. I didnt take anymore Adderall after earlier, hoping that I could sleep tonight. As I sit thinking about it, I wonder if the good times are worth the way things are now. I wonder if something I loved so much, still love, but fear, was worth finding ever. There is nothing I can do now, its been two years of off and on. I have noticed some long term effects.

If I could go back, knowing what I know now, I would have run. I would have never walked the thin line of life and death, light and dark, sadness and happiness. The line that keeps me so in tune with it, and can actually be enjoyable is the same line that cuts like a knife. The ride that amphetamine takes me on, might be a ride I can't get off.

 

[JoshBCFC]

Here you go -

I felt it like I needed to write this about the one drug that once it had its hold on me, has been very hard to shake. About two years ago, I went through a very hard time in life. I had to move in with a relative due to me and my parents not getting along. Doing so might have been my biggest mistake. That relative was perscribed Dextroamphetamine Sulfate for ADHD. Prior to this this time, I was very new to the world of speed. I had done meth a few times, and even some cocaine. That relative knew that I liked speed, so they started to give me their medicine instead of taking it. 40mg of Dextroamphetamine Sulfate a day on the days when I got all four of the pills that person took. At the time, I would snort them, that person had two brand names they took, DextroStat and Dexedrine Spansules. At first I would only snort the DextroStat, since it was in tablet form. At first this was fun for me, I would go into the bathroom at any given time and snort one or two 10mg Dextrostat pills. I would come out feeling alive. This was something I planned to hang on to... or so I thought ...

Well, all good things must come to an end. And so did my receiving the pills. I had moved out. At the time, I was at an age where I didn't understand addiction fully. I hadn't really expierenced it, or withdraws or any of the like. So after the free speed stopped, I had to do something. Where I had moved to, was out in the middle of nowhere, no teenagers my age at the time, nothing. Unfortunately that also meant no speed.

I was diagnosed with ADD when I was around 10, took ritalin off and on untill the 6th grade when I got so sick of the way it made me feel that I basically refused to take the pills (60mg a day of that stuff at age 10...) Remembering I had an evaluation done around that time, so I made a doctors appointment. When I went, I asked for something to help with my 'ADD' and eventually I got perscribed Dexedrine. Well by this time, people were kind of catching onto me. My pills were monitored, etc. The dose was only 5mg a day, which wasnt much at all.

A few months later, I went downhill more. I got taken away from my family all together due to by inability to obey my parents, or get along with them. When I left, the pills went with me and at the time, thats all that mattered.

A different doctor provided by the state perscribed me Dexedrine, only he said the dose I was taking wasnt near enough to do anything for someone my age/weight. So he adjusted my dosage, I was now perscribed Dexedrine Spansules 15mg to be taken twice daily. Very bad move on the doctors part, I figured 'his mistake is my gain' right? If only I knew how wrong I was then.

My pattern of abuse of my little pills continued for about 8 months. To the point where I would take 120mg (8 of my pills), by opening the capsules, and dumping the time released 'balls' of medicine in my mouth, followed by a quick swig of something to drink. I was taking 8 just to feel right. I saw myself sinking...deeper into this hole. I wondered when I was going to get out, and at times, if I did get out of this drugs grasp, was it going to be in a coffin?

Soon thereafter everyone started to catch on. They knew I had to be abusing the medicine, I wasnt eating, I was wired cosntantly, I was starting to isolate myself from everyone and everything. Everything but my dexamphetamine. Well eventually, I was caught, I was asked to give them my bottle, as there were 18 missing from it. Immediately (not wanting the doctor, or the *drug* counselors at the time find out I was abusing it, along with my probation officer) I decided that most I would admit to was selling them for extra money. I was not going to admit to abuse, in my mind, if I did, I may never see a bottle of the little capsules that had hold of my soul with my name on it again.

I surrendered the perscription, stating I didnt even want to take it anymore (yes, I would do anything to prevent tarnishing the relationship I had with amphetamines). So I started buying large (20 or so) ammounts of ritalin and Adderall at school. Which only progressed my problem.

Finally the nightmare seemed half over, as my life got back on track. I was back with my family, trying to start over (let it be said some pretty traumatic stuff went on during the later time period). I come up with the genious idea to goto the doctor, by that time, I had gained love and hate for ritalin. So when I received it, I didnt aruge. Ritalin was alot less of a habit for me, after a while it was making me irratable, aggravated, etc. So eventually, it came time to say goodbye.

Which leads me to this point. I had my gift and my curse given back to me. Only with a new look this time. It was in the form of name brand Adderall. Only this time, I was scared of my old friend. I knew her powers, so I took that as directed. After four days of taking as directed, I tried to go one day without taking it. I was depressed, nothing was of interest, i was tired, anti-social and just plain bumming. Untill I swallowed two pills, and with the feel of the pills going down my throat, I felt instantly better. She had made her presence known, and I could not beat her.

Now as I sit here, still awake from yesterday morning. My face is kind of sunken, my stomach hurts, I couldnt sleep if I was chloroformed, and my head hurts. I've expierienced and still do dry skin, other skin crap, that I'm almost sure is compliments of amphetamines. I didnt take anymore Adderall after earlier, hoping that I could sleep tonight. As I sit thinking about it, I wonder if the good times are worth the way things are now. I wonder if something I loved so much, still love, but fear, was worth finding ever. There is nothing I can do now, its been two years of off and on. I have noticed some long term effects.

If I could go back, knowing what I know now, I would have run. I would have never walked the thin line of life and death, light and dark, sadness and happiness. The line that keeps me so in tune with it, and can actually be enjoyable is the same line that cuts like a knife. The ride that amphetamine takes me on, might be a ride I can't get off.

Thanks, goes to show that drugs is a shit thing and drug education needs to be done as early as possible really to stop these situations.

 

[Techno Natch]

http://volteface.me/features/steve-...&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare

Good review of the year in drug policy.

 

[Dr Mantis Toboggan]

haha @ updating a drugs thread on new year's day whilst people are all sleeping off some kind of a comedown