In this edition of Dose of Science, we are going to take a look at a meta-analysis of using LSD therapy to treat alcoholism [1]. ‘Meta-analysis’ means that the study pools together data derived from multiple trials and re-analyses the combined evidence. The advantage is that the combined evidence reduces the statistical uncertainties, and permits more robust conclusions than any of the individual studies in isolation.

A surprise decision from the otherwise super-conservative Polish government: it improves access to cannabis for medical purposes.

The ‘cognitive impairment theory’ proposes that cannabis causes cognitive decline. The hypothesis has gained some support from a 2012 study, but a recent paper with twin participants strongly argued against the theory. Both studies agree on the association between smoking and cognitive decline. Where they disagree is whether the relationship is causal or merely correlation. In this Dose of Science we take a close look at the question. 

MDMA’s neurotoxicity is the topic of this and many future editions of Dose of Science. The question is not whether MDMA is neurotoxic in an absolute sense, but rather, what is the extent of the damage at various dosing regimens. Stephen Kish’s study [1] from 2010 aims to clarify the picture by employing a range of neuroimaging techniques and cognitive tests on a large sample while controlling for many potential confounding factors. 

IFLScience, one of Facebook’s biggest science advocacy page recently headlined a study that “New Study Finds Marijuana Safer Than Alcohol Or Tobacco” [1]. While this is a catchy title, the paper only partially supports the statement. In this edition of Dose of Science we are going to take a close look at the original research article [1] to examine whether weed is really safer than alcohol.

Progress should not cause us to lose sight of our core values. Please watch our video and read our article about the 2015 International Drug Policy Reform Conference, which was held in Washington DC between 18-21 November!

A speech delivered by the Director of the Drug Policy Alliance at the opening session of the International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Washington DC.

Scientists at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, are aiming to work on cutting-edge research to study how endogenous DMT, occurring naturally in the body, may be useful to modern medicine, particularly by protecting brain cells in the stage of clinical death.

The Hungarian government banned 42 new psychoactive substances this year – but some of them are not new at all, for example Ibogaine. The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union is suing a government agency for not providing access to the assessment reports on the risks of these drugs.   

Films about drug policy reform from New Zealand to Europe, video advocacy trainings, conferences, reports and campaigns about harm reduction, consultation with decision makers at the national and European level – the Drugreporter Team had a very active year in 2014. Please read & download our colorful 2014 Annual Report and learn more!