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!

Regulated medical marijuana has come out of the blue as a feasible alternative in Serbia, where overwhelming public support favours regulating hemp-based medicines. The promised draft law is still awaited, however, and will then require the approval of the national parliament.

In 2012, the HCLU produced 154 movies, of which 76 are foreign-language, and 78 are in Hungarian. In 2013, we produced 64 movies – 16 in Hungarian and 48 in other languages. During those two years, we won five prizes and held five training courses in video advocacy. Browse these two catalogues and open the videos by clicking on the links.

Despite a growing number of countries allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes, is the Warsaw government still on the side of prohibition? A glimmer of hope appeared recently, but will it be enough to allow those who need the plant in order to be cured?