Policy
San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution to decriminalize psychedelics. In addition to decriminalizing possession of psychedelics, the resolution also allows for planting, cultivating, purchasing, transporting, distributing, and engaging in practices with them as well.
Research
A study from the University of Cambridge found that cannabis users do not fit the “lazy stoner” stereotype and actually do not lack motivation compared with non-users. In fact, the research showed that there was no difference in motivation for rewards, pleasure derived from rewards, or the brain’s response when seeking rewards, which helps support the idea that cannabis users can be just as motivated and productive as anyone else.
Yet another placebo-controlled microdosing study found that the benefits from taking sub perceptual doses of psychedelics may be ascribed to the placebo effect. In this experimental study, participants took microdoses of psilocybin and the expectations of both the participants and the study authors were controlled so as to not influence the results. While this doesn’t definitively prove that microdosing effects come down to placebo, it does add fuel to the growing fire that is questioning the practice’s efficacy.
Harm Reduction
Following what appeared to be a trend of people cooking chicken in NyQuil, the FDA may have unintentionally made the practice go viral on TikTok. The cough medicine contains the drug dextromethorphan, which can engender psychedelic effects, but cooking food in it can be dangerous. Inhaling the medication’s vapors during the cooking process can result in overdoses and even damage your lungs, so it’s best to stay away from this strange recipe. Thankfully it seems like most people already understood it was a meme joke though.
Miscellaneous
Years after the unfortunate and tragic death of Elijah McClain by the hands of police, the 23 year-old’s autopsy report had its cause of death changed to “ketamine administration”. The amendment reflects the coroner’s findings that the large dose of ketamine that was forcibly given to McClain was the primary factor in his death.
That’s all for this month’s update. Remember to always test and weigh your drugs and until next time—keep thinking wilder.
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