Enpsychedelia

Drugswrap Editor Jack Revell and Sam Douglas from the Australian Psychedelic Society join Nick to discuss the outcomes of the 2020 US Election, covering the positive news of the many wins in drug law reform.Follow Drugswrap on TwitterUS ELECTIONDr. Samuel Douglas, Philosopher and Vice President of the Australian Psychedelic Society talks US election drug war winners, and the ketamine clinics treating depression with promising results. 

Jack Revell from Drugswrap talks the week in drug news with us.Follow Drugswrap on TwitterNovember 1st is International Drug User's Day and DanceWize, SSDP Australia and Pill Testing Australia have teamed up to release a 'Pill Testing Explained' video.Check out the full DanceWize campaign videos at their YouTube channel.October Online Forum: An empowering, person centered approach to Substance Use and Mental HealthDesigned and delivered by staff from Nexus Dual Diagnosis Service, Harm Reduction Victoria, Mind Australia and Wellways.Brought to you by NEMHSCA, Yarra Drug and Health Forum and Yarra Mental Health Alliance. Harm reduction is a recovery oriented essential practice that can be used by any health care worker regardless of the setting. It values the consumers own experiences with substance use and mental health and supports their expertise in planning and decision-making. In this webinar viewers will be introduced to the principle’s of Dual Diagnosis and Harm Reduction. Viewers will hear real stories using interviews and animations on how staff and consumers from Mental Health settings implemented the Before, During and After Harm Reduction tool and some of the outcomes from using this approach. Viewers will be guided to free Harm Reduction resources to use with consumers and understand why Harm Reduction is a practice that shouldn’t be limited to Drug and Alcohol workers.  

Nick and Ash chat with Progressive Public Health Alliance Director, Stakeholder Engagement, Stephanie ThuesenFollow them on Twitter 

Jack Revell from Drugswrap talks the week in drug news with us.Follow Drugswrap on TwitterNick and Ash catch up with Fiona Patten, a Member for Northern Metropolitan Region in the Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Council.

Jack Revell from Drugswrap talks the week in drug news with us.Follow Drugswrap on TwitterDanceWize have launched a campaign aimed at addressing some of the key issues that people who choose to take drugs may face. The campaign is 'Looking After Our Mates' and you can see it on their YouTube channelOctober Online Forum: An empowering, person centered approach to Substance Use and Mental HealthDesigned and delivered by staff from Nexus Dual Diagnosis Service, Harm Reduction Victoria, Mind Australia and Wellways.Brought to you by NEMHSCA, Yarra Drug and Health Forum and Yarra Mental Health Alliance. Harm reduction is a recovery oriented essential practice that can be used by any health care worker regardless of the setting. It values the consumers own experiences with substance use and mental health and supports their expertise in planning and decision-making. In this webinar viewers will be introduced to the principle’s of Dual Diagnosis and Harm Reduction. Viewers will hear real stories using interviews and animations on how staff and consumers from Mental Health settings implemented the Before, During and After Harm Reduction tool and some of the outcomes from using this approach. Viewers will be guided to free Harm Reduction resources to use with consumers and understand why Harm Reduction is a practice that shouldn’t be limited to Drug and Alcohol workers.

Nick and Ash chat with the team from People and Dancefloors, a UK project focused on telling the broader story of people who choose to take drugs. We also hear about how Covid-19 has effected the UK's nightlife and party scene.PEOPLE AND DANCEFLOORSFollow them on TwitterThe People and Dancefloors project was created by Daniel King and Dr Giulia Zampini. The research was designed by Giulia Zampini. The project has recently expanded to welcome Dr Eveleigh Buck-Matthews and Dr Anthony Killick on the research team. A manifesto by people who choose to take drugsWHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE TO TAKE DRUGS?For too long, drug users have been portrayed as either criminals(1) or victims(2) of the potential ill effects of the substances that they choose to take. Although all drugs are harmful, and can be dangerous and even life-threatening(3), in most cases, the consequences of recreational drug taking are not negative.

Dr. Stephen Bright and Drugswrap editor Jack Revell join the program for a full-show panel covering a range of alcohol and other drug issues.

Jack Revell from Drugswrap talks the week in drug news with us.Follow Drugswrap on TwitterDr. Monica Barratttwitter.com/monicabarratt(link is external)Dr. Monica Barratt is a social scientist, focusing on alcohol and other drug policy, especially around how drug markets operate in the online world. Monica works with the Drug Policy Modelling Program, part of Australia's National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales and currently a senior research fellow with RMIT UniversityDr. Nicole Leetwitter.com/drnicolelee(link is external)Dr Nicole Lee is psychologist, with expertise in alcohol and other drug policy and practice. Nicole is an adjunct professor at the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University, a member of the Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drugs and the Director of 360 Edge, a specialist alcohol and other drugs consultancy which helps bring research into policy and practice. Global Drug Survey COVID-19 EditionThe GDS Special Edition on COVID-19 was developed as part of a global effort to better understand the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives with a specific focus on the use of alcohol and other drugs, mental health and relationships. Over 55,000 people took part. The survey ran for 7 weeks in (May – June 2020)VIEW THE GLOBAL DRUG SURVEY RESULTS(link is external)National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare(link is external)

Jack Revell from Drugswrap talks the week in drug news with us.Follow Drugswrap on TwitterDr. Monica Barratttwitter.com/monicabarrattDr. Monica Barratt is a social scientist, focusing on alcohol and other drug policy, especially around how drug markets operate in the online world. Monica works with the Drug Policy Modelling Program, part of Australia's National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales and currently a senior research fellow with RMIT UniversityDr. Nicole Leetwitter.com/drnicoleleeDr Nicole Lee is psychologist, with expertise in alcohol and other drug policy and practice. Nicole is an adjunct professor at the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University, a member of the Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drugs and the Director of 360 Edge, a specialist alcohol and other drugs consultancy which helps bring research into policy and practice. Global Drug Survey COVID-19 EditionThe GDS Special Edition on COVID-19 was developed as part of a global effort to better understand the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives with a specific focus on the use of alcohol and other drugs, mental health and relationships. Over 55,000 people took part. The survey ran for 7 weeks in (May – June 2020)VIEW THE GLOBAL DRUG SURVEY RESULTSNational Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Jack Revell from Drugswrap talks the week in drug news with us.Follow Drugswrap on Twitter Yarra Drug & Health Forum presents:International Overdose Awareness Day 2020 - Compassion Not JudgementDecades of expensive prohibition and policing haven’t reduced the harms associated with drug use. Policies focused on reducing harms and understanding people’s complex needs have produced far more positive results. A compassionate approach means understanding complex problems and appropriately resourcing responses that actually work.International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. Originating in Melbourne 2001, the day acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends by remembering those we have lost, or those who have sustained a permanent injury as the result of drug overdose. Our minds immediately go to illegal drugs when discussing overdose, however alcohol and prescription medication are two of our biggest killers.In honour of loved ones lost and dearly missed, our aim is to raise awareness and reduce stigma within our communities around this significant health issue.Guest speakersFamilies and people with lived experience of the impact of drug overdoseMC – Jason Vandy (Aaron Short Awareness Association)Mick ColtonCherie ShortDebbie Warner (APOD)Professionals:Prof. Margaret Hamilton AOSam Biondo (Victorian Alcohol And Drugs Association)Sione Crawford (Harm Reduction Victoria)Dr. Nico Clark (Medically Supervised Injecting Room)Politicians:Martin Foley MP (State Member for Albert Park, VIC Minister for Mental Health)Fiona Patten MLC (Northern Metro – Reason Party)Dr. Tim Read MP (Member for Brunswick – Victorian Greens) Supporters:Alcohol Prescription & Other Drugs Family Support (APOD)Addiction and the Family International Network (AFINet)Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic)Victorian Alcohol And Drugs Association (VAADA)Aaron Short Awareness AssociationNorth Richmond Community HealthFamily Drug Support

Jack Revell from Drugswrap talks the week in drug news with us.Follow Drugswrap on TwitterDrug Reporter and INPUD present:Taking Back What's Ours! An oral history of the movement of people who use drugsIn this episode of the oral history of the movement of people who use drugs, we learn about the successes and challanges in Australia, from four veterans of the user movement.The history of the movement of people who use drugs in Australia is a long and rich one. It is one of the few countries that has funded user organisations for over 30 years now.In this episode of our series, four veterans of the user movement in Australia tell us the oral history of the movement. Jude Byrne from the Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL), Annie Madden and Charles Henderson from the New South Wales Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) and Geoffrey Ward from the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA).In the 80s when HIV appeared among people who inject drugs, the Australian government wisely responded by involving injecting drug users into designing and implementing the response. This approach resulted in minimising HIV infections among users in the Country. The Activists successfully advocated for the opening of medically supervised injecting rooms, first in Sydney and recently in Melbourne. Naloxone distribution is run by the user groups as well.Despite their successes, their work is far from being done. They tirelessly fight to end prohibition and the harms arising from it: the drug testing at dance festivals, which results in the death of young people, because out of fear of being caught, they swallow their week's dose of drug; the drug testing of drivers for cannabis, when your license is taken away if you test positive, even though you used days before; or the removal of children from their drug using mothers, regardless of how she treats her child.In this episode we also learn about how New Zealand successfully responded to the HIV epidemic by being one of the first countries to have a national needle and syringe exchange program.

Listen to part 1Jack Revell from Drugswrap talks the week in drug news with us.Follow Drugswrap on TwitterYarra Drug and Health Forum and VAADA Present:Independent Review of the Medically Supervised Injecting Room in North Richmond: Findings and recommendationsPresented by Professor Margaret HamiltonProfessor Hamilton has 50 years’ experience in the alcohol and other drug field including clinical work, education, research and policy development. She holds an honorary position as Professor of Public Health in the School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne.Her work has included founding Director of Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre , Chair of the Victorian Multiple and Complex Needs Panel and she served as an Executive member of the Australian National Council on Drugs for over 12 years, was on the Prime Minister’s Council on Homelessness for 3 years, President of Cancer Council Vic., and a member of board of VicHealth, Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Centre for Alcohol Policy Studies at LaTrobe Uni as well as other roles in many drug and alcohol organisations, and national and international bodies.Co-sponsored by the Yarra Drug and Health Forum and VAADA , this online event took place on Monday 3 August from 12:30-2:00pmYarra Drug and Health Forum has been a long-time advocate for the establishment of the Medically Supervised Injecting room (MSIR) in North Richmond as a strongly evidenced , high impact strategy to prevent overdose deaths and reduce street based injecting, in a neighbourhood that has hosted a long established heroin drug market for many years.Over the first 18 months of operation , the MSIR has responded to 2,657 overdose events, and is estimated to have prevented between 21 and 27 deaths.The Review Summary document is available here.(link is external)

Jack Revell from Drugswrap talks the week in drug news with us Yarra Drug and Health Forum and VAADA Present:Independent Review of the Medically Supervised Injecting Room in North Richmond: Findings and recommendationsPresented by Professor Margaret HamiltonProfessor Hamilton has 50 years’ experience in the alcohol and other drug field including clinical work, education, research and policy development. She holds an honorary position as Professor of Public Health in the School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne.Her work has included founding Director of Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre , Chair of the Victorian Multiple and Complex Needs Panel and she served as an Executive member of the Australian National Council on Drugs for over 12 years, was on the Prime Minister’s Council on Homelessness for 3 years, President of Cancer Council Vic., and a member of board of VicHealth, Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Centre for Alcohol Policy Studies at LaTrobe Uni as well as other roles in many drug and alcohol organisations, and national and international bodies.Co-sponsored by the Yarra Drug and Health Forum and VAADA , this online event took place on Monday 3 August from 12:30-2:00pmYarra Drug and Health Forum has been a long-time advocate for the establishment of the Medically Supervised Injecting room (MSIR) in North Richmond as a strongly evidenced , high impact strategy to prevent overdose deaths and reduce street based injecting, in a neighbourhood that has hosted a long established heroin drug market for many years.Over the first 18 months of operation , the MSIR has responded to 2,657 overdose events, and is estimated to have prevented between 21 and 27 deaths.The Review Summary document is available here.

Support Don't PunishIs a global campaign, focused on prioritising public health and human rights in our drug policies, rather than punishment and coercion. Enpsychedelia has supported #SupportDontPunish​ since our first broadcasts in 2015 on Melbourne's 3CR 855AM.SSDP AustraliaThis year, the Students for Sensible Drug Policy Australia crew held a webinar 'Uncovering the Australian War on Drugs' with guest speakers:Dr. Mary Harrod Dr. Peta MalinsTara Schultz

Nick catches up with Dr. Stephen Bright from AODMediaWatch.com.auMusic from Ape Suit - Bow ValleySegment from AOD Media Watch - Been Skewed Over by the Daily Telegraph? This is what I didYou can watch the video of the segment at our YouTube channel:Music from Missy Higgins and Tim Minchin - Carry YouI caught up with Dennis McKenna as part of the EGA Live Broadcast on their YouTube channel: 

Standing With The Waters : A Benefit Album For Standing Rockby Aquatic CollectiveStanding With The Waters : A Benefit Album For Standing Rock by Aquatic CollectiveKathleen Harrison - Veins Of Light: Feminine Awareness & Visionary MedicineEntheogenesis Australis Dec 8th 2017, Melbourne Australia. Synopsis What is the role of feminine awareness in relationship to visionary species? We often personify powerful plant species as spirits, many of them female. We can examine how this perception affects our relationship with them and their effect on us.Curiosity, compassion, and truth-telling are qualities that plants and mushrooms sometimes exhibit, just as we do. Let's follow that line of thought together. Bio Kathleen Harrison, M.A., is an ethnobotanist who has worked in the field since the 1960s.She is informed by long relationships with indigenous healers, California subcultures, an array of expert naturalists, and her own decades of psychedelic curiosity. She co-founded the organization Botanical Dimensions with Terence McKenna in 1985, and continues as its perennial Program Director, initiating ongoing projects in Mexico, Peru, California and Hawaii.Kat has taught globally for both universities and many conferences. She is currently based and teaching at the Botanical Dimensions Ethnobotany Library, in Northern California. She specializes in the study of nature-based worldviews, patterns of belief, ritual, healing, art and the plants that live where they evolved.

Nick and Ash are joined by former Executive Officers and committee members of the Yarra Drug & Health Forum (YDHF), a unique organisation bridging gaps between community and clinician through events and discussion. Guest speakers:Greg Denham, former Executive OfficerVera Boston, former Executive OfficerPeter Wearne, Executive Committee memberYDHF Meetings are currently being held online. You can find out about upcoming meetings at their website or watch previous meetings on their YouTube channel. 

Nick mentions a couple of things you might be interested in:HAVE A GOOD TRIP: ADVENTURES IN PSYCHEDELICS (Netflix) is a documentary featuring comedic tripping stories from A-list actors, comedians, and musicians. Star-studded reenactments and trippy animations bring their surreal hallucinations to life. Mixing comedy with a thorough investigation of psychedelics, HAVE A GOOD TRIP explores the pros, cons, science, history, future, pop cultural impact, and cosmic possibilities of hallucinogens. Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association live Facebook video, Vaping Facts and the Status of Vaping in Australia, Wednesday 13th May 2020Ronnie Grigg - Zero Block Society (pt2)Listen to part 1 hereRonnie is from Vancouver in Canada and joins the program to talk to us about the overdose crisis that has swept Canada over the past five years, and the longer history of advocacy for people sleeping rough, community-based harm reduction initiatives and his newly formed not-for-profit organisation, the Zero Block Society.AOD Media Watch: Are you a vulnerable celebrity? Why not try meth with The Seven NetworkAuthor:Katie Horneshaw, Op Ed columnist and features writerReviewers:Dr Stephen Bright, Senior Lecturer of Addiction at Edith Cowan UniversityDr Liam Engel, Adjunct Research Fellow at Edith Cowan UniversityFeatured image: Promotional image for 7News’ documentary, Ben Cousins: Coming Clean.Disclaimer: The author takes full responsibility for the content of this article.On the evening Sunday the 29th of March, Channel Seven aired a one hour program about former AFL player Ben Cousins called “Coming Clean”. In the opening sequence, the audience is greeted with footage of Ben from ten years ago, polished and media-trained. “I hope this documentary can send a powerful message about how addiction affects your life,” he warns, before the camera cuts dramatically to Ben in 2020. It’s a shock. He stares straight at the camera, media-friendly smile wiped away, visibly aged, a long beard and shaggy ponytail obscuring much of his face. He croakily finishes the spiel that former Ben began: “But I feel there are some real lessons to be learnt here. And I think some good can come from it, for everyone”If there was any hope that Seven might at least aim for objectivity in what was promoted as a “documentary”, it’s lost within these first few frames. Ben’s decades of struggles are whittled down to a spectacular opening sequence which frames the documentary’s central theme: Ben Cousins, the AFL star turned jobless, criminal, addict.“Brownlow to garbo, inside a jail”, Basil Zempilas contemplates at one stage, with pantomimed disbelief.Still, the piece could have functioned as a legitimate cautionary tale, had there been some attempt by Seven to contextualise Ben’s journey within a framework of punitive drug policy, stigma, the pressures of fame, and party culture; or to educate viewers on how one might reduce the harms that Ben has endured in their own lives. Instead, Ben Cousins is trotted out like a wind-up monkey and his sad story reduced to spectacle.READ MORE at AODMEDIAWATCH.COM.AU

Take the Global Drug Survey COVID19 special edition and help make sense of what's the same, what's different and what's changing.          And take the Penington Institute's short survey on drug use patterns here.Goosebumpz - AutophagyInterview with Ronnie GriggZero Block SocietyRonnie is from Vancouver in Canada and joins the program to talk to us about the overdose crisis that has swept Canada over the past five years, and the longer history of advocacy for people sleeping rough, community-based harm reduction initiatives and his newly formed not-for-profit organisation, the Zero Block Society.    Yarra Drug & Health Forum Online - What works and why – Evalutating peer worker programs We hear from two of the five speakers at this month's Yarra Drug & Health Forum. Watch the full forum on YouTube.Danny Jeffcote - ​​​Program Facilitator AOD West cohealthDavid de Been - Peer Overdose Response Worker – Harm Reduction Team Barwon HealthDone By Law - Policing & protests during COVID-19A short segment from 3CR's Done By Law (Tuesday, 6-6:30pm) is played, talking about the challenges to our civil liberties during the pandemic and subsequent government response.Background music used throughout the show from M&Ms

Ash touches on some news, including this apparent plan to re-purpose the Passive Alert Detection dog (Sniffer dog) program, Expert reveals how Aussie sniffer dogs could fight coronavirusAngus green - Vital Techniques & MC Pean - Bun up the Ting [Angus Green Remix] Covid Policing Part 2Listen to part 1 hereKitty ForestNick chats with Kitty about the future of festivals and the last party on Earth.Pandemic Party – Tribal Gathering Panama Locked Down With 100s of Doofers StrandedReports are coming in from Panama that hundreds of doofers, artists and crew have been placed in a forced lockdown by the army on the Tribal Gathering site due to fears the number of international travellers at the festival may infect the local population with COVID-19.Organisers of the event, Geoparadise, posted on their Facebook pageTip of the Iceberg- How COVID 19 is Impacting the Underground and How You Can HelpUnless you’ve been hiding in your fully prepped bunker in the middle of the desert with no wifi to wait out the apocalypse, you’d be well aware that COVID 19 has decimated the entire music industry, taking the underground electronic scene with it.Half Wild put out the call a few weeks ago to musicians and businesses in the industry to let us know how they’ve been impacted and how our readers can help. We were so overwhelmed with responses, it brought us to tears at Half Wild HQ. So many cries for help that we can’t possibly publish them all. So instead, we’ll bring you a series of articles and features to help promote those in need it as well as a special something we’re holding up our sleeves to announce real soon.Know Your Stuff NZAsh chats with Rhiannon from Know Your Stuff NZ about sensible advice for people who take drugs during a pandemic.

In this episode, we talk about inconsistent and confusing policing in Victoria of the COVID-19 restrictions, and the pandemic's effects on drug markets and the flow-on effect to those who access these markets.Mista Savona - Live at Glastonbury 2019 Interview with Jarryd BartleMaestro of Vice - Researcher and consultantThe Conversation - Drug use may increase the risk of coronavirus. Here’s how to reduce the harmsPeople who use illicit drugs, whether they are dependent or use them occasionally, are potentially at increased risk of harm during the coronavirus pandemic.The coronavirus is too new to know the exact interaction with illicit drugs. There has been no peer reviewed research yet, and we don’t know how many people who have contracted the virus also use drugs.However, we can estimate some of the possible impacts from what we know generally about drugs, their effects on the body, and how people use them, including in times of increased stress.Regardless of your views on illicit drugs, reducing the harms from drug use during the pandemic will improve the well-being of people who use them, and those close to them. Reducing harms will also help avoid additional pressure on the health system.Interview with Michelle and Jen from Covidpolicing.org.auVolunteers lawyers from Melbourne Activist Legal SupportCOVIDPOLICING WEEKLY ROUNDUP #2Now in its second week of operation, the Covid Policing website has had and additional 32 reports concerning police interactions. Victoria had by far the highest number of reports at 25 (15 for inner and greater Melbourne and 10 for regional Victoria), New South Wales (4), Queensland (1) and Western Australia (2). A majority of people reported that they had a negative experience of their interactions with police, describing their interactions as: aggressive, interrogatory, intimidating, harassing, rude, very rude, unpleasant, nasty, forceful, not friendly, frightening.Read more...Stream Local Musicwith QuarantunesBacking music from Tongberang'i Ngarrga Inc

Nick and Ash discuss recent news during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are seeking any information you might have about drug markets or trends. Get in touch with us via secure email enpsychedelia@protonmail.comAngus Green - Quarantine Beat #2 [Like That]Interview with Bo KittyBo has worked in a variety of roles over several decades at festivals in Melbourne and around Australia, doing Event Operations manager and a Public Safety Officer, also creator of events, tours, master classes, site logistics, project systems, global art exhibitions, nightclub events, live graffiti shows, and outdoor festivals worldwide.We discuss the quick changes that COVID-19 has made to the lives of many who work in a variety of creative, logistics and festival-nomad businesses. Interview with Gabi from 3CR's Midnight Mass 

Our first show back after a Covid-19 hiccup / cough. We've been experimenting with ways to keep in contact during isolation. Like many, we have started using Zoom to conduct interviews and have been producing both live and pre-recorded video for our social media channels.During the Facebook Live chat, we caught up with:Dr. Stephen BrightSenior Lecturer in AOD at Edith Cowan University and head of AOD Media WatchSione CrawfordHarm Reduction Victoria - Executive OfficerSteph TzanetisDanceWize Program Coordinator - Harm Reduction Victoria You can watch the technical disaster of a live show here, but I recommend just listening to the podcast.The HRVic website has a special section on COVID-19 for people who use drugs. The following posters are downloadable as high quality files at the HRVic website.

Nick and Ash discussPeking Duk - Wasted  Interview with Professor Monique MarksUrban Futures Centre at the Durban University of TechnologyInitially trained as a social worker, she has a doctorate in Sociology from the University of Natal, and writes predominantly in the field of criminology. She has published widely in the areas of youth social movements, ethnographic research methods, police labour relations, police organizational change and security governance. She has published four books: Young Warriors: Youth Identity, Politics and Violence in South Africa; Transforming the Robocops: Changing Police in South Africa; and Police Occupational Culture: New Debates and Directions (edited with Anne-Marie Singh and Megan O’Neill) and Police Reform from the Bottom Up (edited with David Sklansky). She has also published over 45 peer reviewed articles and numerous reports. She sits on a number of journal editorial boards as well as the Board of Trustees of the Safer South Africa Foundation. She is a B-rated researcher, indicating that she has substantial international recognition. In her research work on security governance she has forged close relations with government, both local and national. Monique also runs a large community engagement project in Durban’s largest low income municipal housing estate, Kenneth Gardens.Interview with Sarsani SchenkHarm Reduction worker with Unity in the NetherlandsAsh chats with Sarsani about harm reduction initiatives in the Netherlands, which has much more progressive drug policies in many areas.

In this edition of Enpsychedelia:Interview with Dr. Christopher ZalewskiDirector of Research – Plant Sciences and Co-Founder, Front Range BiosciencesMEDIA RELEASE: Front Range Biosciences Launches Hemp and Coffee Tissue Culture Samples to SpaceFront Range Biosciences® (FRB), an agricultural technology company focused on breeding and nursery production of new plant varieties and seeds for the hemp and coffee industries, today announced that its mission to transport plant cultures to space to examine the effects of zero gravity on plant gene expression is scheduled to launch this evening at the Kennedy Space Center. In partnership with SpaceCells USA Inc. and BioServe Space Technologies at the University of Colorado Boulder, FRB's coffee and hemp cell cultures will be delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) on the SpaceX CRS-20 cargo flight slated to depart today at 4:50 a.m. UTC, weather permitting.Peking Duk - WastedInterview with Michael Pettersson MLAMember for Yerrabi, Canberra Labor (ACT)Michael was integral in getting this change in place. It is a small step, so we talk to Michael about exactly what it does and doesn't allow.The Conversation - ACT cannabis laws come into effect on Friday, but they may not be what you hoped forThe new laws will allow territory residents aged 18 or older to grow cannabis plants at home. There will be a limit of two plants per person and four per household. And each person will be allowed to be in possession of no more than 50 grams of dried cannabis.Cannabis plants can only be cultivated on private properties. And only by people who usually live there.Interview with Dr. Peter RohdeAsh chats with Cryptoanarchist and quanatum computer scientist Dr. Peter Rohde on the state of medical cannabis in Australia.Blog - MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN AUSTRALIA IS A SCAMWhen I was in Switzerland last year climbing in the Alps, I noticed that CBD (the marijuana extract, Cannabidiol) was available over the counter in pharmacies, without a script. I’d been wanting to test out CBD for a long time, given its reputation in assisting with improving sleep cycles, and alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression and mood disorders, without the medical side effects of prescription meds, such as benzos (liable to cause tolerance, addiction, and subsequent withdrawal) or SSRIs (which have countless side effects, including rapid weight change and loss of sleep), both of which I have used in the past, but want to avoid as much as conceivably possible.

Nicotine and vaping in AustraliaWhere's the smoke?Documentary maker and author John Safran has turned his attention to vaping in Australia. He's currently research a book into the state of vaping and joins us on Enpsychedelia to share some of his research so far, and to hear updates from experts and community members.GUESTSDr. Colin Mendelsohn - Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction AssociationColin is a Conjoint Associate Professor in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. He was a general practitioner for 27 years and now works as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist helping smokers to quit. He has a special interest in the use of less harmful alternatives to smoked tobacco for smokers who are unable to quit (tobacco harm reduction).He is a member of the Expert Advisory Group that develops the Australian national smoking cessation guidelines and is past Vice President of the Australian Association of Smoking Cessation Professionals, Australia’s peak body for experts in the field of smoking cessation.Colin is actively involved in teaching health professionals and research in smoking cessation and has published widely in the field.For more information, visit his website at www.colinmendelsohn.com.auBrian Marlow - Legalise Vaping AustraliaBrian Marlow is Legalise Vaping Australia’s Campaign Director.Legalise Vaping Australia was formed in 2017 as a joint initiative of MyChoice Australia and the Australian Taxpayers' Alliance, as a unique grassroots advocacy and activist organisation. Legalise Vaping Australia is dedicated to campaigning for the legalisation and risk proportionate regulation of vaping and e-cigarettes across Australia.While we all know the best way to eliminate harm caused by smoking is to quit smoking completely, for those who are unable to quit, moving to smoke-free products provides an opportunity for better health and an improved life.E-cigarettes and vapes are endorsed by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom and Public Health England as being a better alternative to smoking and more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine-replacement therapy. Legalise Vaping Australia and its community of supporters are working to legalise vaping in Australia, ensuring Australian smokers have access to these less-harmful devices.The Legalise Vaping Australia campaign is funded by supporters via donations and sales of campaign merchandise. We have not and we will not accept funds from the tobacco industry.Along with the help of experts and leading researchers, the Legalise Vaping Australia team is engaged with key politicians across Australia and across the political spectrum to find the right regulatory balance that ensures these products are available to all Australian smokers who are trying to quit. 

Nick and Ash talk drug news over the summer 2019-2020 period.Haydos - Bad AppleMichael Aguilera from Labor for Drug Law Reform speaks to Ash about their goal to push for evidence-informed drug policy in the Victorian Labor Party.

Nick and Ash discuss the week in news and the stagnation of sensible regulation for those who choose to use a nicotine vape.Jorian GardnerFormer Canberra radio jock and current advisor to Fiona Patten MLC, with a passion for cannabis law reform. Jorian joins the program to talk cannabis legalisation in his former home territory and what's on the horizon for cannabis law reform in Victoria.Dr. Martin WilliamsPsychedelic Research In Science and Medicine (PRISM) President, Dr. Martin Williams provides an update on the St. Vincent (Melbourne) psilocybin trial for end of life anxiety. Mama Wonkita at RSF 2017Fungi MapCameron from Fungi Map talks to us about this important citizen science initiative.We are mapping the distribution of fungal species over time around Australia and we do this thanks to the work of hundreds of volunteers – professional and amateurs – who send us the records of their observations from the remotest parts of Australia to parks and gardens in our cities.We spread the word about the ecological importance of fungi.We advocate for fungal conservation and investment in mycologyWe assist by providing online field guides and tools for identification, help with conducting fungi forays and observation record templates. We hold events and training in fungal identification.We also:oversee fungal observation records for transfer to the Atlas of Living Australia databaseestablished a rare species database for tracking rare and threatened speciessupport regional fungal study groupspublish books on fungi and links to other sources of knowledgehold national and local events and training in fungal identification and surveyingpublish enewsletters and occasional blogsencourage and support state-based and regional fungi groupsprovide educational resources to primary and secondary school teachersoffer advice in effective management of fungi to land managersWe use the data from observations and the work of mycologists and researchers to inform government and the broader community about the ecological importance of fungi and the need for much more research and protection to avoid species loss.https://fungimap.org.au/

Nick and Ash are joined in the studio by Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) Australia's Greg Denham on the final episode of Enpsychedelia for 2019. Greg provides valuable insight into the mindset of policing as we discuss issues related to festival policing, the politics of policing and how the drug law reform discussion is affected by policing politics in Victoria._Lobe_ SubterrestrialWe play an excerpt of this clip of Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent speaking to Sky News.There was a recent festival safety forum, with stakeholders ranging from across the festival industry in Victoria organised by Victoria police. This is an excerpt from VicPol's media release on this forumPolice will today join health, emergency services and music festival industry experts and leaders at a forum in Melbourne that is putting safety at music festivals at the forefront. Hundreds of thousands will attend music festivals across Victoria this summer, and the Music Festival Industry Forum is key to preparing for the vibrant season. The Music Festival Industry Forum, organised by Victoria Police, will be hosted by Professor John Fitzgerald and will include guest speakers, interactive workshops and discussion from a range of stakeholders.We play an excerpt from Drug Policy Australia's event at the Melbourne Town Hall:Is it Time to Legalise or Decriminalise Drugs? Panel discussion and book launch of Pills Powder and Smoke by Antony Loewenstein at the Melbourne Town Hall 9th September 2019Mista Savona - Carnival (Opiuo Remix)Know Your Stuff NZWendy Allison joins the program to talk pill testing in New Zealand. KnowYourStuffNZ is a community organisation of volunteers operating in collaboration with the New Zealand Drug Foundation to provide drug related harm reduction services at events around New Zealand, including drug checking.  The service is free of charge to clients. 

Every week Nick and Ash start the show with a chat about what's been in the news locally and internationally for drug policy.Unharm Director Will Tregoning NSW Coroner's reportLegalise Vaping CampaignBrian Marlow talks about why vaping of nicotine has become such a vexxed issue in Australia and the campaign to change that."PROTEST ALL DAY, PARTY ALL NIGHT": HOW RAVE IS UNITING THE LEBANESE REBELLION - MixmagPsychedelic Panel Discussion at Dosed Screening in MelbourneThis panel was held at Cinema Nova in Melbourne on Wednesday the 28th of August 2019. It followed a screening of the movie Dosed Panel hosted by Cam Duffy from the Australian Psychedelic Society, with panelists:Paul Liknaitzky - Executive Officer of Mind Medicine AustraliaFiona Henrich - Clinical Psychologist DOSED - dosedmovie.com winner of the Melbourne Documentary Festival Audience award

Harm reduction is a broad approach to drug policies, programmes and practices that aim to reduce the harms associated with the use of psychoactive drugs in people unable or unwilling to stop. The defining features are the focus on the prevention of harm, rather than on the prevention of drug use itself, and the focus on people who continue to use drugs.Peer workers are vital to harm reduction. They bring the wisdom, knowledge and connections needed to prevent and reduce harm in our community.GUESTSPeter Wearne, Chair of Yarra Drug and Health ForumAssoc. Professor Kate Seear, Law Research Services Monash UniversityTim Payne (May you rest, good soul), EGA co-founderSione Crawford, Executive Officer, Harm Reduction Victoria 

Today's show was recorded live at Rainbow Serpent Festival in January this year.The video is available to watch on Rainbow's YouTube channel.We're hoping to do a second part to this panel at Rainbow Serpent Festival in 2020 and focus deeper on current issues, but always with context to the broader story.Subscribe to our podcast, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and get in contact with us if you have something to share. Sorry for this cheesy intro. I was tired and getting a little too sensual with the microphone.Our topic was Australian Festivals and the Culture Wars. A topic familiar to regular listeners of this show.Our focus on this show is drug policy. We talk about policy in a broad sense: Our laws, social conventions, education, justice system and so on.Underneath this all is the reality of human lives.And for as long as there has been humanity, there has been a quest to explore new frontiers.But, there is always also a wondering, a pondering. How far is too far? Which paths should be less tread?And, in response, some choose to quest anyway, wondering whether what is said to be, really is?

Rainbow Serpent Festival 2019 Safe & Sustainable Partying - DanceWize FeaturingMelissa DentSteph TzanetisNick KentLinda Cowan DanceWize (formerly RaveSafe) is celebrating 20 years of being a government-funded, peer-based harm reduction service. With grassroots origins beginning in 1995 as ‘RaveSafe’, we’ll share the story of DanceWize/RaveSafe with you, including the inspiration for the original ‘RaveSafe’ name being from a video made for rave VJs and filled with messages about safe sex and other harm reduction themes. Our team members, original members and new, come from a wide variety of backgrounds and will share with you some of their work in the event harm reduction space from the 1990s to date. DanceWize uses a peer education model to reduce alcohol and other drug (AOD) related harm at Victorian music events and festivals. Over the past two decades of operation, hundreds of volunteers have attended hundreds of events; providing harm reduction education and care for thousands of Victorians to reduce the risks associated with the music scene.

Nick and Ash talk about the week in drug news, along with Ash's recent trip to Australia's regional Burner event, Burning Seed.The 3CR Monday Breakfast team caught up with Dr. Nicole Lee, to talk cannabis legalisation in the ACT.PODCAST:Monday 30th September: US Right to Life activism in NSW, Moral responsibility for Australia's 'exported' emissions, ACT legalises growing small amounts of cannabis, Walk for Epilepsy, Connecting with the Melbourne International Arts Festival3CR Breakfast shows are 7am - 8:30pmMore events and drug policy discussion

Sydney SSDP event, talking about drugs, addiction and complex trauma.Strong language and people talking candidly about their experiences with drugs. If you are concerned about someone else’s drug use or your own and want further advice, call DirectLine on 1800 888 236.DirectLine is a confidential alcohol & drug counselling and referral available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help is available whenever you need it and never hesitate to call in a time of need. Call 1800 888 236”Nick Kent, Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy AustraliaBeau Jaco, Signs and symptoms of overdose, particularly opiates and stimulantsNicholas Andrews, counsellor experienced in working with people who have complex trauma and addictionsMJ, South African runs drug safety checking services

Nick and Ash discuss the week in drug newsMUSICDubarray - Flow Like Water, from the Sound of Prana albumSEGMENTDavid Shoebridge MLC (NSW Greens) joins the programSEGMENTJudy Ryan - Victoria Street Drug Solutions RVSDS continues its work at the grassroots level of this community through membership of the Richmond Estate Public Tenants Association, consisting of marginalised women who just want to be heard and respected, and have functioning washing machines/secured laundries, better security, and supervised homework clubs and playgrounds for their kids.There are more communities that need MSIR trials in their areas, such as Hoppers Crossing, Footscray, St Kilda, Dandenong and Frankston.Some of the issues Judy talked with us about were:The development of a space for clients to go when they leave the facility.Manage the presence of drug dealers in the MSIR vicinity Commence a trial of hydromorphone at the MSIRMassive injection of government funds into the renewal of the housing estate This is a huge issue for the tenants and the community more broadly. The inexcusable degraded nature of these towers is a constant reminder of the misery and poverty of the area, therefore (according to the detractors) exacerbating the drug dealing/using and opposition to the MSIR.MUSICThe Cat Empire - BarricadesSEGMENTMJ

Roadside Drug Testing SpecialGuests:Fiona Patten MP - Member for Northern Metro representing the Reason PartyThomas Arkel - Efficacy of roadside drug tests in determining impairmentGreg Denham - Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP)David Limbrick MP - Member for South Eastern Metro representing the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)Petition for an inquiry into our current approach to drug drivingLetitia Wilkinson from MSIR Residents Action Committee (MRAC) talks to us about MRAC's position on Richmond's supervised injecting facility.

Nigel Damon from the Council for Homeless Persons joins the show to guest host and share his own story. - We speak with Dr. Colin Mendelsohn from the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ATHRA) about the role of vaping nicotine in reducing tobacco related harm, but also the role of regulation on creating strange public health scenarios, where idealism tramples pragmatism.Ash was in Sydney for the Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) event

International Overdose Awareness Day is on the 31st of August every year. In this episode, hear audio from an IOAD event held in Richmond for the Aaron Short Awareness Association (ASAA Inc) in collaboration with the Yarra Drug and Health Forum, APOD Family Services and Harm Reduction Victoria.Location: Richmond Town Hall @ 1pm – 5pmInternational Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on 31 August each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. Originating in Melbourne 2001, the day acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends by remembering those we have lost, or those who have sustained a permanent injury as the result of drug overdose. Our minds immediately go to illegal drugs when discussing overdose, however alcohol and prescription medication are two of our biggest killers.In honour of loved ones lost and dearly missed, our aim is to raise awareness and reduce stigma within our communities around this significant health issue.Read the Vancouver safe supply statement

Regular hosts Nick and Ash are joined by Jarryd Bartle, who specialises in consulting on a range of issues often thought of as vice territory.This was our list of topics to discuss. Can't guarantee we got to all of them, nor in the same order. But while you listen, it may be of use.Pill testing debateGreens Bill -https://greens.org.au/vic/pill-testing-draft-billAUDIO: Tim Harvey, “In many ways the community i’m here representing today encompasses many of the ideals we need today”Alternative models to pill testingThe Lynch Grinch - Those who believe that pill testing is bollocks and we should just legalise drugs and put all energy into doing that.CannabisMedical cannabis accessibilityCannabis regulation and the inquiry into cannabis market regulation in VIctoriaSecured: Australia’s first inquiry into cannabisVaporising nicotineCurrent state of market, regulations, recent attempts at regulatory changeTGA denied recent request for nicotine re-scheduling that would have allowed for nicotine in vaporisersAUDIO: Fiona Patten, “Y’know abstinence doesn’t work all the time. SO it’s about providing alternatives”Roadside Drug Testing‘Australia’s second generational approach to roadside drug testing’ - A report from the National Drug Driving Working Group October 2018 - page 16AUDIO: David Limbrick, “The October 2018 report from national drug driving working group”Inquiry into drug driving reform petition 117 on the legislative council e-petition websiteDeterrence theory

We are proud to present some of the talks from the Australian Psychedelic Society (Sydney)'s Bicycle Day event.  Dr Vince Polito - Experiences Of microdosing psychedelics: An observational Study - Bicycle Day 2019'From Changa to Change - Self to Society' by Jef Baker @ The Politics of Awe 2019

Nick introduces this week's special, with audio from The Penington Institute's debate:Pill testing – Lifesaver or false comfort?Should pill testing be trialled at music festivals?Can you ever tell whether a pill is safe?Could pill testing save lives?Following a series of tragic deaths at music festivals this summer there is widespread debate about whether states and territories should allow pill testing.Supporters say it will save lives, while those opposed are concerned testing won’t actually help.Are there problems with the tests?Could they could give a false sense of security?Or should we give pill testing a try?To understand what the issues really are, and to shed more light on the debate, Penington Institute is hosting a public information forum with specialist experts to air the pros and cons of pill testing.You will hear the evidence on pill testing from recognised authorities for and against, as well as the story of one Victorian mother whose son died following an overdose at a music festival.Expert speakers will include:Adriana Buccianti (parent of Daniel, who died at a festival in 2012)Andrew Liebie, Safe Work LaboratoriesDr David Caldicott, Calvary Hospital, CanberraEveryone is welcome.Date: Friday, 8 February 2019Time: Noon for 12.15pm – 2.00pmLocation: Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VICWatch the full debate:

Nick and Ash discuss the week in drug policy news and events. SEGMENTGreg Denham from Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) Australia talks about law enforcement's role in drug policy, accompanied by Will Tregoning (UnHarm) and Dr. John Jiggens.MUSICHugo the Poet - ResponsibilitySEGMENTNick was recently in Nimbin for the annual Mardi Grass protestival, speaking about the rise of novel psychoactive substances, especially 'synthetic cannabinoids'. 

Nick and Ash discuss the week in drug newsMUSICGriff - Dawn Trails (w Eastward & Yikesdoor)SEGMENTMelbourne Dosed screening at Cinema Nova. Out-take from the Q&A session with Dr. Martin Williams (President, PRISM), Dr. Margaret Ross (St. Vincent's Psilocybin Trial), Melissa Warner (Mind Medicine Australia).Host of the Dosed panels, Cam Duffy from the Australian Psychedelic Society talks about the panels.SEGMENTAsh caught up with libertarian and cannabis legalisation activist Avens O'Brien at the Friedman Conference held in Sydney, May 2019.

Nick and Ash kinda start talking about news, but Nick also rants a bit too much about drug stuff, veering frequently off track.Dr. John Jiggens joins the show to blow some sense into things.Dr John Jiggens is a writer and journalist who has published several books including The Incredible Exploding Man, Marijuana Australiana, The Sydney Connection and, with Jack Herer, the Australian version of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Along with Matt Mawson, Anne Jones and Damien Ledwich, he edited The Best of The Cane Toad Times.As a journalist, he has contributed feature articles to The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Rolling Stone, Penthouse, Simply Living and many other magazines. He edited The Cane Toad Times,The Westender and Brisbane Theatre Magazine.His Ph.D was ‘Marijuana Australiana: Cannabis Use, Popular Culture and the Americanisation of Drugs Policy in Australia 1938 – 1988‘. The two volumes which derive from his doctoral dissertation are The Sydney Connection and Marijuana Australiana.

Nick and Ash discuss in-depth drug news from Australia and around the world.SEGMENTWe speak with Mike Williams who has spoken about road industry safety issues on 2GB in Sydney and 2CC in Canberra. Former owner driver, now working as a long distance driver carting bulk chemicals all over the east coast about roadside drug testing and his Twitter commentary on public issues.SEGMENTMeredith is the Vice President of the Australian Psychedelic Society and an (almost fully qualified) therapist, who caught up with us after a recent trip to a conference in Canda. Meredith is also a musician, Registered Music Therapist and psychotherapist with a breadth of experience. As well as her private work, Meredith has experience working in early childhood, community, mental health, gender equity, and the disability sector. She has facilitated Music Therapy groups in adult mental health and with drug and alcohol inpatient therapy groups.Meredith has a private practice in Guided Imagery and Music therapy, a form of music psychotherapy that developed out of LSD research in the 1960s. She works with a holistic approach to address the needs of her clients and special interests include LGBTQIA+ issues, healing from trauma, relationships and spiritual issues. Meredith also works with Australian Psychedelic Society, facilitating integration workshops for people who have had challenging psychedelic experiences. 

Nick and Ash discuss the week in drug news.6th June marks the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Historically, this date has been used by governments to showcase “progress” in drug control in highly punitive terms.The Global Day of Action seeks to reclaim and shift that day’s narrative. Every year, on or around 26th June, an increasing number of activists all over the world join this unique and multifaceted show of force for harm reduction and drug policy reform.This year, we will be focusing on the intersection of justice and AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) issues in Victoria, with the launch of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP).Law Enforcement Action Partnership Australia’s Greg Denham will host the event, with a range of guests talking about justice issues for people who use drugs.The event will finish up with a panel discussion and Q&A.SPEAKERSGreg Denham (Law Enforcement Action Partnership)Peter WearneKate SeearShaunnaShaunna is a transgender woman who grew up in eastern Australia.  She’s presenting experiential insights into opioid and stimulant use in Australia in the context of law, human rights, poverty, homelessness, rough sleeping, street-based population groups, overdose mortality, health and harm reduction.Sione (Harm Reduction Victoria)

Nick introduces the show, with Tara Schultz taking over as host for the show, with a panel of guests talking candidly about their own experiences with drugs and the law.

Nick and Ash discuss the week in drug policy news, events and activism.Re-play of an interview we conducted with Johann Hari, author of Chasing The Scream and Lost Connection.

This episode is the 3CR Radiothon special, which you can still donate to for a little while after June 16th 2019.SPECIAL GUESTSNick and Ash are joined by two special guests with decades long experience from vastly different, but converging backgrounds.Greg Denham from Law Enforcement Action Partnerships Australia (LEAP Australia)Peter Wearne is an executive member of the Yarra Drug & Health Forum with decades of experience in the AOD sector.Magistrate Tony Parsons spoke at the 2016 Supprt Don't Punish event in Footscray about the drug courts program.View video of the full event on Facebook.

Nick and Ash discuss the week in news on drug law, policy and culture. POPPERSMaestro of Vice, Jarryd Bartle joins the program to discuss the recent decision by the TGA to re-schedule alkyl nitrites (poppers).Read the FULL TGA DECISION ON RE-SCHEDULINGCANNABIS LEGALISATIONReason party leader and Upper House member for the Northern Metropolitan Region Fiona Patten talks to us about her successful initiative for an inquiry into regulation of cannabis and associated products in Victoria. Secured: Australia’s first inquiry into cannabis (Fiona Patten MLC)GUIDELINES FOR AOD DISCUSSIONS IN THE MEDIA Read the Mindframe guidelines.The Mindframe for Alcohol and Other Drugs project uses research evidence to reduce stigma associated with AOD use, increase help-seeking behaviour in people who may require treatment or support, and minimise harm.The evidence-informed guidelines aim to positively influence the quality of media reporting on AOD-related issues, improve community attitudes towards people living with issues related to AOD use and increase help-seeking behaviour.These guidelines are designed to inform, support and empower media to report safely and responsibly on AOD in ways which minimise harm, stigma and discrimination while maximising help-seeking behaviour.The guidelines include detailed information on:Communicating about someone who uses alcohol and other drugs.Helpful ways to communicate about alcohol and other drugs.Harmful ways to communicate about alcohol and other drugs.Language advice.Help-seeking information and services.Detailed evidence about the impact of media reporting.