43. Opium, Caffeine and Mescaline with Michael Pollan

In this episode of the podcast, world-renowned author Michael Pollan explains the fascinating world of Opium, Caffeine and Mescaline from a gardener’s perspective.

Show Notes

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, world-renowned author Michael Pollan and Prof David Nutt discuss gardening.

Of course, this being the Drug Science podcast, there’s no mention of sunflowers or strawberries. Instead, these two icons of psychopharmacology discuss the cultivation and everything else you might want to know about psychoactive plants with a particular focus on Opium, Caffeine and Mescaline.

Michael Pollan, a contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine since 1987, Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism and Director of the Knight Program in Science and Environmental Journalism, is one of the nation’s most influential writers and scientific and environmental investigative journalists. His many award-winning, best-selling books include: The Botany of Desire; The Omnivore’s Dilemma; In Defense of Food; and, most recently, How to Change Your Mind.

Who is Michael Pollan? 

Michael Pollan, a contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine since 1987, Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism and Director of the Knight Program in Science and Environmental Journalism, is one of the nation’s most influential writers and scientific and environmental investigative journalists. His many award-winning, best-selling books include: The Botany of Desire; The Omnivore’s Dilemma; In Defense of Food; and, most recently, How to Change Your Mind.

Michael Pollan’s latest book -> This is your mind on plants

How to change your mind 

Opium 

Caffeine 

Mescaline

Jim Hogshire

Papaver Somniferum

Harper’s magazine

John ‘Rick’ MacArthur

Purdue Pharma Oxycontin

Bentley compounds 

Bees and Caffeine

Roland Griffiths Caffeine research

The enlightenment coffeehouses 

Voltaire

Denis Diderot

Honoré de Balzac

Roland Griffiths

Peyote 

Aldous Huxley The Doors of Perception  

American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978

San Pedro

Muscimol

Ibotenic Acid 

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What is The Drug Science Podcast?

Professor David Nutt has spent a career making the argument for a rational, evidence-based approach to drug policy and drug use. The scientific evidence still challenges perceived wisdom on drugs and for that reason can appear to be contentious. In this podcast, the Professor explores the actual harms and potential benefits of various drugs, challenging myths surrounding classification and legislation, and exploring the societal impact of poorly informed drug policy. Using evidence in public policy should not be controversial. A podcast for anyone interested in understanding the scientific truth about drugs, free from political or moral concern.