Drug Cultures

Friend of the show Soren Shade returns to discuss the current state of prohibition, as the DEA attempts to criminalize a number of opioid compounds through emergency placement into Schedule I. Specifically we talk about tianeptine, the atypical anti-depressant turned legal opioid, and SR-17018, the novel substance that may be helping people with opioid withdrawal and cravings. Check out Hamilton Morris' latest 7-OH video here, produced by Soren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3e1aFyw6v4Get involved: https://www.rightsandreasonproject.com/

Susannah Cahalan stops by Drug Cultures to talk about The Acid Queen, her recently published biography of counterculture icon Rosemary Woodruff Leary, Timothy Leary's wife, muse, and accomplice. We talk about why she chose to profile Rosemary, why Rosemary's story is as relevant as ever in the 21st century, and what people get wrong when they talk about the life and legacy of Timothy Leary.

A third kratom episode! I sit down with Oshin Diaz from Jaya Kratom to talk about the industry and how it is rapidly changing the economy, and environment, of Borneo. An island traditionally dominated by the logging industry is now the global hotspot of kratom exports - provided the plant remains legal. Pictured in episode cover: kratom grown alongside rice in rural Borneo

I unpack Trump's ongoing threats of terrorism against Iran. Is there any future where Trump supporters can remain a part of the psychedelic renaissance without damaging the reputation of these drugs? And can psychedelics be tools not just of healing, but of courage in the face of moral atrocity? Art by Caitlin Johnstone

I discuss my latest piece for High Times breaking down the divide in the kratom world between the leaf kratom and 7-OH industries. I dive into the world of kratom lobbying groups, and explore their connections with scientists and regulators. Then, Soren Shade joins the podcast to talk about his experience with these groups, as well as the broader landscape of drug prohibition and the systemic factors that incentivize dishonesty in the kratom and 7-OH industries. Read more here