‘Psychedelics are as crucial as the Covid vaccine’
Evening Standard|February 07, 2024
Neuropsychopharmacologist and ex-government drug czar Professor David Nutt has become one of the leading scientists in the fight for psychedelic mental healthcare. He tells Alexandra Jones why the time to legalise is now
‘Psychedelics are as crucial as the Covid vaccine’

AT THE end of our photoshoot, the photographer asks Professor David Nutt — esteemed neuropsychopharmacologist and one-time chief drug adviser to the Government — if he’d record a voice note. “It’s for my brother, he’s a big fan of your work.” Professor Nutt obliges with a smile. Since being fired from his role in 2009 for claiming that LSD and ecstasy were less dangerous than alcohol, Professor Nutt has become a cult figure among the young and disenfranchised — most recently that status has been a by-product of his research into psychedelic-assisted mental healthcare.

“I was sacked by the Government for telling the truth about these drugs,” says the 72-year-old. “Of course the world went mad, because no one was allowed to say that. Everyone had been taught to say that LSD was a very dangerous drug and blah, blah, blah — bollocks!” Still, it had to smart a little? “Oh, it did — but oh well. Now I’m sort of used to being out there in the public eye.”

Denne historien er fra February 07, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra February 07, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA EVENING STANDARDSe alt
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
The London Standard

Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?

Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now

time-read
3 mins  |
November 14, 2024
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
The London Standard

He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world

This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 14, 2024
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
The London Standard

How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining

After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution

time-read
4 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Money is worth less than time'
The London Standard

Money is worth less than time'

He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 14, 2024
London's Roman Amphitheatre
The London Standard

London's Roman Amphitheatre

Guildhall Yard, EC2V

time-read
3 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
The London Standard

Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere

There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Do we have to die?
The London Standard

Do we have to die?

One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no

time-read
4 mins  |
November 14, 2024
The London Standard

How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh

From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 14, 2024
London's best festive restaurants
The London Standard

London's best festive restaurants

The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 14, 2024
Rag'n'Bone Man
The London Standard

Rag'n'Bone Man

I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'

time-read
6 mins  |
November 14, 2024