The Drug Science Podcast | Episode 43 | Opium, Caffeine and Mescaline with Michael Pollan

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.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
linktr.ee/DrugScience
FOLLOW US ON
Facebook: / drugscienceiscd
Twitter: / drug_science
Instagram: / drugscienceinfo
BECOME A DRUG SCIENCE COMMUNITY MEMBER
www.donate.drugscience.org.uk

[@mothstoflame]

Mescaline was the original "love drug".

[@Omni-Kriss]

Great podcast! :)

[@mindhunter00789]

phenethylamines are the key to mental health

[@kevinfacts5200]

Will these mushrooms chemicals be used in a commercial or recreational drugs/product?

[@gravel3635]

Probably. If there's money to be made you better believe there's somebody looking into it

[@Peace_Guard]

He really overappreciates caffeine. You cannot really reap benefits of it for longer than 1,5-3 weeks, depending on how high your daily dose is. Then you will have such a tolerance developed that your daily average wakefulness will be significantly below what it was at the starting point. It's the same with all the psychostimulants.
The single act of dropping caffeine could probably lift 1/3 of worldwide depression (of course after surviving the initial withdrawal).

[@bubatzbube89]

Agreed. But have you got any sources on the last part?

[@samuelalley7331]

100 percent agree. He is singing a different tune than in the Joe Rogan podcast. It sounds to me that he is addicted to it all over again and now touting all these positive stories in favor of it?
It's a drug, it is bad for anyone with the exception as a tool for a tough situation or emergency stimulant. This stuff is like drinking poison on a regualr basis. Hell, the stuff is the defensive insect repellent produced by the coffee plant. Poison...end of story

[@beccabokah802]

Indigenous people not “indians” or “native Americans”

[@triple_gem_shining]

Michael pollen is insufferable