For decades, nitrous oxide has been widespread at raves and music festivals, used as a quick buzz. The drug doesn't have the death toll of the opiate disaster or the widespread popularity of marijuana, but it's widely sold - legally - all over the country, though its consumption outside medical facilities is illegal in many states. But the inhalant's use and misuse seems to be on the rise, fueled by the stress and isolation of the coronavirus pandemic. It's also in the spotlight this week after the death of Tony Hsieh at 46, the former chief executive of the online shoe empire Zappos, in a house fire in November. [continues 1684 words]
UCSF psychiatrist Brian Anderson is studying an experimental therapy to help long-term AIDS survivors - people who were infected with HIV in the 1980s and never expected to live this long - who are feeling sad and demoralized. In a clinic outfitted with a comfortable couch, soft lighting, throw pillows and blankets, the participants of his study are given psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms. They lie down for a few hours, a mask over their eyes and soothing music playing in the background, and experience a psychedelic trip. [continues 1514 words]
For someone caught up in the heat of the moment at a local dance club or rave scene, taking ecstasy may not seem like a life-changing event. But as studies have shown, this decision may indeed be life-altering. A frequent consequence of taking ecstasy is a trip to the hospital. This is because the short-term effects of ecstasy can produce life-threatening increases in temperature and heart rate, and hallucinations. Stuart Collins is a PhD student in the neurosciences and neurological disorders at the University of Toledo college of medicine. [continues 559 words]
After getting arrested at Pearson for drug possession, trial was like a 'nightmare' for legendary star In 1969, legendary rock musician Jimi Hendrix declared Canada had given him "the best Christmas present" when a Toronto jury acquitted him of drug possession charges. He had been arrested when he arrived at Toronto airport for a performance seven months earlier. Sadly for local Hendrix fans, it would be his last visit to this country and indeed, his last Christmas. The "Purple Haze" songwriter died 10 months later. [continues 1098 words]
Steady stream of customers out of luck as raid shutters popular Queen St. E. retailer "Another one?" A steady stream of exasperated, would-be customers standing on the sunlit sidewalk outside the Toronto Leaf Dispensary on Queen St. E. and Jarvis St. on Friday afternoon share a common refrain. Just after 1 p.m., uniformed police officers and the city's bylaw enforcement officers walked up to the frosted glass door of the as-yet-illegal weed dispensary for a second go at raiding it. [continues 721 words]
An Edmonton DJ says he wants a "call to arms" to encourage artists and venues to carry naloxone kits in an effort to curb the number of opioid-related deaths in the city. Dragan Jargic, who performs as DJ Dragon, said he recently picked up one of the injectable packs used to combat fentanyl as a harm-reduction measure. "I took it upon myself as a personal thing to make sure there's one kit around," he said. "So many people are unwittingly using fentanyl. [continues 273 words]
Raves
