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'Drugs Without the Hot Air'

Professor Nutt's book on minimising harms of legal and illegal drugs

Since being sacked as chair of the government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in 2009, Professor David Nutt has been a voice of sanity in questioning drug policy as it relates – or rather doesn't relate - to scientific evidence and public safety. Most famous for producing the report that suggested that many illegal drugs, such a cannabis, ecstasy and LCD, are less harmful than the legal drugs of alcohol and tobacco, his new book 'Drugs Without the Hot Air: minimising the harms of legal and illegal drugs' is published today (31st March) by UIT Cambridge. 

Aimed at everyone from illegal drug users to doctors, parents, teachers and politicians, it's an engaging, informed read that provides a greater understanding of the substances, recreational and otherwise, consumed in this country and around the world, and how to do this most safely. Chapters such as 'Cannabis, and why did Queen Victoria take it?' and 'Is ecstasy more dangerous than horse riding? ' demonstrate his ability to look behind the hysteria and misinformation around controlled substances, while others like 'Why do people take drugs?' and 'What should I tell my kids about drugs?' offer practical advice based on empirical data and clinical practice.

Considering the long standing relationship between dance music and drugs (of both the controlled and taxable persuasions), it's a worthwhile read for anyone wanting to protect their health without being preached to from a place of misunderstanding and ignorance.

You can purchase the book from Amazon here.