Lucas Richert, “Strange Trips: Science, Culture, and the Regulation of Drugs” (McGill-Queens UP, 2018)

Lucas Richert, “Strange Trips: Science, Culture, and the Regulation of Drugs” (McGill-Queens UP, 2018)

Picture this: a substance that's a miracle cure one day and a public enemy the next. In 'Strange Trips: Science, Culture, and the Regulation of Drugs', Dr. Lucas Richert dives into the fascinating journeys that drugs take through society. From the black market to the doctor's office and sometimes back again, Richert explores the myths, meanings, and boundaries of recreational drugs, palliative care drugs, and pharmaceuticals.

This episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery' offers an eye-opening look at how drugs are perceived and regulated in the US and Canada. Richert discusses how substances like heroin can be demonized to the point of being shunned from palliative care, despite their potential benefits. He also delves into the world of 'hippie medicine' from the 1970s, highlighting debates about consumer choice and government regulation.

But that's not all—Richert touches on the evolving legal landscape for psychedelics in California, the opioid crisis, vaping, and how patient activism is shaping the future of prescription drugs. If you're curious about the ever-changing landscape of drug regulation and societal perceptions, this episode is a must-listen.