Drugs, the Media & Law

As part of our Student Society Network series, we have collaborated with Barts Drug Science Student Society to bring you this very special evening of talks and panel discussion. The event will take place at Barts Medical School, in the Perrin Lecture Theater, Blizzard Institute.

Free tickets for all students and Drug Science Community Members (donating monthly). Community members will be emailed a special access code.

Are you confused about our drug laws in the UK?

You're not alone - it's a mindfield. All too often, we focus on what is illegal, rather than looking at the legal side of drugs. We will unpack the legal mysteries of cannabis, psychedelics and many other drugs, looking at licensing and how they are being using in research.

How does the media influence our drug policy both on UK soil and internationally?

We will look at the psychedelic conversation, racist policing, the issue of introducing Overdose Prevention Centres and much more - and how the media feeds into all of these topics.

In the panel discussion after talks from each of our expert speakers, we will explore how they got to where they are today - what was their career path? There will be plenty of opportunity to ask your own questions to our guests throughout the night.

Talks start at 6.30pm - please arrive promptly. There will be a short break in the middle of the evening, with the final part of the evening consisting of panel discussion and Q&A.

Andre Gomes, Release

André joined Release after having previously volunteered for the organisation. He is the editor of TalkingDrugs, responsible for writing stories, working with volunteers and commissioning pieces from those passionate about drugs and drug policy worldwide. He also manages Release's social media. He previously worked with Drugs and Me, and has also written for a variety of media outlets like Al Jazeera, Novara Media and politics.co.uk. André has a MSc in Political Communications from the London School of Economics, having researched the communication strategies used by drug policy reform organisations to influence public opinion.

Elliot Rolfe, Mackrell Solicitors

Elliott heads up the Psychoactive Medicines Law team at Mackrell. The team assists some of the leading lights in this exciting area of research, including bio-sciences start-ups, charities, researchers and international commercial organisations. Using his deep understanding of UK and international drug regulation, he assists with a wide range of issues affecting businesses in these emerging industries. Elliott is keenly interested in psychedelic medicine, drug policy reform and regulation. He regularly speaks at conferences and events and has contributed to numerous legal guides and white papers around cannabis law and policy. He is a supporting community member of the organisation DrugScience and sits as board advisor to a number of educational and charitable organisations in the cannabis and psychedelics space.

Hosted by Mags Houston, Head of Projects & Communications for Drug Science

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Host or Publisher DrugScience