P-P-Pick Up a Pill
January 24th, 2005This is old news, but I only just read about it – MDMA or ecstasy can alleviate symptoms of Parkinsons Disease. It's an interesting first person account which prompts the question of how many other undiscovered benefits could be revealed by proper scientific research into recreational drugs. Draconian legislation and a taboo in the scientific community currently prevents such research from taking place. I find it disturbing that half the world and their kids are routinely (often mis-)prescribed amphetamines like Ritalin and Prozac for relatively minor conditions, while MS or Parkinsons patients are unable to legally score some Cannabis to ease their symptoms. A transcript of the BBC's Horizon documentary about Tim Lawrence is also available.