daniel's blog

One year ago today Albert Hofmann, the medical scientist that discovered LSD in 1938, died peacefully at the amazing age of 102. For tens of millions of individuals around the world, Albert was a visionary figure and responsible for lighting a path toward enlightenment. Albert Hofmann was a warm and wonderful man, and will be missed.

Remember a few years ago when Mexico was about to enact a law making legal the possession and use of small quantities of any drug? Good-bye Amsterdam, hello Mexico! But once the Bush administration found out, the law disappeared faster than a fart in a windstorm - and more than a few vacations were cancelled. Well, it looks like our enlightened brethren south of the border are at it again. Although their reach this time; dealing only with cannabis, falls short of their last, it is nonetheless a positive development.

Saturday's Wall Street Journal ran a piece on the pros and cons of legalizing drugs. Steven Duke, a professor of law at Yale and taking the pro side, makes a very good case, though he focuses mostly on cannabis. He's on the right track, just needs to make a stronger defense of repealing all drug prohibitions. The con side was written by John Walters, the drug czar under George W. Bush. Mr. Walters delivered his usual drivel about how we're winning the war on drugs, gotta keep fighting, etc. John Walters is an asshole.

I want to thank everyone for listening tonight. It appears our technical guru, Dan Rotigel, did all the right things and we not only stayed on the air but eliminated all the background noise. Smoke a toast to Dan!

I spoke this evening about my belief that medical marijuana is the wrong strategy for moving the drug policy debate forward. I've found that I'm not the only one thinking so, and hope to hear from those who agree - and disagree. So send me your thoughts at daniel@theopiumden.net.

I trust that everyone who tuned in last night to hear Nick Sand enjoyed it. And for those who missed it, my conversation with Nick will be available shortly for free download from The Opium Den archives. Nick was very candid and expansive about his full and fascinating life. A must listen for anyone interested in psychedelics. Nick is one of very few original LSD visionaries still among us, and it was a true joy to speak with him.

We go live at 9pm eastern, use the following links to listen:

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During the show, email us and we'll call you back after the interview



Daniel

Just finished my interview with Nick Sand. It wasn't really an interview as much as it was a conversation. Nick is one of our original LSD visionaries, and there aren't many left. So I just let Nick "air it out" and take us wherever he wanted. I trust you'll enjoy it.

I think I'll take a little smoke break and get ready for tonight's program.

It was 66 years ago today when Albert Hofmann consumed 250 micrograms of LSD and changed the world. For the better.

So tonight we are honoring both Albert Hofmann and LSD. You won't want to miss it. And if you have an LSD story you'd like to share, send me an email and we'll read it to our listeners. And if you include your phone number, we'll call and put you on the air.

Sunday April 19 is the 66th anniversary of the first intentional LSD trip in history. It was taken by Albert Hofmann, the medical scientist that discovered the substance five years earlier while working for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland. In 2003 my wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Albert and his wife Anita in their lovely Swiss home. Albert was 97 and still sharp as a tack. It was a wonderful experience, one that Melissa and I will never forget.

Sorry folks, if your stream dropped, click the links to bring it back up! We're workin on the interference, hang with us if we need to take another 'commercial break!'