‘They broke my mental shackles’: could magic mushrooms be the answer to depression?

New trials have shown the drug psilocybin to be highly effective in treating depression, with Oakland the latest US city to in effect decriminalise it last week. Some researchers say it could become ‘indefensible’ to ignore the evidence – but how would it work as a reliable treatment?

Why parents are addicted to Calpol

The long read: It is the one medicine we reach for whenever our babies are feverish or in pain. What’s the secret of its success?

CBD: a marijuana miracle or just another health fad?

The cannabis-derived compound is popping up in everything from mineral water to bath bombs. We ask experts and users if it actually works

‘It makes me enjoy playing with the kids’: is microdosing mushrooms going mainstream?

Before the school run, or commuting to work, increasing numbers are taking tiny doses of psychedelic drugs in the UK. Why?

‘I shouldn’t have to look over my shoulder’: Carly Barton’s fight for medicinal cannabis

It is the only thing that relieves Carly Barton’s crippling pain, but she can’t take cannabis legally. So she’s growing her own – and has told the police

So Brits have a lot of sex on drugs – why?

It’s more common than you might think, and the reasons may have surprisingly little to do with sex and drugs, says sex and relationships author Nichi Hodgson

With councils and the NHS at loggerheads, vital services are at risk

As with Brexit negotiations, some people prefer to walk away or refuse to budge, rather than work together to find solutions

Out of my mind: Sarah Perry on writing under the influence of drugs

When a medical condition left her in agony, The Essex Serpent author was prescribed powerful opiates. They gave her terrifying visions - and a new insight into literary drug culture

First ever trials on the effects of microdosing LSD set to begin

In Silicon Valley they say taking tiny amounts of the hallucinogenic drug increases creativity and productivity, but is it all in the mind?

‘It lifted me out of depression’: is microdosing good for your mind?

Little research exists on the effects of tiny doses of hallucinogens, but devotees of the practice report remarkable benefits

‘The devil’s aspirin’: why do so many celebrities blame Ambien?

Elon Musk, Roseanne Barr, Tiger Woods and others have all claimed the sedative was at fault for their strange behavior

Sajid Javid looks into easing rules on medical cannabis prescription

Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to carry out study for home secretary

Is it time to legalise medical cannabis in the UK?

The case of 12-year-old Billy Caldwell has given fresh impetus to the debate on medicinal marijuana, but reforming the law is difficult in an industry plagued by non-scientific methods

Michael Pollan: ‘I was a very reluctant psychonaut’

The bestselling author and activist has been exploring the use of psychedelic drugs in medical research for his book How to Change Your Mind. And yes, he had to try them for himself

When stag nights go wrong

A stag night used to mean a few drinks down the pub. Now it’s a test of masculinity fuelled by cheap airfares and alcohol. Sirin Kale hears about those who lost so much more than just a night’s memories