From 1 July 2025, all NPS (new psychoactive substances) will be banned. This will be the first time that an entire class of chemicals with the same basic structure falls under the Opium Act. Politicians regard this as an effective means of staying ahead of the development of designer drugs. Indeed, designer drugs are currently like the Hydra: ban one variant, such as 4-MMC, and others, such as 3-MMC and 2-MMC, appear.

The government has a point: these new variants are often impure, less potent, and have undergone little testing, which increases risks. Such a group ban is therefore logical. However, at the same time, more money is funnelled into the illegal circuit. So why not also start the process of legalising the regular drugs that these imitations are based on immediately?

A huge amount is already known about the effects, safety and dosage of LSD, MDMA and psilocybin — provided you know where to look. Many of these substances have even been shown to be safer than alcohol. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy shows promise for treating PTSD. Recreational users are also well aware of the risks; just ask any passer-by at your local festival with their pupils on night-vision mode..

Ban the junk that circumvents legislation and is untested, but legalise substances whose mechanisms we have long understood. Dr. Hofmann cycled into the future in 1943 — it’s time to get back in the saddle.