10 Best Science Based Joe Rogan Experience Guests
4. Hamilton Morris - Episode 1136
Hamilton Morris is a journalist and scientific researcher whose work primarily focuses on the psychical, psychological and cultural impacts of different psychoactive drugs.
His Viceland show, Hamilton's Pharmacopeia, explores the effects of different drugs, with Morris acting as a sort of drug-taking guinea pig. Not only does his show give you the chance to experience some of the most potent psychoactive substances known to humankind through your screen, but it's also a fascinating dive into the origins and historical significance of certain drugs.
No matter your opinion on the use of psychoactive drugs, Morris raises some extremely interesting points about societies perception on drugs and why certain chemical compounds have negative connotation attached to them. He talks about the current issues with pharmaceutical companies lobbying governments to declare certain drugs legal or illegal, depending on the financial benefits.
Morris certainly comes at all this from a scientific viewpoint. As a chemist, he understands the structural make-up of drugs and has a unique perspective on why and how different drugs can be dangerous and how they may be beneficial. He stresses there's a disconnect with how drugs are perceived by society dependent on their legal status.
It does seem nonsensical that the consumption of alcohol - one of the most damaging substances out there - is so openly accepted in our society, whereas other substances with potential medical benefits are so vilified.