<i>I take illegal drugs for inspiration</i>
from Daily Telegraph, Saturday May 21st 2005, pp 17-18

Every year, like a social drinker who wants to prove to herself that she's not an alcoholic, I give up cannabis for a month. It can be a tough and dreary time - and much as I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner,  alcohol cannot take its place.

Some people may smoke dope just to relax or have fun, but for me the reason goes deeper. In fact,  I can honestly say that without cannabis, most of my scientific research would never have been done and most of my books on psychology and evolution would not have been written.

<a href="http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/journalism/telegraphdrugs.htm" target="new">Continued here...</a>

And also...

Psychologist Susan Blackmore, neuro-scientist Colin Blakemore and author Mike Jay will be appearing at the Cheltenham Science Festival  (June 8-12) to discuss whether drugs can teach us anything about ourselves. For tickets to the Altered States session at the town hall ( £6, 4pm on Saturday, June 11) or for any other festival  event , please call 01242 227 979 (information: http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.org.uk)