Drug Alcohol Rev
July 1, 2026
Alexander Boardman, Jai Whelan, Ryan D Ward
INTRODUCTION: Psychedelics induce a wide range of sensory distortions and hallucinations (henceforth 'distortions'). Yet, little is known about factors that influence the occurrence of certain distortions. Extra-pharmacological variables including personality traits have been found to correlate with the occurrence of different subjective features during the acute psychedelic state. The current...
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
March 5, 2025
Ethan Mills, Jai Whelan, Sarah Mcgruddy et al.
3 citations
While interest in psychedelic research has recently increased globally, little is known about use in Aotearoa New Zealand. Therefore, we sought to explore motivations, features of subjective experience, and impact of use. We also aimed to explore and compare positive, typical, and worst experiences. An online survey was completed by 997 individuals who had used at least one classical...
Drugs, Habits and Social Policy
July 18, 2024
Sarah Mcgruddy, Jai Whelan, Ethan Mills et al.
Purpose Psychedelic drugs can induce altered states of consciousness characterised by changes in visual perception, tactile sensation, cognition, and emotion. Although there is a history of misinformation surrounding these drugs, recent investigation has reinvigorated interest. However, little research has assessed the attitudes of psychedelic consumers regarding these substances. The current...
Harm Reduction Journal
May 23, 2024
Jai Whelan, Ryan D Ward, Geoff Noller
2 citations
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular drug worldwide and use is prevalent in Aotearoa New Zealand. Although associated with some significant harms, including fatalities, MDMA is ultimately less harmful than other commonly consumed drugs. We aimed to expand the understanding of MDMA harm and harm reduction strategies from a consumer perspective so that national harm reduction efforts...
Harm Reduction Journal
March 21, 2024
Jai Whelan, Geoff Noller, Ryan D Ward
6 citations
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is drug of high prevalence in Aotearoa New Zealand and is the primary drug analysed by legal drug checking services. We aimed to address the gap in literature pertaining to MDMA-related harm reduction behaviour and harm experiences within the country. An online survey was used to assess the harm reduction behaviours (e.g., limiting consumption, planning...
Drug and Alcohol Review
2024
Jai Whelan, Geoffrey E Noller, Ryan D Ward
TikTok has quickly gained popularity through its platforming of large amounts of short video content. Given its widespread popularity, unrestricted access and poor content monitoring may allow 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-related content to influence perception of MDMA use. We aimed to investigate how MDMA-related videos are portrayed on TikTok and explore MDMA-related harm...
Drug Science, Policy and Law
2024
Jai Whelan, Geoff Noller, Ryan D Ward
The prevalence of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) consumption is relatively high in Aotearoa New Zealand, but MDMA use has not been investigated in detail. We explored consumption behaviours and a range of MDMA-related factors, including motivations, subjective effects, and reflections about personal MDMA use via a cross-sectional survey. A total of 1180 respondents (59.2% female, 15%...