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Toby Seddon

@tobyseddon.bsky.social
1.5K followers 1.9K following 117 posts

Professor of Social Science at University College London | UCL Social Research Institute | Chair of Release | Fellow of Academy of Social Sciences | Interested in: drug policy, social science, critical theory, history, law and society | www.tobyseddon.com

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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Truly terrible drug-related deaths figures released today. The human cost is awful. Solutions are out there, if we really want to address this... www.ucl.ac.uk/engage/news/...
ucl.ac.uk
Drug-related deaths: a shared approach to a public health crisis
A joined-up. public health approach can help reduce drug-related deaths and support communities in building a better future. Toby Seddon for the Policy Thinking series.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
There is a lot to agree with in this thread tbh…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Contract signed with @uclpress.bsky.social for my new book, 'Psychedelics and Modern Capitalism'! Now, I just have to finish writing it... @ucl-ccs.bsky.social @sriucl.bsky.social
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Fantastic special issue, Beau! Really learning lots from these papers. The market perspective aligns well with the idea of reframing drug control as a market regulation problem: doi.org/10.1177/0964...
doi.org
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
This paper aims to set out a new interdisciplinary research agenda, connecting a major social problem with the existential threat of the climate crisis. Look out for a podcast episode in September, exploring the background to the paper and its core argument!
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Terrible, James. CGES sounds like the type of unit that ought to be getting *more* investment right now, given the times we live in...
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Will try to be there, Amit, if I'm in London then
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Read last year and hugely enjoyed - very interesting and beautifully written. What more could a reader ask for?
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
New open access paper: Drugs and the Anthropocene doi.org/10.1177/1748...
doi.org
Drugs and the Anthropocene - Toby Seddon, 2026
Illicit drugs are usually understood as a crime and/or public health problem. Yet drugs are also consumer products with supply chains and therefore implicated i...
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Second-hand books will carry traces of the pandemic and lockdowns for many decades to come
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Fabulous, Tim! Looks ever more important in our current times…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
New podcast episode! I talk to Kojo Koram about his new book, The Next Fix, and discuss what comes next after drug prohibition... tobyseddon.com/2026/07/23/1...
tobyseddon.com
13: The Next Fix: A conversation with Kojo Koram
In this episode, I talk to Kojo Koram, Professor of Law and Political Economy at Loughborough University, about his new book ‘The Next Fix’. Further details about the book are available…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
New podcast episode! I talk to Kojo Koram about his new book, The Next Fix, and discuss what comes next after drug prohibition... tobyseddon.com/2026/07/23/1...
tobyseddon.com
13: The Next Fix: A conversation with Kojo Koram
In this episode, I talk to Kojo Koram, Professor of Law and Political Economy at Loughborough University, about his new book ‘The Next Fix’. Further details about the book are available…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Congratulations! Very well deserved, Per.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Indeed. Deans and their accountants seeing academic staff as costs rather than assets is the problem.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Ever wondered about where the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 came from? Its origins and history? How it works? I have just the podcast episode for you... tobyseddon.com/2026/06/16/1...
tobyseddon.com
12: A Short Guide to…. the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
A short guide to the main piece of drug control legislation in the UK, describing its history, how it works and arguments for its reform or repeal. Draws on my research on the historical origins of…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Ever wondered about where the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 came from? Its origins and history? How it works? I have just the podcast episode for you... tobyseddon.com/2026/06/16/1...
tobyseddon.com
12: A Short Guide to…. the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
A short guide to the main piece of drug control legislation in the UK, describing its history, how it works and arguments for its reform or repeal. Draws on my research on the historical origins of…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
... and accompanying podcast episode also now out 2/2 tobyseddon.com/2026/05/29/1...
tobyseddon.com
11: Research Handbook on Drugs & Society: book launch episode
This episode marks the publication of the new Research Handbook on Drugs & Society, edited by me and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. You can find out more information about the Handbook h…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Research Handbook on Drugs & Society now published, for researchers, teachers and students... 1/2 tobyseddon.com/research-han...
tobyseddon.com
Research Handbook
This Handbook was published in May 2026. The publisher page is here. You can also buy it from the usual online retailers. A podcast introducing the Handbook and featuring some of the chapter author…
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Edward Elgar Publishing @elgarpublishing.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
The Research Handbook on Drugs and Society, edited by @tobyseddon.bsky.social, is out now! A global collection of leading scholars exploring drugs & society. 📚 #DrugPolicy #DrugResearch ➡️ Read Sample Chapter: lnkd.in/eNUeefeQ ➡️ More Info: lnkd.in/eykS5crw ➡️ Listen to Podcast: lnkd.in/eTG4QTPW
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
New podcast episode, to mark the publication of my Research Handbook on Drugs & Society! tobyseddon.com/2026/05/29/1...
tobyseddon.com
11: Research Handbook on Drugs & Society: book launch episode
This episode marks the publication of the new Research Handbook on Drugs & Society, edited by me and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. You can find out more information about the Handbook h…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
New podcast episode, to mark the publication of my Research Handbook on Drugs & Society! tobyseddon.com/2026/05/29/1...
tobyseddon.com
11: Research Handbook on Drugs & Society: book launch episode
This episode marks the publication of the new Research Handbook on Drugs & Society, edited by me and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. You can find out more information about the Handbook h…
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Reposted by Toby Seddon
Rainbow Devils @rainbowdevils.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Nine year on, we remember the 22 people who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing. Our thoughts go out to their loved ones, as well as the countless people hurt physically and psychologically by the attack 🐝 #ACityUnited
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
While I was away last week, this finally arrived…
Picture of Research Handbook on Drugs and Society
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Here this week, researching in the Gordon Wasson archives on his work on hallucinogenic mushrooms
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Coming very soon... tobyseddon.com/research-han...
tobyseddon.com
Research Handbook
This Handbook will be published in May 2026. The publisher page is here. You can also buy it from the usual online retailers. A podcast introducing the Handbook and featuring some of the chapter au…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Coming very soon... tobyseddon.com/research-han...
tobyseddon.com
Research Handbook
This Handbook will be published in May 2026. The publisher page is here. You can also buy it from the usual online retailers. A podcast introducing the Handbook and featuring some of the chapter au…
034
Reposted by Toby Seddon
UCL Social Research Institute @sriucl.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
📢 We are hiring a Professor / Associate Professor and Director of Centre for Time Use Research. We seek an internationally recognised scholar with a strong record of academic leadership. Post available from January 2027. Check out: timeuse.org for more information.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
A belated (1 day late) happy #bicycleday for those who celebrate! tobyseddon.com/2023/04/19/9...
tobyseddon.com
9: LSD, Bicycle Day and psychedelic history: A conversation with Alan Piper
To mark ‘Bicycle Day’, April 19th, a special episode on LSD and psychedelic history. The focus is on a new book of essays by Alan Piper which deconstructs some of the myths around the d…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
In anticipation of the imminent return of my podcast, a reminder that you can catch all previous episodes here (as well as on your favourite podcast provider)... 1/3 tobyseddon.com/rethinking-p...
tobyseddon.com
Podcast
This page collates all episodes of my ‘Drug Talk’ podcast. Also available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and Blubrry. Episode 10: Rethinking Drug Laws: book launch episod…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
... and talking here with Kate Lister about drug subcultures and drug use in post-WW1 London. 3/3 shows.acast.com/betwixt-the-...
shows.acast.com
The Dark History of London’s Drug World | Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
... and, while you wait for new episodes, a reminder of my guest appearances elsewhere. Talking here with Ros Taylor on 'More Jam Tomorrow' about cannabis... 2/3 morejamtomorrow.com/episode/cann...
morejamtomorrow.com
Cannabis
Cannabis. It's illegal in the UK without a prescription – and despite decriminalisation abroad, it's likely to stay that way. When did people start smoking...
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
In anticipation of the imminent return of my podcast, a reminder that you can catch all previous episodes here (as well as on your favourite podcast provider)... 1/3 tobyseddon.com/rethinking-p...
tobyseddon.com
Podcast
This page collates all episodes of my ‘Drug Talk’ podcast. Also available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn and Blubrry. Episode 10: Rethinking Drug Laws: book launch episod…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
A belated (1 day late) happy #bicycleday for those who celebrate! tobyseddon.com/2023/04/19/9...
tobyseddon.com
9: LSD, Bicycle Day and psychedelic history: A conversation with Alan Piper
To mark ‘Bicycle Day’, April 19th, a special episode on LSD and psychedelic history. The focus is on a new book of essays by Alan Piper which deconstructs some of the myths around the d…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Another 1000 words completed today on my book. It is *slowly* taking shape...
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Looks great, Amit!
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Release: Drugs, The Law & Your Rights @releasedrugs.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Release was founded in 1967, meaning we turn 60 next year 🎉 This funded PhD opportunity to study 6 decades of our history has just been announced, supervised by @tobyseddon.bsky.social and @alexmold.bsky.social Take a look, share, and apply by 27th March! bloomsbury.ac.uk/drugs-civil-...
bloomsbury.ac.uk
Drugs, Civil Rights and the Alternative Society: A History of Release
Principal Supervisor: Professor Toby Seddon (UCL) Co-Supervisor: Professor Alex Mold (LSHTM) Project Description Background Described as the oldest independent drugs charity in the world, Release w…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Yes, exactly what I meant!
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
I was thinking along the lines of... anything (policy, infrastructure, intervention etc) which facilitates flows of people, things or money has the potential to be 'criminogenic' but the more important (policy) question ought to be whether it enhances safety, security or quality of life.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Application portal is now open, at this link. And the deadline has been extended to 29 March. Do get in touch with Alex or me if you have any questions.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Very interesting. It's made me think about the concept of 'criminogenic' - what does it mean and how useful is it? Are safety or security more helpful to think with?
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Interesting piece by @rainerkattel.bsky.social on what a university fit for the twenty-first century should look like. rainerkattel.substack.com/p/ucl-is-200...
rainerkattel.substack.com
UCL is 200 today. So what would “founding a university” look like now?
A bicentenary is a celebration. It can also be a design brief.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Very sad news about the IAS closure. It raises the question, once again, of why it seems to be so difficult to have sustained commitment to interdisciplinary work. www.ucl.ac.uk/institute-of...
ucl.ac.uk
All good things come to an end
It is with great sadness that we are sharing the news that the UCL Faculties of Social & Historical Sciences and Arts & Humanities have decided to close the IAS on 31 July 2026.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Resonates strongly with me, Alex! My worst experience was a paper that got rejected 5 times, including a brutal desk-reject that was both rude and made no sense. Ironically, it is (and always was) one of my better papers…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
This was indeed excellent! Learned loads from it.
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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Looking forward to welcoming the successful candidate! Excellent opportunity to work with the Release archives at the MRC and look in detail at the history of drugs, counter-culture and campaign groups in the British system
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Peder Clark @pederclark.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
this would be a dream PhD for one lucky individual...
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
New PhD studentship opportunity! Research and write the history of Release, supervised by me and @alexmold.bsky.social! bloomsbury.ac.uk/drugs-civil-...
bloomsbury.ac.uk
Drugs, Civil Rights and the Alternative Society: A History of Release
Principal Supervisor: Professor Toby Seddon (UCL) Co-Supervisor: Professor Alex Mold (LSHTM) Project Description Background Described as the oldest independent drugs charity in the world, Release w…
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Very enjoyable to go and speak @uclsap.bsky.social earlier this week, talking about my book-in-progress on psychedelic capitalism. Insightful and interesting questions from students, as always.
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Toby Seddon @tobyseddon.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
I joined UCL in 2020 and have met some of the brightest, most interesting, most creative colleagues and students of my life. The 'godless institution in Gower Street' is quite some place... #UCL200 @sriucl.bsky.social
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