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Putting the fun into pharmaceuticals is comedian Jonathan Falconer, who is bringing his show The Science of Getting 2 High to Parāoa Brewing this month.
The show draws on his academic knowledge – he has a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and works at Otago University – along with his wide personal experience of drugs.
He says the show, a blend of standup and entertaining lecture, is without moral judgements, designed to make people laugh. Achieving that reaction is his natural high.
However, he says if there are any more serious takeouts for his audiences, it would be to do good research on any drug you are considering taking.
He says because they are highly addictive, meth and heroin are definitely no-go areas “unless maybe you’re 85 and the risk of ruining your life is a bit lower”.
Jonathan, an American who now lives in NZ, appears to have always been interested in drugs, and followed this by taking a university paper on the Pharmacology of Psychoactive drugs.
“Then I was on a beach in Hawaii and a guy offered me a bunch of mushrooms,” he says. So began his first high, an experience he describes as ‘life changing’.
“I started travelling more, seeing more concerts and living a life with a lot more adventure,” he says. “It helped me realise that the only thing we have is living in the present moment.”
In his show, he will also talk about the things that can go wrong with drug taking.
“I’ve always been fascinated by bad trips and wanted to try one. Eventually, I did succeed. Even though it can be terrifying, I learned something and it was not the worst experience of my life.”
The Science of Getting 2 High is on at Parāoa Brewing on June 22. Tickets from Eventfinda.
WIN tickets
Hibiscus Matters has two double passes to The Science of Getting 2 High to giveaway. To enter the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number with The Science of Getting 2 High in the message. Alternatively, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post or drop into The Science of Getting 2 High giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa. Entries close on Friday, June 14. Note: Winners will be notified by phone, so a daytime number, and email address, must be included with entries.
