Episode 89 - Diving Into Psychedelic Gray Areas

Psychedelics receive a lot of positive press regarding their potential as tools for introspection, therapy, and lifestyle or health improvements. And rightfully so, there is compelling evidence for their benefit in treating some mental health issues and a ton of anecdotal evidence and writings about the positive benefits both mentally and physically from tripping. But just below the surface of positive headlines there is a sea of unknowns. We really don’t know how these compounds work physically in the brain and why some people seem to benefit from the experience. This also leads to a huge gray area in terms of the systems of therapy and access different jurisdictions are experimenting with. On this episode we talk with Grace Browne, staff writer at Wired UK, about her reporting on the less illuminated corners of the psychedelic renaissance and why it’s important to have these conversations.

We talk about everything from the influx of VC money to the dark side of psychedelic cults and the under reporting of negative experiences. Quick disclaimer though. We both believe this research is important and that we should explore psychedelic uses and reconsider the laws surrounding prohibition, but maybe let’s acknowledge just a wee bit more that we really don’t know much about the good, the bad and the strangeness of psychedelics. You can follow Grace Browne on Twitter and check out all of her writing for Wired here.

Links to other pieces discussed in the episode:

The Therapy Part of Psychedelic Therapy Is a Mess – Grace Browne for Wired

Psychedelic Therapy Is Here. Just Don’t Call It Therapy – Grace Browne for Wired

Dark loops: contagion effects, consistency and chemosocial matrices in psychedelic-assisted therapy trials – Tehseen Noorani, et al.

As psychedelics near approval, there’s no consensus on how they work – Olivia Goldhill for STAT

Peter Gasser: Psychedelic Psychotherapy in Switzerland – Psychedelic Science Sweden YouTube Channel

Lower-dose psycholytic therapy – A neglected approach – Torsten Passie, et al.

Do people who experienced long-term difficulties after tripping still think psychedelics are worth the risks? – Jules Evans on Medium

On philosophy, theology and ‘psychedelic integration’ – Jules Evans on Medium

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