Psychedeliology (HALLUCINOGENS) Part 2 with Charles Grob
6Digest
This episode delves into the fascinating world of psychedelics and hallucinogens, specifically focusing on psilocybin mushrooms. Dr. Charles Grobe, a renowned expert in the field, shares his insights on various aspects of these substances, including their chemical structure, brain receptors, and potential therapeutic applications. The episode also explores the ongoing debate surrounding legalization and decriminalization, highlighting the recent FDA panel rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Dr. Grobe discusses the importance of set and setting, emphasizing the need for safe and controlled environments for psychedelic experiences. He also addresses concerns about potential negative effects, such as psychosis, and provides guidance on how to mitigate risks. The episode delves into the different strains of psilocybin mushrooms, their potency, and cultivation methods. Dr. Grobe shares his personal experience with a high dose of psilocybin, highlighting its transformative effects on his perspective on life and death. He also discusses the potential benefits of psychedelics for individuals with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism and ADHD. The episode concludes with a call for greater research and understanding of psychedelics, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize mental health treatment and expand our understanding of consciousness.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and its guest, Dr. Charles Grobe, a leading expert in psychedelics and hallucinogen research. The episode focuses on psilocybin mushrooms and explores various aspects of their use, including access, legalization, safety, and potential risks.
Access and Legalization
This Chapter delves into the question of access to psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. Dr. Grobe discusses the current legal landscape, highlighting the varying degrees of criminalization across countries, states, and cities. He mentions Oregon's legalization of psilocybin and Denver's decriminalization efforts. Dr. Grobe also addresses the recent FDA panel rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, emphasizing the need for further research and public education.
Safety and Risks
This Chapter focuses on the safety and potential risks associated with psychedelic experiences. Dr. Grobe discusses the importance of set and setting, emphasizing the need for a safe and supportive environment. He addresses concerns about psychosis and provides guidance on how to identify and mitigate risks. Dr. Grobe also shares a case study of a young man who experienced a negative psychedelic experience, highlighting the importance of trip-sitting and proper preparation.
Neurological Diseases and Neuroplasticity
This Chapter explores the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics for neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and MS. Dr. Grobe discusses the emerging research on neuroplasticity and the potential for psychedelics to induce positive changes in the brain. He also highlights the need for further research in this area.
Microdosing and Research
This Chapter focuses on microdosing, a practice involving taking small doses of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. Dr. Grobe discusses the different microdosing regimens and the need for further research to understand its effectiveness. He also shares his perspective on the future of psychedelic research and the importance of obtaining credentials in the field.
Historical Context and Stigma
This Chapter explores the historical context of psychedelics and the stigma surrounding their use. Dr. Grobe discusses the persecution of indigenous healers and the role of the Inquisition in suppressing knowledge of these substances. He also shares his personal experiences with the stigma surrounding psychedelic research and the challenges he faced in pursuing his career.
Personal Reflections and Future Directions
This Chapter concludes the episode with Dr. Grobe's personal reflections on his career and his hopes for the future of psychedelic research. He discusses his experiences as a mainstream psychiatrist and his passion for working with children. Dr. Grobe also shares his excitement about the potential for psychedelics to revolutionize mental health treatment and expand our understanding of consciousness.
Personal Experience with Psilocybin
This Chapter concludes the episode with Dr. Grobe's personal experience with a high dose of psilocybin mushrooms. He describes the preparation, the experience itself, and the transformative effects it had on his perspective on life and death. Dr. Grobe emphasizes the importance of setting intentions, creating a safe environment, and being prepared for the potential challenges of a psychedelic experience.
Keywords
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms, commonly known as "magic mushrooms." It is a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. Psilocybin is known for its hallucinogenic effects, which can include altered perception, sensory distortions, and profound emotional experiences. Recent research has explored its potential therapeutic applications for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Psychedelics
Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognition. They are known for their hallucinogenic effects, which can include visual, auditory, and tactile distortions. Psychedelics have a long history of use in spiritual and medicinal contexts, and recent research has explored their potential therapeutic applications for a range of mental health conditions. Some common examples of psychedelics include LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are a type of psychoactive drug that can cause hallucinations, which are sensory experiences that seem real but are not. Hallucinogens can affect perception, mood, and cognition, and they can be found in both natural and synthetic forms. Some common examples of hallucinogens include psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, and peyote. Hallucinogens are often used for recreational purposes, but they can also have therapeutic applications for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Dr. Charles Grobe
Dr. Charles Grobe is a renowned expert in the field of psychedelics and hallucinogen research. He is a professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the UCLA School of Medicine and the Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Harbor UCLA Med Center. Dr. Grobe is also the co-editor of the "Handbook of Medical Hallucinogens." He has conducted extensive research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Dr. Grobe is a leading voice in the growing movement to decriminalize and legalize psychedelics for therapeutic use.
Set and Setting
Set and setting refer to the mental and environmental factors that can influence the effects of a psychedelic experience. "Set" refers to the individual's mindset, including their expectations, intentions, and emotional state. "Setting" refers to the physical environment, including the location, the people present, and the overall atmosphere. Both set and setting are considered to be crucial factors in determining the safety and efficacy of a psychedelic experience. A safe and supportive setting can help to mitigate potential risks and enhance the therapeutic benefits of the experience.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout life. This includes the formation of new connections between neurons, the strengthening or weakening of existing connections, and the creation of new neurons. Psychedelics are believed to have a significant impact on neuroplasticity, potentially promoting the growth of new connections and altering the brain's structure and function. This has led to research exploring their potential therapeutic applications for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and neurological diseases.
Microdosing
Microdosing is a practice involving taking very small doses of psychedelics, typically below the threshold for noticeable hallucinogenic effects. Proponents of microdosing believe that these small doses can enhance creativity, focus, and mood, while mitigating the potential risks associated with larger doses. However, research on microdosing is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to understand its effectiveness and safety.
FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, medical devices, and other consumer products in the United States. The FDA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of these products, and it has a significant impact on the development and availability of new therapies, including psychedelic-assisted therapies. The FDA's recent rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD has sparked debate about the agency's role in regulating psychedelic research.
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. In 2020, Oregon became the first state in the US to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic use. The Oregon Psilocybin Services Act established a regulatory framework for the production, distribution, and administration of psilocybin in licensed facilities. Oregon's legalization of psilocybin has been a significant step forward in the movement to decriminalize and legalize psychedelics for therapeutic use.
Denver
Denver is the capital and most populous city of the state of Colorado. In 2019, Denver became the first major city in the United States to decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms. The city's resolution made it the lowest law enforcement priority, effectively decriminalizing the possession and use of psilocybin for adults. Denver's decriminalization of psilocybin has been a significant step forward in the movement to decriminalize and legalize psychedelics for personal use.
Q&A
What are the potential therapeutic applications of psilocybin mushrooms?
Research suggests that psilocybin may have therapeutic potential for conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and even neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety.
What is the current legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in the United States?
Psilocybin mushrooms are currently classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States, meaning they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. However, some states, like Oregon, have legalized psilocybin for therapeutic use, while others, like Denver, have decriminalized it for personal use.
What are the risks associated with psychedelic experiences?
Psychedelic experiences can be transformative and beneficial, but they also carry potential risks. These risks include psychosis, anxiety, and even dangerous behaviors if the individual is not in a safe and supportive environment. It is crucial to be aware of these risks and to take precautions to mitigate them.
What is the importance of set and setting in psychedelic experiences?
Set and setting refer to the individual's mindset and the environment in which they are having a psychedelic experience. Both factors can significantly influence the experience, with a safe and supportive setting helping to mitigate risks and enhance the therapeutic benefits. It is crucial to choose a setting that feels safe and comfortable and to be prepared for the potential challenges of the experience.
What is microdosing, and what are its potential benefits?
Microdosing involves taking very small doses of psychedelics, typically below the threshold for noticeable hallucinogenic effects. Proponents believe that microdosing can enhance creativity, focus, and mood, while mitigating the risks associated with larger doses. However, research on microdosing is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to understand its effectiveness and safety.
What is the stoned ape theory, and is there any evidence to support it?
The stoned ape theory, proposed by Terence McKenna, suggests that early hominids' consumption of psilocybin mushrooms played a role in the development of language and consciousness. While an intriguing hypothesis, there is limited scientific evidence to support it. Most scientists remain skeptical, and further research is needed to explore this idea.
What are the potential benefits of psychedelics for individuals with neurodivergent conditions?
Emerging research suggests that psychedelics may have therapeutic potential for individuals with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism and ADHD. Studies have shown that MDMA-assisted therapy can be effective in reducing social anxiety in autistic adults. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of psychedelics on neurodivergent individuals.
What is the future of psychedelic research?
The future of psychedelic research is promising, with growing interest and investment in exploring their therapeutic potential. Researchers are investigating their applications for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, addiction, and even neurological diseases. The decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics in some jurisdictions are paving the way for further research and clinical trials.
What is the importance of talking to a doctor before considering a psychedelic experience?
It is crucial to talk to a doctor before considering a psychedelic experience, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or mental health concerns. Your doctor can assess your individual risks and provide guidance on whether a psychedelic experience is appropriate for you. They can also help you to prepare for the experience and to mitigate potential risks.
What are some tips for having a safe and positive psychedelic experience?
To have a safe and positive psychedelic experience, it is important to choose a safe and supportive setting, to be prepared for the potential challenges of the experience, and to have a trip-sitter present. It is also crucial to set intentions beforehand, to journal about your experience, and to be mindful of your physical and mental state throughout the experience.
Show Notes
Part 2 is here! It’s wall to wall listener questions about magic mushrooms, LSD, ayahuasca ceremonies, set and setting, how mushrooms go stale, decriminalization, strains and potencies, placebos, the “Stoned Ape Theory,” neurodivergence, tripping in an MRI, recent F.D.A. hearings, astrophysics and psychedelics, and how to be a good trip sitter with a professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and co-editor of the Handbook of Medical Hallucinogens, Dr. Charlie Grob. Also: the safest way to take psychedelics, what is reality, avoiding barfing and at the very end, my own first-person ramble about following clinical guidelines for a big trip. In Oregon.
A donation was made to Human Rights Watch
More episode sources and links
Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes
Other episodes you may enjoy: Oneirology (DREAMS), Mycology (MUSHROOMS), Molecular Neurobiology (BRAIN CHEMICALS), Quantum Ontology (WHAT IS REAL?), Quasithanatology (NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCES), Cosmology (THE UNIVERSE), Thanatology (DEATH & DYING), Radiology (X-RAY VISION), Scotohylology (DARK MATTER), Futurology (THE FUTURE), Witchology (WITCHES & WITCHCRAFT), Ethnoecology (ETHNOBOTANY)
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