Psychedelic Medicine

1. Psychedelic Medicines: Suppressed Science, Monumental Potential

Psychedelic medicines have the most potential for unlocking the innermost workings of our consciousness and directing the epigenetic expression of the building blocks of our material being: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Decades of Suppression. For over half a century, the American public has been denied access to medicines with the potential to change the course of human history. This suppression stems from a combination of factors, including political ideology, fear, and the influence of powerful figures like Harry Anslinger, who favored ideology over science and demonized people of color. This has resulted in a lack of funding for research, strict regulations, and a general stigma surrounding these substances.

Transformative Potential. Despite the suppression, leading scientists have uncovered data revealing that certain psychedelic medicines, administered with proper protocols, offer altered states of consciousness facilitating brilliant creativity and psychophysical healing. These medicines have the potential to unlock the innermost workings of our consciousness, facilitate problem-solving, and promote spiritual prophylaxis. They can also facilitate the use of the mind to change our very genetic structure.

Call for Transparency and Freedom. The author calls for transparency in government policy, urging a shift from ideology to science in determining health policy. He advocates for the right of individuals to ingest anything they choose in the privacy of their homes, as long as they do not harm others. He also emphasizes the importance of freedom to explore oneself and to express one's findings to anyone interested, viewing this as one of the great causes of humanity.

2. LSD: Unlocking Consciousness and Challenging the Status Quo

How is it possible that if you ingest a tiny amount of this substance, it will diffuse into your brain, stay for three or four hours, and diffuse back out, such that some people say they never see the world in the same way again?

Biochemistry of Consciousness. LSD interacts with multiple brain receptors, particularly serotonin receptors, modulating information and altering the brain's perception of relevance. This can lead to visual illusions, distortions, and a shift in cognitive processing. The serotonin 2A receptor is heavily expressed in areas of the brain involved in cognition and higher cortical processing, affecting emotions, mood, and more.

Brain Imaging Breakthroughs. Recent brain-imaging studies have shown that LSD increases connectivity throughout the brain, with different parts communicating simultaneously. This burst of connectivity explains why experiences on LSD can feel so deep and vibrant, as emotional and memory areas inform visual areas. LSD can also stimulate the birth of new brain cells, offering potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Safe and Beneficial Use. LSD is not considered addictive and has never killed anyone directly from overdose. However, it is a powerful tool that requires caution and proper guidance. Factors such as mental set, physical setting, the presence of a sitter, the substance itself, the session, and the life group one returns to all play crucial roles in ensuring a safe and beneficial psychedelic experience.

3. MDMA: Heart Medicine for Trauma and Connection

The whole war on drugs has caused untold suffering in countries around the world under the pretense that it’s to protect young people from drugs.

Empathy and Healing. MDMA, also known as ecstasy or Molly, is a psychoactive medicine that increases empathy, reduces fear and anxiety, and promotes self-acceptance and peace. It has shown promise in treating severe, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by shaking rigid thought patterns and behavioral patterns. It is not considered addictive and is generally safe when used in a controlled, therapeutic setting.

MAPS and the Path to Legalization. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), founded by Rick Doblin, has been instrumental in overcoming the global suppression of MDMA research. MAPS is working to legalize MDMA as a prescription medicine through FDA approval, conducting clinical trials, and advocating for policy changes. The organization is also exploring the use of MDMA in treating end-of-life anxiety and addiction.

Safety and Dosage. While MDMA is generally safe in clinical settings, it is important to be aware of potential risks, such as hyperthermia and hyponatremia. The therapeutic dose is typically 125 milligrams, followed by a supplemental dose of half the initial dose. It is crucial to use pure MDMA and avoid mixing it with other substances.

4. Psilocybin: Mystical Experiences and Lasting Personality Changes

Consciousness is the result of the oxidation of glucose, the energy that produces the neuronal activity.

Spiritual Psychopharmacology. Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. These experiences often involve a sense of unity, sacredness, reverence, and awe, as well as a feeling that the experience is more real than reality. These experiences can lead to lasting changes in personality, particularly an increase in openness.

Breaking the Taboo. Roland Griffiths and Katherine MacLean at Johns Hopkins University have conducted groundbreaking research on psilocybin, breaking the psychedelic research taboo. Their studies have shown that psilocybin can be safely administered in a controlled setting and can lead to positive changes in attitudes, behavior, and overall well-being. The research has also highlighted the importance of proper screening, preparation, and integration in ensuring a safe and beneficial experience.

Potential for Healing. Psilocybin has shown promise in treating anxiety and depression in cancer patients, as well as nicotine addiction. It is believed to work by reducing blood flow to the default mode network in the brain, which controls what enters consciousness and what doesn't. This allows different networks in the brain to communicate with each other, leading to new insights and perspectives.

5. Ayahuasca: Teacher Plant from the Amazon

We need to be open to the mystical, spiritual perspective—recognizing our fundamental connection with other people and the way we are embedded in nature.

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science. Ayahuasca, a decoction of two plants from the Amazon, has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures for healing and spiritual purposes. It contains DMT, a Schedule I drug, but when combined with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), it becomes orally active and produces a powerful altered state experience. This experience can lead to radical transformations of worldview and a deeper connection with nature.

The UDV and Religious Freedom. The União do Vegetal (UDV), a Brazilian syncretic ayahuasca church, has been instrumental in defending the religious right to use ayahuasca. The UDV successfully challenged the U.S. government in the Supreme Court, establishing a precedent for religious freedom in the context of psychoactive substances. This has paved the way for further research and exploration of ayahuasca's potential benefits.

Mind-Body Medicine. Ayahuasca is not only a mind-altering substance but also a body-altering one. It has been shown to have therapeutic properties, including the potential to treat addiction and improve immune function. However, it is important to approach ayahuasca with caution and respect, as it can be a powerful tool that requires proper preparation, guidance, and integration.

6. The Dark Side of Psychiatry: Overmedication and Iatrogenic Illness

The world is being loused up by people who have forgotten that the interconnectedness of all things turns out to be very important.

A Drug-Induced Epidemic. Robert Whitaker argues that our society is experiencing a drug-induced epidemic of disabling mental illness, caused by the overuse and misuse of psychiatric medications. He points to the soaring rates of disability due to mental disorders, particularly among children, as evidence of this problem. He also notes that developed countries are doing worse than poorer countries in terms of long-term outcomes for schizophrenia.

The Myth of Chemical Imbalance. The idea that psychiatric drugs fix chemical imbalances in the brain is a myth. In fact, these drugs can actually induce the very abnormalities they are supposed to treat. For example, SSRIs can down-regulate serotonin activity in the brain, leading to a dependence on the drug and a difficult withdrawal process.

The Influence of Big Pharma. The pharmaceutical industry has a significant influence on psychiatry, providing funding to the American Psychiatric Association and hiring psychiatrists as consultants and speakers. This creates a conflict of interest and can lead to biased information being presented to the public. The author advocates for a more holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of exercise, natural movement, and resisting the "new normal" of overmedication.

7. The Path Forward: Integration, Research, and Personal Freedom

We are incredibly developed in terms of the neocortex and intellectual capacity, but we stayed stuck in the Stone Age with our emotion.

Integration is Key. The key to a positive outcome with psychedelic medicines is integration—bringing the insights and experiences from the altered state back into daily life. This requires a supportive environment, skilled therapists, and a willingness to engage in self-reflection and personal growth. It also means being open to the mystical, spiritual perspective and recognizing our fundamental connection with other people and nature.

The Need for More Research. There is a pressing need for more scientific research into psychedelic medicines, particularly in the areas of PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety. This research should be conducted with rigorous methodologies and ethical considerations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. It is also important to explore non-drug techniques, such as meditation and mindfulness, as potential alternatives or complements to psychedelic-assisted therapy.

A Call to Freedom and Responsibility. The author calls for a shift in government policy, advocating for the right of individuals to explore their own consciousness and to make informed decisions about their health. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the need for education and harm reduction strategies to minimize the risks associated with psychedelic use. He also advocates for a more compassionate and understanding approach to mental illness, recognizing the potential for these medicines to facilitate healing, creativity, and personal transformation.

Last updated: February 24, 2025