Today, Explained Ecstasy Therapy: Penicillin for the soul
8 snips
Aug 1, 2024 
Haleema Shah, a reporter and producer focused on the therapeutic uses of MDMA, delves into the fascinating history of this psychedelic. She discusses the pioneering work of an eccentric chemist in the '80s, highlighting MDMA's journey from a therapeutic tool to a recreational drug. Listeners will learn about its potential in treating PTSD, the obstacles faced by researchers, and personal stories of transformation. The podcast also touches on the current evaluation by the FDA, marking a crucial moment for the future of psychedelic therapy.
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MDMA's Early Days
- In the 1970s, chemist Sasha Shulgin synthesized MDMA and shared it with a research group.
- This group, including his wife Anne, believed MDMA could be used therapeutically, like "penicillin for the soul".
Psychedelics and Spirituality
- Anne Shulgin saw psychedelics as spiritual tools for psychotherapy.
- She believed psychotherapy itself was a form of spiritual quest.
MDMA Therapy in the 80s
- Phil Wolfson, a physician and friend of the Shulgins, used MDMA in therapy sessions in the 80s.
- He recalls a couple whose marriage improved after MDMA therapy, highlighting its potential for empathy.
