Sam Harris speaks with Jeannie Fontana and Robin Carhart-Harris about the TREAT Initiative in California and the growing promise of psychedelics for mental health care. They discuss drug discovery, PTSD therapy, approval process, high costs of studies, effects on the brain, and the topic of organized religion.
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Quick takeaways
The TREAT Initiative in California aims to provide funding for research and access to mental health treatments using psychedelic medicines, focusing on patient safety, efficacy, and integration within a therapeutic framework.
Psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and DMT are being studied for their therapeutic potential in treating mental health conditions, highlighting the need for careful evaluation of their toxicity profiles and effects on brain networks.
The Treat California campaign has gained support from diverse groups and emphasizes the need for improved mental health care, with financial support and fundraising crucial for conducting large-scale clinical trials and creating a bioinformatics data bank.
Deep dives
Treat California Initiative: Funding Mental Health Research and Access to Psychedelic Medicines
The Treat California initiative, led by Jeannie Fontana, aims to provide funding for research and affordable access to mental health treatments using psychedelic medicines in California. The initiative seeks to collect 1 million signatures from registered California voters to qualify for the ballot and secure $5 billion in funding. The campaign highlights the need for evidence-based research and emphasizes patient safety, efficacy, and integration of these medicines within a therapeutic framework. The initiative aims to address mental health disparities by ensuring access for underserved communities and supporting the healing potential of different therapeutic modalities.
The Promise of Psychedelics: Current Research and Applications
Psychedelics, such as MDMA and psilocybin, show promise in treating mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and addiction. MDMA therapy for PTSD is in the final stages of Phase III clinical trials and may receive FDA approval soon. Psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression is also advancing through Phase III trials. Other compounds like LSD, ketamine, and DMT are being studied for their therapeutic potential. These substances have different toxicity profiles and safety concerns, which need to be carefully evaluated. Research is ongoing to understand the specific mechanisms of action and effects of psychedelics on brain networks and their potential for improving patient outcomes.
Building Support: Coalition and Funding for Psychedelic Research
The Treat California campaign has garnered support from diverse groups, including unions, veterans, LGBTQ+ community, and university students. The coalition aims to bridge political divides by emphasizing the human need for improved mental health care. Financial support and fundraising are crucial for conducting well-run studies, as large-scale clinical trials can cost hundreds of millions of dollars. The Treat Institute plans to create a bioinformatics data bank to explore the genetic, proteomic, and phenotypic factors that can optimize treatment outcomes and personalization.
Safety and Differentiation of Psychedelic Compounds
Different psychedelic compounds have distinct pharmacological and safety profiles. Classic psychedelics such as psilocybin and LSD have a relatively low toxicity profile, while compounds like MDMA and ketamine have distinct physiological risks. Psilocybin has a large therapeutic index, while LSD is potent and needs caution in dosing. MDMA has shown neurotoxicity at high doses but is considered safe at therapeutic doses. Ketamine carries bladder toxicity risks and is addictive. Different compounds have varying effects on brain networks and are being studied for different indications, with safety and efficacy being priorities.
DMT as an endogenous neurotransmitter
DMT is an endogenous neurotransmitter with its own mysterious effects and functions in the brain. Its presence in the body and brain suggests a possible role in various phenomena, such as near-death experiences and the psychedelic-like states that occur during extreme conditions. While there is speculation about its specific effects and functional significance, it remains a hypothesis that requires further exploration and understanding.
Exploring new compounds and treatment paradigms
Researchers are continuously searching for and discovering new compounds related to psychedelics, offering endless possibilities for future drug development. In particular, exploring adjacent compounds that have not yet been studied extensively could lead to exciting breakthroughs in various therapeutic applications. Additionally, the potential of psychedelic therapy extends beyond simply administering drugs; there is a need to understand and study the broader bio psychosocial aspects of treatment, which includes factors beyond the pharmacology of the drugs themselves.
Sam Harris speaks with Jeannie Fontana and Robin Carhart-Harris about the TREAT Initiative in California and the growing promise of psychedelics for mental health care.
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