Making Sense with Sam Harris cover image

Making Sense with Sam Harris

#337 — The Future of Psychedelic Medicine

Oct 4, 2023
Jeannie Fontana, MD-PhD, a trailblazer in healthcare and ALS research funding, joins Robin Carhart-Harris, the founder of the Center for Psychedelic Research. They explore the TREAT Initiative in California, aiming to secure vital funding for psychedelic treatments in mental health. The conversation covers the legal landscape for psychedelics, the importance of safe therapeutic practices, and ongoing advocacy efforts. They also delve into the neuroscience behind psychedelics, discussing their potential for treating conditions like PTSD and their impact on brain function.
01:41:41

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

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.

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.

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