The Psychedelic Podcast From Placebo to Plasticity: What LSD Really Does – Conor Murray, Ph.D.
Oct 27, 2025
Conor H. Murray, Ph.D., a neuroscientist from UCLA and founder of Psynautics, shares groundbreaking insights on psychedelics' effects on the brain. He discusses his LSD microdosing research, revealing significant increases in neural complexity that could influence treatments for depression and addiction. Conor also explains how different dosages impact brain activity and describes his ongoing psilocybin study aimed at addressing cocaine addiction. The conversation highlights the potential of citizen science in understanding altered states of consciousness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Microdoses Raise Neural Complexity
- Low microdoses of LSD increase neural complexity similarly to high doses, producing an 'entropic' brain signal.
- This effect was unique to LSD compared with methamphetamine and THC in the study.
Complexity May Underpin Flexibility
- Neural complexity changes are hypothesized to increase behavioral flexibility and may relate to therapeutic outcomes.
- Direct links between EEG complexity and clinical benefit remain to be proven in patient populations.
13 µg Appears A Sub‑Perceptual Sweet Spot
- A 13 µg LSD dose produced measurable EEG complexity increases while remaining sub‑perceptual for many participants.
- Doubling to 26 µg produced stronger subjective effects but showed different brain responses, implying dose-specific outcomes.