Altered States

Join journalist Michael Pollan, who explores the intersection of psychedelics and spirituality, alongside Sugra Ahmed, a Muslim leader dedicated to integrating Islamic perspectives on psychedelics. They discuss how a groundbreaking study at Johns Hopkins examined psilocybin's impact on religious leaders, revealing profound mystical experiences and personal transformations. Sugra shares her initial hesitations about participation, while Pollan highlights the tensions between science and spirituality. Their insights illuminate the potential for psychedelics to foster genuine divine encounters and community building.

Over the next ten episodes we’re going to explore two distinct camps in the world of psychedelics. On one side there’s the realm of spiritualists, mystical experiences, and psychedelic churches. And on the other are scientists, clinical trials, animal studies and psychopharmacologists. These two camps are often far apart but when they get all tangled up together things get really interesting.

A former Navy SEAL named Craig deployed nine times over nearly three decades in the military. When he left the service, he felt lucky to have all his limbs, toes and fingers. But he found himself struggling with language and memory and rising frustration. One day he forgot his wife’s name and couldn’t remember it for hours. His wife Gretchen started looking for help online and found information about a Stanford University research study on ibogaine and veterans. Craig volunteered. For a transcript of this episode, please visit this link.

Adriana Rodriguez, a dedicated reporter, shares her insights on peyote conservation efforts at the Native American Church conference. She discusses Indigenous leaders' urgent push for federal protections before the election. The conversation explores the shrinking peyote supply, the legal history around its use, and contemporary threats like poaching and environmental pressures. Youth engagement in preserving peyote traditions also takes center stage, highlighting a commitment to cultural continuity and activism. Rodriguez's narrative captures the intertwined fate of a sacred plant and its community.

Anna Silman, a journalist exploring the dual nature of ketamine, shares her findings on its rising popularity in both therapy and nightlife. She reveals alarming trends of dependency through the personal story of Olivia, a former user recently out of rehab. They discuss how societal attitudes and marketing influence recreational use, warning that the U.S. may be underestimating addiction risks. With comparisons to the opioid crisis, they emphasize the need for a balanced view on ketamine’s therapeutic potential versus its dangers.

Graham Boyd is an attorney and drug policy strategist, instrumental in shaping state-level cannabis and psychedelic initiatives. Alongside journalist Damiano Marchetti, they delve into Oregon's psilocybin journey, contrasting successes and setbacks with Measure 110. Boyd shares insights from the cannabis campaign, including the importance of gradual, regulated rollouts to avoid backlash and how to effectively frame psychedelics within a mental health context. They explore the potential future of psychedelics, including the risks and therapeutic focus that could differentiate it from cannabis.

Ernesto Londoño, a national correspondent and former war reporter, opens up about his transformative journey through ayahuasca retreats across Latin America. He shares how his traumatic experiences from war zones drove him to seek healing and self-discovery. The conversation dives into the interplay between personal healing and psychedelics, discussing the emotional revelations faced during ceremonies. Ernesto also addresses the complexities of integrating psychedelic practices in modern mental health and the implications for indigenous cultures, providing profound insights on personal growth.

Altered States is taking a short breather and will be back soon. In the meantime, consider joining host Arielle Duhaime-Ross and other journalists for a virtual panel called The New Psychedelic Beat: Unraveling Oregon’s Drug Policy Story hosted by the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics. September 25, 2024 at 1 pm PT.For a transcript of this episode, please visit this link.

In recent years, an increasing number of international clinics have begun offering treatments using ibogaine, a psychedelic drug that comes from a West African plant, to help treat conditions such as trauma and addiction. Much of the global supply of ibogaine is smuggled illegally out of Gabon. A former NBA basketball player from Gabon named Stéphane Lasme is at the forefront of new efforts to build a sustainable fair trade iboga industry.For a transcript of this episode, please visit this link.

Heather shares her journey after participating in a clinical trial for treatment-resistant depression involving psilocybin. She reveals the strange visual distortions she's experienced since, including ‘visual snow’ and shimmering walls. The discussion delves into hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder and its impact on daily life. Heather also explores the challenges of coping with these persistent symptoms and the need for medical awareness regarding the long-term effects of psychedelics. Her story sheds light on both the therapeutic potential and risks associated with psychedelic use.