Psychedelics Today

In a captivating discussion, Shaheen Etminan, Ph.D., co-founder of VCENNA and Magi Ancestral Supplements, dives into the mystical roots of psychedelics. He explores ancient Iranian practices, emphasizing the parallels between psychedelics and Zoroastrian teachings on morality. Etminan shares insights on the liminal state between dreaming and waking, personal exploration through dreams, and the benefits of compounds like Syrian Rue and Saffron. His unique perspective highlights how integrating historical knowledge can enrich modern psychedelic practices.

Paul Grof, a research psychiatrist and brother of Stanislav Grof, dives into consciousness and its therapeutic potential. He discusses the interconnectedness of brain, body, and external fields, advocating for the integration of psychedelics in psychiatric care. Grof highlights how traumas are stored in the body, affecting memory, and shares insights on near-death experiences. He addresses the rising mental health crises, especially among youth, emphasizing the importance of new healing practices and trained support for those navigating spiritual emergencies.

Kat Murti, the executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy and advocate for evidence-based drug reforms, delves into the complexities of the War on Drugs. She highlights how current policies impact marginalized communities and the importance of harm reduction. Murti discusses successes like fentanyl strip training and the urgency of addressing drug-related stigma, particularly regarding women's rights and health. She also critiques the DEA's scheduling proposals on psychedelics, stressing the need for accessible treatment options over punitive measures.

Howard Kornfeld, a renowned pain medicine expert and addiction specialist, discusses the promise of buprenorphine as a treatment for both addiction and chronic pain, comparing it to MDMA. He shares insights on the historical context and potential of ketamine, while also warning about its risks. Kornfeld provocatively connects psychedelics to nuclear disarmament, citing their ability to change minds and promote peace. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovative research and responsible use of psychedelics in addressing global challenges.

Veronica Lightning Horse Perez is a passionate therapist, author, and activist advocating for the Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022. Sean McAllister is an attorney specializing in the legal complexities of psychedelics and a co-author of the act. Together, they discuss the intricacies of Prop 122, its impact on indigenous rights, and the need for public education. They delve into the balance between regulation and decriminalization while emphasizing the importance of community engagement. The conversation also highlights the spiritual significance of both natural and synthetic plant medicines in new legislative landscapes.

Jesse Gould, Founder of the Heroic Hearts Project, and Allison Wilson, its Director of Development, share insightful perspectives on veteran healing through psychedelics. They discuss the essential role of family in this journey, illustrating how healing impacts future generations. The duo highlights the recent merger with The Hope Project, aimed at supporting veterans' families, and announces a gala event to foster community connections. They also delve into the evolution of psychedelic therapy in veteran recovery and the launch of their new workbook tailored for this purpose.

Max Montrose, Founder of the Trichome Institute, dives deep into cannabis' psychedelic potential, especially focusing on indole, an aromatic compound. He introduces 'interpening,' a method to understand cannabis effects through aroma perception. Montrose emphasizes the significance of intention in enhancing cannabis experiences and discusses the importance of skillset in creating personal settings for deeper journeys. He also critiques the legal cannabis industry on strain accuracy and the lack of funding for crucial cannabis research, urging a better understanding of this complex plant.

Pierre Bouchard, a licensed professional counselor and former vinyl DJ, shares his expertise in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. He introduces his innovative 3-axis framework for integration, emphasizing personal and transpersonal growth. Bouchard highlights the balance needed in ego dissolution and the importance of building a foundation for healing. He discusses the nuances of discerning experiences in psychedelics, the significance of curiosity in healing journeys, and the essential harmony among the three axes for effective therapeutic integration.

Bria Tavakoli, a therapist specializing in relational and sex therapy, shares her transformative journey with psychedelics, highlighting how they can facilitate healing deep trauma and enhance intimacy. She discusses the connection between psychedelic experiences and sexual exploration as gateways to self-discovery. Bria addresses the cultural shame around sexuality, emphasizing a wellness-based view. With practical advice on combining sex and psychedelics, she underscores the importance of creating safe spaces and the role of humor in therapy.

In this episode, Kyle interviews Juan Pablo Cappello: co-founder and former CEO of Nue Life Health, whose assets were subsequently acquired by Beckley Waves. Cappello discusses the current challenges and controversies facing a ketamine industry that has moved much faster than anyone anticipated, and stresses the need to create industry-wide standards – especially for at-home ketamine – before the government imposes its own standards on us. Citing the Matthew Perry case and other bad behavior from providers, he talks about the risks of overpromising and underdelivering, the lack of integration in the majority of at-home ketamine frameworks, and how profit-driven, subscription model motives have overshadowed patient care and ethical practices. He also discusses: The complications from personal perspectives and passions shifting after a psychedelic experience, and how that can change over time The FDA’s recent rejection of MDMA: What would have happened to MDMA if it had been approved? Hope for more Native American churches, and what they can learn from the DEA’s denial of Soul Quest The story of a bump of cocaine ruining the hope for cannabis to be decriminalized under the Carter administration Our current Wild West of gas station CBD, Delta-8, and barely-regulated vapes and more!  For links, head to the show notes page.