Psychedelics Today

Mattha Busby, a Vancouver journalist for outlets like The Guardian and VICE, shares a critical perspective on the evolving psychedelic landscape. He discusses the shift from hype to introspection in the movement following Psychedelic Science 2025. Key topics include the fallout of ketamine dependence, the complexities of gender fluidity in psychedelic experiences, and the divide between underground practitioners and biotech startups. Mattha also highlights the need for ethical considerations and the potential of psychedelics for peacebuilding, all while injecting humor and honest critique into the conversation.

Dylan Beynon, CEO and Founder of Mindbloom, shares his journey into psychedelic medicine sparked by personal loss. He discusses the transformative impact of at-home ketamine therapy, emphasizing its accessibility and success in aiding over 654,000 people. The conversation critiques the influence of Big Pharma, showcases innovative treatment approaches, and highlights Mindbloom's integration of technology for improved client experiences. Beynon also explores the future potential of MDMA therapy and the ongoing challenges in making these treatments widely accepted.

In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Litman, M.Div., J.D., LL.M., to discuss why the future of psychedelic access in the United States is being shaped not by federal agencies, but by the bold actions of individual states. As a legal scholar and writer focusing on drug policy, Victoria breaks down the significance of the FDA's 2024 rejection of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and why that decision might be less of a setback than it seems. We explore how state-level initiatives like Oregon's Psilocybin Services Act and Colorado's Natural Medicine Health Act are setting the stage for a new model of access—one rooted in harm reduction, personal liberty, and existing regulatory infrastructure. Victoria discusses the importance of the Tenth Amendment and the Anti-Commandeering Doctrine, which allow states to move forward regardless of federal inaction. Rather than waiting for slow-moving federal institutions, Victoria argues that states can build safe, scalable systems now—especially by leveraging cannabis infrastructure for psychedelic regulation. She also touches on the ethical and cultural implications of this transition, including protections for spiritual and religious use. If you're wondering what psychedelic policy will look like in the years ahead, this episode offers an insightful and hopeful roadmap. Link to CATO article

Dee Dee Goldpaugh, LCSW and author of 'Embrace Pleasure', focuses on healing sexual traumas while exploring the link between sexuality and spirituality. Tommaso Barba, a PhD candidate from Imperial College, studies how psychedelics impact romantic relationships. They discuss the potential of psychedelics to enhance intimacy, the contrast between superficial and deeper pleasures, and societal taboos surrounding sexuality. They also delve into the importance of intention in using psychedelics within romantic contexts, advocating for healthier norms around pleasure and connection.

n this episode of Psychedelics Today, kicking of Psychedelic Science 2025 week in Denver, we sit down with Jonathan Dicksinson, Chief Executive Officer, and Trevor Millar, Chief Operations Officer of Ambio Life Sciences – one of the world's leading ibogaine clinics – to explore the potential of ibogaine for addiction, neuroregeneration, and how ethics, honoring experience, and sustainability will be key to delivering ibogaine at scale. Trevor shares his early work supporting marginalized populations in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, which led to the founding of Liberty Root, one of Canada's first ibogaine clinics. Jonathan reflects on his apprenticeship in Mexican clinics, years of international advocacy with the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, and drafting the first set of clinical guidelines for ibogaine detoxification. Together with paramedic and ibogaine safety protocols expert Jose Inzunza, they co-founded Ambio in Tijuana in 2021. They discuss: The unique safety standards Ambio has pioneered – including industry-wide clinical protocols and magnesium therapy to mitigate cardiac risk. Their scale: over 3,000 patients treated, with 100+ clients per month across five dedicated houses in Baja California. Ambio's groundbreaking neuroregenerative program for Parkinson's, MS, and traumatic brain injury – which has already drawn patients like Brett Favre and Clay Walker. How ibogaine appears to drive profound physiological change – including evidence of TBI reversal as shown in Stanford's 2024 study on Special Forces veterans. Why ibogaine isn't just a molecule – it opens a long-lasting "critical period" of neuroplasticity that must be supported with preparation, integration, and holistic care. The deeper story of sourcing: through his company Terragnosis, Jonathan is the only person with a legal export license for Tabernanthe iboga from Gabon, and Ambio is setting a precedent for reciprocal and ethical global supply chains. Their cautionary perspective on Texas' $50M push toward ibogaine clinical trials – and why the traditional "one drug, one indication" model misses the complexity and promise of psychedelic healing. They also make a compelling case that Ambio is already modeling what the future of psychedelic care should look like – not a single drug in a sterile clinical setting, but a comprehensive, integrated protocol combining preparation, medical oversight, and deep integration. "Start with the end in mind," Trevor urges – Ambio isn't just part of the movement; it's the blueprint for how ibogaine could be delivered worldwide. Links: Ambio Website: https://ambio.life/ Significant lesion reduction and neural structural changes following ibogaine treatments for multiple sclerosis (Frontiers in Immunology, Feb 2025) Magnesium–ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries (Nature Medicine, Jan 2024) Ibogaine reduced severe neuropathic pain associated with a case of brachial plexus nerve root avulsion (Frontiers in Pain Research, Aug 2023) Novel treatment of opioid use disorder using ibogaine and iboga in two adults (Journal of Psychedelic Studies, Jan 2020) Clinical Guidelines for Ibogaine-Assisted Detoxification Ambio Life Sciences Launches World's First Clinical Ibogaine Program for Patients With Neurodegenerative Conditions Bios: Jonathan Dickinson is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ambio Life Sciences. One of the world's leading experts on ibogaine, Jonathan brings over 15 years of experience in clinical care, traditional practice, and psychedelic research to his leadership at Ambio. A Mexico-licensed psychologist and former Executive Director of the Global Ibogaine Therapy Alliance, he authored the field's foundational safety guidelines and has published widely on ibogaine's therapeutic, cultural, and ecological significance. He holds the only active export license for Tabernanthe iboga root, led the first Nagoya-compliant export from Gabon, and was initiated into the Dissoumba/Fang tradition of Bwiti in 2014 and the Missoko tradition in 2022. He has co-authored peer-reviewed research on ibogaine's potential for trauma, TBI, pain, MS, and Parkinson's. At Ambio, he leads strategy, research, and innovation – advancing a globally scalable model of care that bridges tradition, science, and integrity. Trevor Millar is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Ambio Life Sciences. A social entrepreneur and pioneer in ibogaine advocacy and treatment, Trevor brings over a decade of experience supporting individuals through addiction recovery, trauma healing, and post-treatment integration. His background includes co-founding the Canadian Psychedelic Association and serving as Chair of the Board for MAPS Canada. He has co-authored peer-reviewed research on ibogaine's applications for trauma, TBI, and opioid use disorder, and has been featured in award-winning documentaries including DOSED and In Waves and War. Grounded in personal experience and guided by a philosophical approach to healing, Trevor is helping shape a new model for ethical, integrative psychedelic care on a global scale. At Ambio, Trevor leads operations, strategic partnerships, and client experience – bridging clinical care with systems design, education, and public advocacy.

In this insightful conversation, Jeff Breau, a researcher from Harvard Divinity School's Center for the Study of World Religions, explores the burgeoning psychedelic church movement and its intersections with spirituality. He shares his personal journey from atheism to psychedelic spirituality and discusses the critical role of music in therapy. Jeff also delves into the legal challenges faced by these churches and the complexities of labeling emerging spiritual communities. Moreover, he highlights the potential of psychedelic chaplaincy in providing spiritual care during transformative experiences.

Paul Gillis-Smith, from Harvard Divinity School, dives deep into the rich intersection of psychedelics and spirituality. He explores the legacy of Lisa Bieberman, a trailblazer in psychedelic harm reduction, and her pivotal role in the '60s movement. The conversation also highlights Quaker traditions and their unique connection to LSD use. Paul shares insights into his work at the Center for the Study of World Religions, emphasizing the importance of spiritual care in psychedelic experiences and upcoming workshops aimed at enhancing these practices.

Dr. Simon Ruffell, a London-based psychiatrist and curandero-in-training, shares his transformative journey from conventional psychiatry to Indigenous healing within the Shipibo tradition. He discusses the spiritual, psychological, and physical dimensions of illness, questioning Western models of healing. Ruffell highlights the risks of poorly guided psychedelic sessions and advocates for collaboration between Indigenous healers and psychiatrists. He further emphasizes groundbreaking research on ayahuasca's effectiveness in treating PTSD among veterans, showcasing hopeful findings.