Monthly Archives: September 2023

Dried Psilocybe mushrooms on a glass plate. James MacDonald/Bloomberg/Getty Images hide caption

Dried Psilocybe mushrooms on a glass plate.

Research on the therapeutic use of psychedelics is underway at several universities, and data continues to accumulate on how they may help with conditions from PTSD to depression. Many states and localities across the country are considering legislation. Some, like Oregon and Colorado, have already passed regulatory models, which involve licensing facilitators to administer these drugs. And there's increasing interest in that work from a group of professionals who already guide people through life's deep and difficult times: chaplains.

Chaplains are religious professionals who work in non-religious settings hospitals, schools, battlefields. Although they're trained and often ordained in a particular tradition, they help people of any faith or none at all wrestle with spiritual issues, and connect with a sense of meaning.

"We are with people in deep moments of grief, deep moments of pain, deep moments of life transition," explains Caroline Peacock, an Episcopal priest who serves as director of spiritual health at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute. "And we know how to be with people in these very, very hard moments."

Peacock recently drew upon this training as part of a clinical trial using psilocybin, the compound in so-called "magic mushrooms," at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute. Their results will be published next year. In the study, chaplains worked alongside mental health practitioners to administer the psychedelic drug to terminal cancer patients. And after the treatment, they provided what's called integration using their experience navigating shifts in worldview to help patients make sense of the experience.

After participating in the trial, Peacock convened a Psychedelic Care Network within the Chaplaincy think tank group Transforming Chaplaincy, which over 150 fellow chaplains have joined. The conversation is growing within the field both the Association of Professional Chaplains and the Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains held workshops on psychedelic-assisted therapy at their most recent annual conferences, and panels and webinars have been held in many forums, as chaplains explore this topic.

And while some chaplains are exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy because of their deep well of experience providing a non-judgmental presence to help make sense of life's difficult moments, many are also drawn to it because people taking these drugs often report what's described as a mystical experience.

Anthony Bossis is a clinical psychologist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, who has spent 15 years conducting psilocybin trials with patients facing advanced cancer. And he says patients taking the medication report a sense of awe and wonder, of interconnection, of transcendence. Moreover, he says, the research shows that the spiritual dimension of psychedelic treatment seems to be part of what makes the therapy therapeutic.

"The findings have shown already that the mystical experience has been a predictor, or a mediator, in terms of better outcomes," explains Bossis. "And we are seeing rapid and sustained reductions in depression, anxiety, hopelessness, fear of death, in people who do have an advanced illness who have this experience."

Given how frequently people report these spiritual encounters on psychedelics, it's not surprising that some religious practices have been built around them. Ayahuasca ceremonies in South America, peyote rituals in Mexico and the Southwest. But more and more, religions that don't have these traditions are saying they do have a container for these experiences.

Jaime Clark-Soles is a New Testament scholar, and directs the Baptist House of Studies at Southern Methodist University. She says that from Genesis to Revelation, scripture shows examples of faithful believers experiencing extraordinary states of consciousness, using fasting, prayer, and retreats, to change their everyday world, and step into a different sort of reality.

"To go to that place where you can stand in the presence of God. You know, 'be still and know that I am God,'" quotes Clark-Soles.

Clark-Soles took part in a clinical trial giving psilocybin to religious professionals at Johns Hopkins University, and says she experienced the presence of God fully and profoundly. Now, she's enrolled in a facilitator training program for psychedelic-assisted therapy, and hopes to bring awareness of the practice to others in the faith community.

She's heard pushback from some in that community, saying that the spiritual dimension of these drugs is just drugs... not God. But she says the moment when she accepted Jesus Christ, which nobody in her tradition would question, was also shaped by a context that affected her perceptions.

"I was away, I was in a retreat setting," says Clark-Soles. "I went outside, I was in nature, had a direct encounter with God. And here I am a seminary professor teaching, teaching Bible, right?"

Science can't tell us if any religious experience is real. The metrics we have are what people report on what they feel, and how their lives have been changed. As Clark-Soles says, "what fruits are born of it."

And people's lives have been changed by psychedelics, often in profound ways. Dr. Anthony Bossis has seen it throughout his research.

"For a person to have the experience, or the insight, that 'I'm not just my body, I'm not just my cancer' that's been a gift for people at the end of life," says Bossis. "To identify not only with a failing body, which will soon stop working, but that possibly there's something more remarkable at work in who we are as humans."

Religion has long offered a context, a language, for engaging with things in this world that are beyond everyday comprehension. Things we can't see the beginning or end of. How to live, and forgive, and make meaning. And with psychedelics, chaplains are hoping to bring their experience with these old questions into a new conversation to help those facing the end of life, or those just trying to figure out how to live it.

This story was reported with support from The Ferriss UC Berkeley Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship

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As psychedelic-assisted therapy grows, so does interest from a new group: chaplains - NPR

Californias governor says that while he understands the profound potential of psychedelics to treat certain mental health conditions, hes still undecided on how he will approach a bill to legalize small amounts of certain entheogenic substances thats on his deskeven as new polling shows a majority of likely voters in the state back the reform.

Gov. Gavin Newsoms (D) position on psychedelics has been murky, with no clear indication of whether hed sign the legislation from Sen. Scott Wiener (D). But in a recent interview with Politico, he shared mixed feelings about the proposal.

On the one hand, he said as the father of four young children, he views issues through a different prism than he did when he led the charge on legalizing marijuana and pushed for other drug policy reforms, including supporting certain harm reduction services like syringe exchange programs.

Im also mindful of the anxiety and stress thats out there as well, he said. And thats a new spectrum of some respects.

On the other hand, the governor said hes also deeply mindful of the potential benefits of psychedelics.

I have a lot of friends that are vets, so he understands the profound and consequential nature of how these drugs have been used to address PTSD.

That is what I will bring in to a review of this bill, he said.

Watch Newsom discuss the psychedelics reform legislation, starting at 21:00 intothe video below:

Likely voters in California are more decided on the issue of psychedelics, according to an FM3 poll that was conducted last month. The survey, first reported by The San Francisco Chronicle, found that 60 percent of California likely voters support the psychedelics bill that the legislature approved, including 30 percent who strongly support it.

Another 44 percent of respondents said theyd view their state lawmakers more favorably if they supported psychedelics reform legislation, while 19 percent said it wouldnt make a difference and 38 percent said theyd view them less favorably.

In conclusion, California voters broadly support reforming laws around personal possession of plant-based psychedelics which can be effective in treating PTSD, anxiety and depression, the firm wrote. Support for such a bill is a net- positive for a state legislator as well.

Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they dont miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

But for Newsom, it may not just be Californians hes thinking about as he weighs what to do with the psychedelics bill. Its widely speculated that the governor, who is termed out in 2026, is considering a future run for president, and he may worry about possible fallout in other battleground states if hes linked to legalizing other drugs.

Newsom has already shown a willingness to flout drug policy reform advocates. Last session, for example, he vetoed a bill to establish a safe drug consumption site pilot program in the state that was also sponsored by Wiener.

This session, meanwhile, the governor wont just be deciding on the psychedelics legislation. He has until October 14 to act on more than a dozen marijuana and other drug policy-related bills. That includes measures toprevent employers from asking job applicants about marijuana use,legalize cannabis cafes and promote environmentally sustainable track-and-trace plant tagging.

Read the California poll on psychedelics reform below:

Black Pennsylvania Lawmakers Discuss Marijuana Legalization ProspectsWith Focus On Ensuring Equity Is At The Center

Photo courtesy of Dick Culbert.

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California Governor Says Psychedelics Have 'Profound' Healing Potential, But He's Undecided On Legalization Bill As ... - Marijuana Moment

In a groundbreaking move, Portland, Maineunanimously advances a resolution aimed at decriminalizing select psychedelic plants and fungi.

Backed by Decriminalize Maine, this move has the potential to reshape drug policies within the city, according toMarijuana Moment.

See Also: PsychMD's Nationwide, Safe-Supplied AI-Driven Ketamine Therapy With US Vets In Mind

The resolution targets specific natural substances, including psilocybin, psilocin, ibogaine, mescaline (excluding peyote), and dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Notably, peyote is excluded from the list due to its ecological vulnerability and profound cultural significance to Indigenous communities.

What sets this resolution apart is its focus on promoting personal use and sharing without compensation, particularly through home cultivation. However, it's essential to understand that criminal enforcement will not waver for activities such as selling, dispensing, possessing on school premises, or driving under the influence of these substances.

One of the most pivotal aspects of this resolution is the city's commitment to reprioritizing its resources. It emphasizes that city funds and resources should not be utilized to aid in the investigation or criminal prosecution of individuals engaged in the covered activities.

See Also:Can Psychedelic Therapy Enhance Quality Of Life In Seniors?

Councilor Anna Trevorrow plays a key role in introducing amendments to the resolution, with a focus on encouraging safer substance use practices. By allowing sharing and home cultivation, the city aims to deter involvement in the black market and align with communal and cultural usage patterns.

Inspired by a similar measure in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Portland resolution is driven by a commitment to medical and wellness perspectives. Councilor April Fournier underscored the natural use of these plants in supporting individuals on their healing journeys.

Whats Next?It's worth noting that the resolution will undergo thorough federal funding checks before a full City Council vote. The first reading is scheduled for October 2, with potential council action on October 16, pending any unforeseen delays.

Read the full story at Marijuana Moment.

Stay informed about psychedelic reform and explore other natural medicine markets at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Join us in Chicago for the 17th edition on September 27-28. Get your tickets HERE.

Read Next: Psychedelics Reform Update: CA Bill's Final Vote, MA 2024 Legalization Ballot, HI Task Force, OR Funding And More

Image by Marc Najera On Unsplash

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This Maine City Moves Unanimously On Decriminalizing Psychedelics: Focus On Public Health - Benzinga

Psychedelicsare one of the buzziest topics intech these days. With entrepreneursvouching for their benefitsfor creativity, focus and general well-being as well asresearch institutions and companies seekingFDA approval for medical treatments, these compounds are entering themainstream.

Microdosing: Whats It All About?

Pretty much what the word sounds like,microdosing involvestakingaroundone-tenth the amountof a normaldose of a psychedelic.

Testimonies from regulars to microdosinginclude enhanced management of symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHDand even chronic pain. Others microdose tooptimizetheir quality of life.

Although scientific evidence on microdosings benefits is somewhat hard to gather, the practice is believed to date back tothe 1500s. Modern Western practices began in the1960sand continued undergroundafter psychedelics were banned in the 60s and 70s,The Washington Postreports.

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James Fadimans2011 The Psychedelic Explorers Guide was one of the first modern writings on microdosing. Some years later, a Rolling Stonearticleon LSD microdosing disclosed that self-medicating was commonplace amongSan Francisco tech startups.

But its actually been going on for years.Steve Jobsreportedlyinformedthe Dept of Defenseof his LSD intake in 1988. Heattributedsome of his creativity to psychedelics.

TheWall Street JournalreportedthatTeslaTSLA andSpaceXs CEO Elon Muskconsumes ketamine andGoogleGOOG co-founder Sergey Brinpsychedelic mushrooms,

Benzingainterviewed someone whos well acquainted with the world of high-achieving tech professionals.

Lauren Mugglebeeworks with clients seeking personal growth and behavior modification. She says that traditional pharma drugs usedfor better focus or anxiety issues,disable you from really being able to connect with your body and feel.

While she incorporates different modalities into her coaching, Mugglebee highlights the unique role of microdosing psychedelics -noticeably psilocybin and LSD to help people transition away from pharmaceuticals, and pay close attention to themselves.

This is a key issue, as most top executives in the field are addicted to intensity, which typically leads to unreflectiveness and showing a lack of careful thought. Theyre addicted to working. Theyre addicted to making money. Theyre addicted to being right. Theyre addicted to being on autopilot so that they can get done what they need to get done, Mugglebee explains.

Aproductive and achievements-oriented culture is aperspectiveMugglebee knows something about, after 20 years of working in tech herself.

Microdosing psychedelics, she notes,wont resolve all problems. The process involves noticing what is going on around one without judgment. It is alsodependent on where each person is in their journey of building their self-awareness of building their ability to be present, to be in their body and to be in deep inquiry.

Mugglebee also stressesthe need for careful titration, that is starting low and going slow in orderto find the optimal dose. It is a process that fosters self-awareness around the body and emotionsand endorsesclinician consultationtowarda better-tailored outcome.

Her journey into microdosecoaching began two and a half years agounder the guidance ofPaul Austin,the trainers trainer. Austinhas been an active advocate for quite some time, starting underground and now out in the open via his Third Wave Communitypodcasts that feature such guests asmajor sector investorChristian Angermayer

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Tech Leaders Are Finding Balance Through Microdosing Psychedelics - The Dales Report

More research is emerging that suggests chronic pain may soon be added to the long list of medical conditions psychedelics can relieve.

A new study published in the European Journal of Pain last month found that both macro and micro doses of classic psychedelics LSD, psilocybin, DMT, mescaline led to better pain relief compared to conventional medication in volunteers surveyed.

Participants reported that full doses seem to achieve better perceived results in pain relief than microdosing, while microdosing's effectiveness seems comparable to that of conventional medication according to survey participants, the paper concluded.

Researchers focused on five conditions: fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine, tension-type headache and sciatica.

Four of those five, with sciatica being the exception, were reported to be relieved by psychedelics on the dosage day, as well as 1-3 days after, with a few even reporting pain relief beyond the third day.

Psilocybin and LSD were the most common drugs used in this survey of 170 participants.

The effect of psychedelics on pain related to sciatica was statistically non-significant, researchers wrote. This result may indicate that these substances hold promise only for certain kinds of pain conditions, presumably those in which the inflammatory and/or psychosomatic components play a more prominent role.

Though data obtained from this survey is promising, echoing previous results from researchers investigating psychedelics' effect on chronic pain an issue impacting 20 percent of the world's population study authors acknowledge a number of limitations, with the biggest being design.

It provides purely retrospective self-ratings from a self-selected sample of individuals who self-administer psychedelics, the paper notes. This design carries the risk of obtaining biased data and the generalizability of the produced results is only limited. It provides limited information to disentangle the role that different mechanisms play to achieve these perceived analgesic effects.

Authors acknowledged controlled studies are needed, and recommend researchers design clinical trials to explore further.

Amanda Feilding, founder and director of the Beckley Foundation, initiated the survey after establishing The Beckley/Maastricht Microdosing Research Programme, which is dedicated to studying the effects of microdosing LSD on mood, cognitive functions, and pain management in humans.

The program's previous placebo-controlled clinical study of 24 healthy volunteers found that a 20 microgram dose of LSD significantly reduced pain perception, as compared to the placebo, during cold pressure tests. I am encouraged by these results as I have long believed that LSD may not only change the sensations of pain but also our subjective relationship with it, she said after that study was published in 2020. We must continue to explore this with the aim of providing safer, non-addictive alternatives to pain management.

As Psychedelic Spotlight previously reported, MindMed is also exploring LSD for chronic pain treatment, while Imperial College London researchers found in 2021 that nine out of 11 chronic pain sufferers self-medicating with psychedelics reported complete, or at least partial, analgesia during their dosage experience.

More recently, a 9/11 first responder advocating for California lawmakers to decriminalize psychedelics, shared that psilocybin healed his PTSD as well as debilitating cluster headaches. I stopped taking the cocktail of pills I had been prescribed, many of which caused damaging side effects and were addictive, he wrote, adding: Its not an exaggeration to say that psilocybin gave me my life back. Its been transformative, and allowed me to feel happiness and joy in a way I never thought I would again.

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Chronic Pain Can Be Treated by Psychedelics, Survey Suggests - Psychedelic Spotlight

Hadas provides insights into her role at APPA and the organizations mission to seamlessly integrate psychedelic medicine into the U.S. healthcare system.

We also dive into the significance of the first-ever professional practice guidelines for psychedelic-assisted therapy co-published by APPA and BrainFutures. These guidelines are shaping the future of psychedelic therapy and ensuring its safety and effectiveness.

Additionally, we discuss APPAs strategic partnership with The Daschle Group and its role in advancing the implementation of psychedelic-assisted therapy within the healthcare system.

Join us for a captivating conversation about the transformative potential of psychedelics in healthcare and the vital work being done by APPA to make it a reality.

Learn more about APPA here.

Join us for our launch event on July 18th, where well share about the work well be doing together to actualize our personal missions, grow, and heal together.

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Insights Into the First Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Guidelines With ... - Psychedelic Spotlight