#2319 - Rick Doblin Podcast Summary with Joe Rogan, Rick Doblin

#2319 - Rick Doblin

1-Page Summary

The History and Regulation of Psychedelics

In this episode, Joe Rogan and Rick Doblin explore the complex history of psychedelics, from their therapeutic use to criminalization. Doblin explains that MDMA, developed by Merck in 1912, was successfully used in therapy until 1985, when the DEA made it illegal. The 1970 act criminalizing psychedelics was, according to Nixon's domestic policy advisor John Ehrlichman, politically motivated to target civil rights movements.

Traditional psychedelic use has faced persistent suppression throughout history. Doblin describes how the Catholic Church eliminated ancient ceremonies like the Eleusinian Mysteries, while conquistadors targeted indigenous practices involving mushrooms and peyote. Even modern religious use, such as the Native American Church's peyote ceremonies and the Uñao de Vegetal's ayahuasca practices, has faced significant legal challenges.

The Therapeutic Applications and Research on Psychedelics

Recent clinical trials have shown promising results for psychedelic therapy. Doblin reports that MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD has been particularly successful, with two-thirds of participants no longer meeting PTSD criteria after treatment. The therapy combines traditional counseling with MDMA sessions, taking advantage of the extended period of neuroplasticity that psychedelics can induce.

However, regulatory barriers and stigma continue to slow progress. The FDA has raised concerns about study methods, particularly regarding "functional unblinding" in psychedelic research. Despite these challenges, efforts continue to expand access to psychedelic therapy, especially for veterans, first responders, and terminally ill patients.

Psychedelics in Consciousness and Evolution

Rogan and Doblin discuss Terence McKenna's "Stoned Ape" theory, which suggests that early human consumption of psilocybin mushrooms contributed to cognitive evolution and language development. The conversation extends to psychedelics' potential role in addressing modern challenges. Doblin shares research by Lior Roseman showing how ayahuasca sessions helped Israelis and Palestinians recognize their shared humanity.

Doblin and Rogan suggest that psychedelic experiences might offer solutions to global challenges like nuclear war and climate change by promoting interconnectedness and reducing tribalism. Through organizations like MAPS, efforts are being made to integrate these insights into medical practice and policy reform.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

The therapeutic efficacy of MDMA for PTSD, while promising, is still under investigation, and long-term effects are not fully understood.
The political motivations behind the criminalization of psychedelics may have been complex and not solely aimed at targeting civil rights movements.
The suppression of ancient psychedelic ceremonies by the Catholic Church and conquistadors can also be viewed within the broader context of cultural and religious conflicts, rather than solely as suppression of psychedelic use.
Legal challenges to modern religious psychedelic use may stem from broader drug policy concerns and not necessarily from a direct opposition to religious practices.
Concerns about "functional unblinding" in psychedelic research highlight the need for rigorous study designs to ensure the validity and reliability of research findings.
The "Stoned Ape" theory is speculative and not widely accepted in the scientific community; alternative theories of cognitive evolution exist that do not involve psychedelic substances.
The idea that psychedelics can contribute to solving global challenges is an optimistic view that may overlook the complexity of these issues and the potential for negative outcomes from psychedelic use.
Efforts to integrate psychedelic therapy into medical practice must balance the potential benefits with the risks and ethical considerations of using these powerful substances.
The use of psychedelics in addressing conflicts, such as between Israelis and Palestinians, may not be generalizable or applicable in all contexts of geopolitical tension.
The push for policy reform based on the insights from psychedelic experiences must take into account the diverse perspectives and potential unintended consequences of such changes.

Actionables

You can deepen your understanding of the historical context by reading books on the political history of psychedelics to gain insight into how these substances have been perceived and regulated over time. For example, pick up a book like "Acid Dreams: The Complete Social History of LSD" by Martin A. Lee and Bruce Shlain to explore the nexus of psychedelics and political movements, which can provide a broader perspective on the assertions related to the criminalization of psychedelics and their impact on civil rights.
Engage in conversations about mental health treatments by discussing the potential of psychedelic therapy with friends or family who may be open to alternative therapies. This can be a way to disseminate information about the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, especially for conditions like PTSD, and to potentially reduce stigma. You might share articles from reputable sources that report on the latest research findings or personal stories of those who have benefited from such treatments.
Explore the concept of interconnectedness by starting a personal journal where you reflect on your relationship with nature and others. Inspired by the idea that psychedelic experiences can promote a sense of unity, you can write about moments when you felt a deep connection to the world around you or when you overcame a sense of "otherness" in relation to someone from a different background. This practice can help cultivate empathy and a sense of global citizenship, which is in line with the notion that psychedelics might offer solutions to global challenges by fostering interconnectedness.

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#2319 - Rick Doblin

The History and Regulation of Psychedelics

The hosts, Joe Rogan and Rick Doblin, examine the intricate history of psychedelics, their use in therapy, and the legal battles that followed their criminalization.

Psychedelics Used In Therapy Before 1970s but Later Banned

Rick Doblin recalls that MDMA, which he first tried in 1982, had been in quiet therapeutic use from around 1976 until it gained popularity as a party drug, ecstasy, and was made illegal in 1985. MDMA itself was developed by Merck in 1912 and used in therapy before Doblin knew about it. However, in 1985, the DEA made MDMA illegal on an emergency basis, effectively ending its legal use in therapy.

Mdma: Developed by Merck In 1912, Therapy Use in 1970s-80s, Criminalized In 1985

Reflecting on the effects of MDMA's criminalization, Doblin mourns the missed opportunities for healing that could have occurred if not for the laws prohibiting psychedelic use.

1970 Act Criminalized Psychedelics, Targeted Civil Rights Movements

Doblin and Rogan discuss the 1970 act that criminalized psychedelics, suggesting it was part of a politically-motivated campaign targeting civil rights movements. They cite Nixon domestic policy advisor John Ehrlichman's admission that drug risks were exaggerated to justify cracking down on civil rights activists.

Dea's Illegal Mdma Scheduling Persisted Until Maps Sought Fda Approval

Additionally, Doblin speaks on the lawsuit against the DEA’s scheduling of MDMA, noting that an Administrative Law Judge’s advisory ruling for MDMA to be Schedule 3 was ignored by the DEA. Further, the DEA's initial emergency scheduling in 1985 was deemed illegal, but it wasn’t until Doblin’s organization, MAPS, sought FDA approval that there was a renewed push to reschedule the drug.

Psychedelics' Traditional and Religious Use Suppressed by Authorities

Psychedelics have a storied use in various cultures, which has often been met with suppression.

Ancient Cultures' Use of Psychedelics in Rituals

Doblin cites how ancient ceremonies such as the Eleusinian Mysteries, which used a psychedelic potion called kykeon, were exterminated by the Catholic Church. Furthermore, when conquistadors arrived in indigenous lands, they targeted shamanistic practices involving psychedelics like mus ...

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The History and Regulation of Psychedelics