Psychedelic Science for the People

Microdosing psychedelics (i.e. taking a fraction of a dose of psilocybin or LSD) is gaining popularity as an alternative medicine for depression, anxiety, and ADHD. What are the benefits? Does it really work? And is it safe in the long term? Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician and educator at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares his insight on some of the scientific studies about microdosing. We discuss the power of the placebo effect, the philosophy of ego annihilation, and the differences between microdosing and macro dosing. Finally, he gives some guidance on how to microdose safely if you choose to engage in this practice. Donate to our Indigogo Campaign for Season 5: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/psychedelic-science-for-the-people-season-5/x/36089786#/ Dr. Grinspoon's Article in Harvard Health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-popularity-of-microdosing-of-psychedelics-what-does-the-science-say-202209192819 Studies Mentioned: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-022-02039-0 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35773270/

Thirty percent of patients with treatment-resistant depression attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime. Can a psychoactive tea brew from the Amazon help? Dr. Fernanda Palhano-Fontes, a neuroscientist and research engineer in Brazil, reveals the results of a randomized controlled trial examining the impact of Ayahuasca on suicidality. Dr. Fontes and her team have conducted a number of studies testing the effects of this Amazonian brew on humans using FMRI techniques. She explains exactly what is happening to the brain when someone takes Ayahuasca, discussing everything from the default mode network to Shannon entropy to neurotrophic factors. Finally, she shares why this medicine may be a lifesaver for people with treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Fontes' papers: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WmhroXIAAAAJ&hl=en Playlists during clinical trials: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5wAyiC2RvBpbZUZeLMERza?si=cH5BAoSlROiTnQZ8TJRzFw https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sRsIxM4oNEpCPSFDQxAJB?si=eZVAiiMxSNmoOAs8cie9uA

Magic mushrooms or Lexapro? What about Magic Mushrooms + Lexapro? As psychedelics gain momentum as a potential treatment option for PTSD and depression, these questions are at the forefront. Dr. Ben Malcom, a clinical psychiatric pharmacist, shares the latest research on potential drug-drug-interactions between common psychiatric medications, such SSRIS, and psychedelics, like MDMA and psilocybin. We talk about serotonin sickness, risks associated with using isolated DMT, and best practices for using psychedelics safely and consciously. Dr. Malcom lives up to his name as the “Spirit Pharmacist,” and is a rare person who can explain exactly what is happening to our brain chemistry when we take psychedelics, while simultaneously honoring the profound spiritual shifts that these medicines can give us. Dr. Malcom’s Website: https://www.spiritpharmacist.com/

Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin in 2020 and many other states are expected to follow suit. Dr. Kevin Boehnke, a Research Investigator in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan, shares his research on the therapeutic uses of cannabis for chronic pain and discusses his latest paper, “Applying Lessons from Cannabis to the Psychedelic Highway.” As we look back on this past decade of cannabis legalization, what can we learn and how can we avoid repeating the same mistakes? We talk about whether the Western medical system is ready for psychedelics and he shares ideas for developing safety-oriented policies, collecting data systematically, and making this medicine accessible. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts* to win free CBD products from Millie! *(I say iTunes but I mean Apple Podcasts!) Here is how: https://agriculturalgenomics.org/podcast/How-to-Leave-a-Review.pdf Dr. Boehnke’s Article: “Applying Lessons From Cannabis to the Psychedelic Highway” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36219016/ NYT Article: “Taking the Magic out of Magic Mushrooms”: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/15/opinion/hallucinations-psychedelics-depression.html

You’re probably already familiar with Delta-9 THC, which is the primary cannabinoid in the cannabis plant known for its psychoactive effects. But what’s going on with Delta-8 THC? In this episode, Dr. Eric Leas, from the University of California San Diego's School of Public Health, discusses the differences between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC and a loophole in the Farm Bill that has led to a growing, unregulated market for Delta-8. We discuss the risks associated with this market and he shares some ideas on revisiting regulations at the federal and state level to protect consumers. Links: Interview with Eric Streenstra, the founder of Vote Hemp: https://diagonventures.com/cannabis/hemp-versus-cannabis/ NYT article on Delta-8: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/well/mind/delta-8-thc-marijuana.html Learn more about Dr. Eric Leas: https://profiles.ucsd.edu/eric.leas

Dr. Clancy Cavnar, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and co-editor of the book, The Therapeutic Use of Ayahuasca, discusses the healing benefits of using ayahuasca, especially for treating trauma and addiction. People often report a numinous or spiritual quality to their psychedelic experiences that serve as the foundation for healing and change. These spiritual awakenings can’t be tested by the scientific method but are a profound component of the therapeutic experience. Dr. Cavnar shares her knowledge and wisdom on the world of ayahuasca and shamanism through the lens of her experience as a Western clinical psychologist.

It’s no secret that cannabis sold in legal dispensaries is often laced with residual pesticides and insecticides. What kind of danger does this present? Dr. Max Leung, a professor at ASU and an expert on cannabis toxicology, shares the data and discusses the connection between insecticide exposure and seizures. He explains the threats for patients with neurological disorders and we discuss how we can develop better pesticide practices and regulations within the cannabis industry to keep patients safe.

Welcome to Season 3 of Cannabis Science Today—this is the podcast where we explore cannabis as a plant and how it can be used as medicine. In this season, we are taking a holistic approach to understanding cannabis and psychedelic medicine. We’ll discuss everything from the soil and the pesticides used to cultivate plants, to how these medicines affect our body chemistry, to the importance of the set and setting in which we use and integrate this medicine. We’re still digging into the chemistry and biology of these plants, but we’re also going to be spending more time exploring the psychological realm, so we can understand how these medicines affect our brain and behavior.

Dr. Kelan Thomas, PharmD, a psychiatric pharmacist, shares the latest clinical research on psilocybin (the active ingredient in "psychedelic" mushrooms) and other classic hallucinogens. We talk about the chemical profiles of psychedelics, the psychological benefits of these medicines, as well the potential risks and side effects. We also discuss preliminary research on micro-dosing and he shares some of the potential cardiovascular risks that might arise with this practice.

Dr. Gul Dölen, a neuroscientist and Associate Professor at the Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, discusses MDMA’s potential to reopen the critical period for social reward learning in animal research models. She shares how MDMA affects the brain’s capacity to process new social information and how long this enhanced neuroplasticity lingers. She also shares what happens to octopuses (typically anti-social creatures), when they are observed on MDMA, and the importance of pursuing science for curiosity’s sake.

Nick Jikomes, PhD, neuroscientist and the Director of Science & Innovation at Leafly, shares what he has learned analyzing crowd-sourced data from patients/consumers on cannabis strains and products. Dr. Jikomes reveals that there are only a handful of chemical subtypes among high-THC strains and he shares the three primary chemical profiles you might find at a dispensary. We also discuss the association between certain terpenes and cannabinoids, like Terpinolene & CBG.

Dr. Peter Grinspoon, MD shares his recovery story after facing an addiction to prescription painkillers. We discuss some of the issues with current addiction therapy and rehabilitation programs and how we can improve the experience of recovery and reduce dependency on opiates by incorporating cannabis into addiction therapy.