The hottest Psychedelics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

When the Sackler Brothers studied LSD

Res Obscura • 2799 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💾 History Psychedelics Medical Ethics Pharmaceuticals Mental health Scientific research
  1. The Sackler brothers, known for their later role in the opioid crisis, initially explored the potential of LSD and other psychedelic treatments in the 1950s. They even attended early scientific discussions about LSD.
  2. Despite their good intentions to improve mental health treatments, the Sacklers also recognized the financial gains from pharmaceuticals. This shift in focus highlights how idealistic motives can change when wealth is involved.
  3. The ongoing debate about psychedelics mirrors this historical pattern. As society cautiously opens up to these substances for therapy, there are concerns about commercialization, addiction, and the potential for harm.

Program or Be Programmed - Launch Party

Rushkoff • 199 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Digital Society Social Issues Psychedelics Book launch
  1. There is a book launch party happening in NYC on November 3, celebrating the updated edition of 'Program or Be Programmed.'
  2. The event includes a conversation about the impact of psychedelics and digital society's future.
  3. Attendance is free for a limited number of people who RSVP, and it will also be live-streamed for those who can't attend in person.

The best psychedelic (survey results)

Knowingless • 1890 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Substance Use Therapeutics Addiction
  1. Different people value different effects of drugs. Some want deep life changes, while others prefer milder experiences.
  2. Ayahuasca is often seen as the most intense option, but MDMA is highly rated for pleasure and social experiences.
  3. It's important to consider the risks and benefits when choosing a drug, as different ones can impact your life in various ways.

Are drugs good? Are side effects bad? It depends on what you're trying to do.

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 895 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug policy Mental health Medical Ethics Psychedelics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The good or bad nature of drugs really depends on what you're trying to achieve with them. It's important to consider the purpose behind using any drug.
  2. Different drugs can have different effects. For example, psychedelics can be helpful for depression but dangerous for someone who is unstable. It's all about context.
  3. Drugs should be viewed as tools that work in specific ways. We need to determine if those effects match what we want for our health or goals.

Turn On, Tune In, Drop In: Psychedelic Conflict Resolution and The Origins of Life

The Bigger Picture • 599 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Conflict resolution Healing Indigenous
  1. Psychedelics have the potential to transform how we think by changing our underlying processes of perception and enhancing cognitive flexibility and creativity.
  2. Perspectivism, embraced by many indigenous cultures using psychedelics, emphasizes becoming the subject to truly understand the object, highlighting the importance of multiple ways of knowing.
  3. Psychedelics can impact conflict resolution by amplifying existing politics and emotions, offering unique perspectives and experiences that can bring about unity and change, even across political divides.
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Join me tomorrow night in New York!

Startup Strategies • 71 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Events Education Entertainment Psychedelics
  1. There's a talk happening in New York about mushrooms and psychedelics. It's a chance to learn something new and have fun.
  2. The event is called Nerdnite and features a variety of interesting topics. It's a great place to enjoy a night out with some laughs.
  3. If you're curious about psychedelics, this talk could offer new insights. It might even spark your interest in the subject.

Jeffrey Sitting Bear, Peyote, and Hippies

The Microdose • 1198 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Psychedelics Cultural Appropriation Storytelling
  1. Jeffrey Sitting Bear believes peyote is sacred medicine meant for healing, not getting high.
  2. White people during the 1960s hippie era tended to misuse peyote by using it as a drug rather than for its intended purpose.
  3. Respect for Native teachings and using peyote in the right way is crucial for its positive effects, according to Sitting Bear.

Curator

Castalia • 379 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Sexuality Psychedelics Social Dynamics Identity politics
  1. There's a big debate about trans issues and choices, especially about children and medical decisions like puberty blockers. Some people stress the importance of granting freedoms, while others worry about the consequences of those choices on young lives.
  2. The idea of polyamory suggests that relationships can be built on open communication and shared experiences instead of traditional monogamous norms. While some people admire this approach, others see it as complicated and challenging to manage.
  3. Psychedelics have become popular for their potential benefits, but there's a growing concern about unrealistic expectations and their safe use. People are starting to question whether these substances can really bring about lasting change in society.

"I was shaking and trembling:" 5 Questions for Indigenous protester Kuthoomi Castro

The Microdose • 982 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Indigenous Psychedelics Social justice Protest Traditions
  1. Castro discusses concerns about the homogenization of Indigenous traditions in the modern psychedelic movement.
  2. Castro raises issues with the commercialization and appropriation of plant medicines by Western societies.
  3. Castro highlights the importance of protecting Indigenous knowledge and traditions regarding plant medicines.

An undergrad, twitching rodent heads, DOI, and the DEA: 5 Questions for researcher Alyssa Gillies

The Microdose • 511 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🔬 Science Psychedelics Research Regulation Neurobiology
  1. Researchers use DOI in the lab to study the head twitch response in rodents as an indicator of 5-HT2 receptor activation.
  2. Scheduling DOI as a Schedule I drug would create barriers for labs studying the 5-HT2 receptor due to accessibility and legal requirements.
  3. There is minimal recreational use of DOI and DOC, with the DEA's proposal affecting the progress of psychedelic research and impacting researchers.

A Sober Look at MDMA Therapy: What Happens Next?

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Therapy PTSD Research Safety
  1. MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD is facing a critical juncture with the FDA, with potential historical implications for rescheduling and funding sources.
  2. There is ongoing debate on the safety, efficacy, and ethical conduct of MDMA-AT, with a focus on the role of organizations like Lykos/MAPS.
  3. Despite the current challenges and controversies, the testimonies of individuals like Cristina Pearse underscore the potential transformative impact of MDMA-AT and the imperative to enhance safety measures.

The Unfolding Mystery

rebelwisdom • 1041 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics
  1. The deeper healing from psychedelics is in the mystical experience that connects us to something greater than ourselves.
  2. Psychedelics can help us break free from cultural nihilism and consumerism, guiding us towards a deeper sense of reality and connection.
  3. The essence of the book is about embracing the profound lessons from psychedelics to navigate through the crisis of our times and shape new, enchanting cultural narratives.

A Confession and an Announcement

rebelwisdom • 1277 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Spirituality Science Psychology Research
  1. The book discusses a personal experience with a powerful psychedelic drug and its impact on the individual and collective wisdom.
  2. The book reflects on the integration of psychedelic science and spirituality in understanding and navigating the challenges of the present time.
  3. The author aims to prompt inquiry and critical thinking around the potential of psychedelics in transforming society and addressing current crises.

Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms skyrocket; Could psychedelics lead to better sex? And will CA be the next state to launch a psychedelics program?

The Microdose • 432 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Research Legislation Therapy
  1. Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms have significantly increased over the years, indicating a potential rise in availability and use.
  2. Research suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin can lead to improvements in sexual functioning and satisfaction.
  3. California is considering launching a state-regulated program for therapeutic use of psychedelics, potentially making it the first to focus explicitly on psychedelic therapy.

Prozac Lessons: 5 Questions for drug historian David Herzberg

The Microdose • 884 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Pharmaceuticals Psychedelics Research Commercialization
  1. Antidepressants have evolved over time, impacting societal views and treatments of depression.
  2. There is a historical pattern of seeking quick-fix solutions for mental health issues through medication.
  3. Concerns exist about the profit-centered approach to mental health treatments, including the potential harms and biases in clinical trials.

Dispatches from Denver: Day 1 at Psychedelic Science 2023

The Microdose • 864 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Event coverage Psychedelics Community Arts Social Issues
  1. Psychedelic Science 2023 is a large conference featuring over 11,000 attendees and 300 speakers.
  2. The conference covers various topics in the psychedelics field, including therapy, legislation, and business.
  3. Speakers at the conference expressed concerns about rapid changes in the psychedelic space and the need for balanced growth.

Kissing Ram Dass

Seven Senses • 579 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Meditation Eastern philosophy Psychedelics Personal Growth
  1. Ram Dass was a major spiritual teacher who introduced many people to Eastern philosophies and meditation. His journey started in Harvard and took him to India, where he met his guru.
  2. A personal encounter with Ram Dass felt like meeting an old friend. It showed that connection and love can have a strong impact, even in brief moments.
  3. His legacy continues through his teachings, reminding us that sometimes the way we make people feel is more important than what we say or do.

High Hopes: Can Psychedelics Mark A New Era In Pain Management?

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pain management Psychedelics Chronic Conditions Research Studies
  1. People are exploring psychedelics for pain management as conventional medications may fall short in providing long-term relief.
  2. Research suggests that psychedelics, both in micro and macro doses, can target both physical and psychological aspects of pain.
  3. Psychedelics offer a holistic approach to pain management by potentially reshaping how individuals perceive and assign meaning to their pain.

Europe's Psychedelic Jewel: The Liberty Cap Mushroom

Tripsitter • 139 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Education
  1. The Liberty Cap mushroom was involved in the first documented case of psilocybin 'poisoning' in Europe, leading to unexpected psychedelic experiences for a family in London.
  2. The discovery of psilocybin and psilocin in the Liberty Cap mushroom by Albert Hofmann and Roger Heim revolutionized the accessibility of psychedelic mushrooms for Europeans in the 1960s.
  3. Despite their inconveniences in terms of accessibility and cultivation, Liberty Cap mushrooms are considered highly potent due to their high psilocybin content, making them a sought-after species for psychedelic experiences.

Awakened States: Exploring The Harmony Between Psychedelics & Meditation

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Meditation Consciousness Brain Activity
  1. Psychedelics and meditation both offer transformative experiences, but lasting change likely requires a foundation of consistent meditation practice.
  2. Both meditation and psychedelics can induce altered states of consciousness, but they achieve this through different mechanisms.
  3. Meditation and psychedelics have the potential to impact brain networks such as the default mode network and the salience network, leading to improved cognitive abilities and a shift in thinking patterns.

The long history of Psilocybe’s evolution; New bills in Indiana, California, and New Jersey; and COMPASS partners with a healthcare non-profit

The Microdose • 373 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health
  1. Psilocybe mushrooms have a long evolutionary history dating back 67 million years.
  2. New bills in Indiana, California, and New Jersey focus on studying psilocybin for various mental health conditions.
  3. COMPASS partners with a healthcare non-profit in New Jersey to research psilocybin treatment for FDA approval.

Alchemy of the Psyche: Exploring Shadow Work & Psychedelics

Tripsitter • 199 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Shadow work Integration Therapy
  1. Shadow work involves acknowledging and integrating suppressed traits, desires, and emotions that influence our thoughts and actions.
  2. The human consciousness comprises layers including the ego, the persona, and the collective unconscious, each influencing our personality and interactions.
  3. Suppressing the shadow can lead to projecting undesirable traits onto others, disconnection, biases, impatience, victim mentality, and narcissism.

Bicycle Day (April 19): The First Acid Trip in Human History 🚲 🍄

Tripsitter • 159 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Substance Use Self-Exploration
  1. Bicycle Day commemorates the first intentional dose of LSD by Albert Hofmann in 1943, marking a significant event in the history of psychedelics.
  2. Psychedelics like LSD are celebrated on Bicycle Day for their mind-opening capabilities and not just for their euphoric effects.
  3. People celebrate Bicycle Day by consuming psychedelics responsibly, learning about psychedelics, engaging in psychedelic-inspired art, music, and nature activities.

Mixing antidepressants and psychedelics: 5 Questions for psychopharmacologist Kelan Thomas

The Microdose • 589 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Medication Psychedelics Therapy Treatment Safety
  1. Psychedelic clinical trials often exclude participants taking SSRIs to isolate the effects of the single drug being studied.
  2. The main risk of mixing SSRIs and psychedelics is serotonin toxicity, but in healthy volunteers, the risk seems low.
  3. Tapering off SSRIs can have risks, including the return of depression or anxiety symptoms and serotonin discontinuation syndrome.

A cornucopia of new bills; Canadians support end-of-life psilocybin therapy; and tempering the hype

The Microdose • 294 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Therapy Hype Research Mental health
  1. At least 10 states have introduced new legislation related to psychedelics since the beginning of the year.
  2. Canadians show strong support for end-of-life psilocybin therapy.
  3. There is a growing movement to critically examine and temper the hype surrounding psychedelics, focusing on ethical and political implications.

Zen Bones: The Life & Legacy of Alan Watts

Tripsitter • 139 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Psychedelics Books Quotes Legacy
  1. Alan Watts was a prolific writer and philosopher who translated Eastern philosophical ideas for a Western audience, influencing many with his work.
  2. Watts believed in the philosophy of not taking life too seriously, embracing the idea that there are no failures or successes, just experiences.
  3. He integrated ideas from Buddhism, Taoism, and other philosophies, advocating for a relaxed approach to enlightenment and addressing Western problems like fear of meaninglessness.

The Secret Life of Salvia: How this Bizarre Psychedelic Could Revolutionize Gut Health

Tripsitter • 239 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Pain management
  1. Salvia, known for its psychedelic effects, is a potent hallucinogen with medicinal uses such as treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and gut motility issues.
  2. The psychedelic experience induced by salvia is profoundly intense, often leading users to lose their sense of time, identity, and reality, experiencing bizarre and nonsensical visions.
  3. Salvinorin A, the active compound in salvia, works on the kappa-opioid system and is being studied for its potential in developing new drugs for pain management, inflammation, and gut health without the risk of addiction.

Ambrosia: The Food of the Gods

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Mythology Psychedelics
  1. Ambrosia in Greek mythology was believed to be the food of the gods, granting immortality and divine power.
  2. Ambrosia's true nature remains a mystery, with theories ranging from honey to psychoactive plants like psychedelic mushrooms.
  3. The legendary food of the gods, ambrosia, was reserved for divine beings, and its true identity may forever remain a topic of speculation and myth.

What can Colorado learn from Oregon about psilocybin?: 5 Questions for Healing Advocacy Fund’s Colorado director Tasia Poinsatte

The Microdose • 275 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Psychedelics Advocacy Regulation Data Collection Mental health
  1. Colorado's psilocybin program is expected to be fully operational by early 2025.
  2. Oregon's program highlighted the importance of allowing licensed professionals to participate in psilocybin services.
  3. Colorado is considering a tiered licensing model and enhanced training requirements for safe facilitation in their psilocybin program.

Can AIs provide psychedelic therapy? 5 Questions for chatbot ChatGPT

The Microdose • 550 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🕹 Technology AI Psychedelics Chatbots Therapy Ethics
  1. ChatGPT states it may not be able to provide psychedelic-assisted therapy like a human therapist due to the need for personal connection and emotional support.
  2. Ethical and legal considerations in using AI for therapy involve informed consent, data privacy, liability, regulation, and ensuring access for all patients.
  3. Mystical experiences on psychedelics are described as profound, ineffable, and life-changing, involving a sense of unity with the universe and a deep emotional impact.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy and tribal health: 5 Questions for Indigenous scholar Marlena Robbins

The Microdose • 530 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Public Health
  1. Access to psychedelics on tribal land faces government regulations and limits on self-care.
  2. Bridging traditional Indigenous ceremony with Western science shows the importance of incorporating cultural practices.
  3. Psychedelic-assisted therapy administered through tribes provides culturally informed care, understanding unique ethnic perspectives.

New report: How altered states shape our minds

Monomythical • 53 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Meditation Psychedelics Self-Improvement Research
  1. The jhanas are meditation practices that can create strong, blissful experiences similar to psychedelics. Many people who try them report significant changes in their lives and well-being.
  2. There is still limited research on the jhanas, which makes studying their effects challenging. Most researchers have not yet focused on these practices, making it harder to find participants for studies.
  3. A new report highlights the experiences of people who attended jhana retreats, providing valuable insights. It aims to spark more questions and research into how these meditation states influence our minds.

Dispatches from Denver: Day 4 at Psychedelic Science 2023

The Microdose • 511 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychedelics Mental health Holistic Medicine Regulation
  1. Attendees at the Psychedelic Science conference were surprised by the diverse perspectives and energy surrounding the use of psychedelics for mental health treatment and personal growth.
  2. Discussions at the conference highlighted the importance of patents in the development and innovation of psychedelic drugs, while also emphasizing the need for fair patent practices.
  3. Indigenous voices expressed feelings of marginalization and concerns about being excluded from conversations and decision-making in the psychedelic community.