#1136 - Hamilton Morris

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Hamilton Morris Podcast Discussion

  • Hamilton Morris and the speaker discuss past podcast experiences.
  • The conversation involves heavy marijuana use leading to a slippery discussion.
  • Hamilton Morris mentions the growth of their podcasts over the years and the uniqueness of long-form conversations.
• 00:02:13

  Kratom and Opioid Epidemic Debate

  • The discussion delves into the effects and risks of kratom consumption.
  • The debate expands to include the opioid epidemic and pharmaceutical companies' roles.
  • Personal stories and factual data are shared, highlighting the need for informed decision-making and responsible drug use.
• 00:11:25

  Opioids: Laborers in Thailand & Friend's Experience

  • Opioids used in Thailand by laborers for collecting latex from rubber trees
  • Personal experience of friend using opioids before working out
  • Perceptions about heroin and opiates leading to a short road to death
• 00:15:21

  Drug Renaissance: Ketamine & Psychedelic Therapy

  • Use of MDMA and ketamine for psychotherapy
  • Historical use of PCP for psychotherapy in the UK
  • Discussion on drug scheduling and its impact on medical applications
• 00:22:53

  Warren Buffet's Profits and Lobbyists: The Path to Legalization

  • Warren Buffet, aged 150, invested heavily in warehouses for cannabis cultivation in Colorado.
  • Discussion on the role of lobbyists and white collar support in pushing forward legalization.
  • The hope that cannabis will pave the way for broader acceptance of various substances for gaining perspective.
• 00:26:47

  Cannabis Culture Evolution and Perceptions: Benefits and Challenges

  • Shift in societal perception towards cannabis over the years, leading to more open acceptance.
  • Impact of culture on individual cannabis experiences, reducing internal shame and enhancing benefits.
  • Discussion on how preconceived notions influence the overall perception and experience of using cannabis.
• 00:36:19

  Indigenous Traditions and Alkaloids in Plants

  • Discussion on the effect of various substances on human health and body's reaction.
  • Rediscovery of traditional knowledge from indigenous groups regarding substances like psilocybin and cannabis.
  • Exploration of the role of alkaloids in plants and their potential therapeutic benefits.
• 00:38:17

  Media Influence and Misconceptions of Drug Reporting

  • Impact of journalists on public perception and drug policy.
  • Highlighting the irresponsible reporting and sensationalizing of drug stories.
  • Caution against negative portrayal of drugs without considering therapeutic potential and consequences.
• 00:48:20

  Impact of Negative Online Behavior and Drug Addiction in Society

  • Many people spend their time online engaging in negative behaviors due to dissatisfaction with their jobs and life, leading to a vicious cycle of complaining and engagement in toxic online interactions.
  • The addictive nature of negativity and online engagement is likened to a drug, leading individuals to waste precious time on meaningless arguments and comment battles.
  • The current culture of journalism prioritizes engagement over truth, where clicks hold more value than the content itself, contributing to a dark reality of online behavior.
• 00:50:29

  Exploring Personal Freedoms, Risk, and Education in Drug Use

  • The importance of respecting individual freedoms and choices in exploring altered states of consciousness, emphasizing the need for cognitive liberty over safety or traditional beliefs.
  • Contrasting societal acceptance of dangerous activities like extreme sports with the stigmatization of drug use, highlighting the role of education in shaping perceptions and choices.
  • Challenging preconceived notions about drug addiction and experiences, advocating for a nuanced understanding of substances based on personal exploration and real-life experiences.
• 01:00:05

  Kyle Kingsbury's views on Drug Usage and Terminology

  • Common perception portrays euphoria negatively, often associated with laziness and unproductivity.
  • Different cultures have varying perspectives on drug use and sobriety.
  • Kyle Kingsbury conveys his disdain for terms like 'plant medicine' and 'toad medicine.'
• 01:01:48

  The Misconceptions and Practices of Drug Testing

  • Widespread ignorance and stigma surrounding drug use and testing.
  • Invasion of privacy through mandatory drug testing in various institutions.
  • Challenges and controversies related to drug testing accuracy and implications on individuals.
• 01:12:30

  The Jeffrey McDonald Murder Case: A Cautionary Tale on Behavioral Assumptions

  • Discussion on the case of Jeffrey McDonald, a military doctor accused of murdering his family without motive
  • Exploring how assumptions about drug use, like amphetamines, can lead to misguided conclusions in criminal investigations
  • Highlighting the complexity of human behavior and the limitations of solely attributing actions to pharmaceutical influences
• 01:16:21

  The Prohibition of Psychedelic Research: Implications on Scientific Progress and Drug Policy

  • Examining the impact of drug prohibition on scientific research, particularly in the field of psychedelic substances
  • Discussing the bureaucratic hurdles faced by researchers studying drugs like ibogaine and the potential therapeutic benefits lost to prohibition
  • Highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to drug policy that balances safety concerns with scientific exploration and psychotherapeutic potential
• 01:24:04

  Ibogaine and Hunter S. Thompson: A Controversial Introduction

  • Hunter S. Thompson jokingly accused Ed Muskie of being on ibogaine during the 1970 presidential race, introducing many people to the substance.
  • The mention of ibogaine in the popular press by Thompson led to misconceptions and potential negative consequences for its medicinal use and scheduling.
  • The story of ibogaine highlights the impact of journalists' responsibility when discussing drugs and the unintended consequences of misinformation.
• 01:25:56

  The Turmoil Surrounding Fentanyl: Misuse and Unintended Consequences

  • Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, has led to numerous deaths of notable individuals like Tom Petty and Prince due to misuse and lack of education.
  • The economic and profit margins associated with fentanyl have led to clandestine production and unintended consequences, such as the reduction of heroin prices.
  • The story of George Marquardt, a fentanyl chemist, exemplifies the complexity and ethical dilemmas in pharmaceutical production and the repercussions of unintended outcomes.
• 01:35:07

  Periquette and the Government's Poisonous Pesticide Strategy

  • Historical use of toxic herbicide Periquette on cannabis in Mexico to deter drug use
  • Link to inducing Parkinson's disease when exposed to Periquette
  • Comparison to poisoning tactic used during alcohol prohibition
• 01:38:50

  Exploration of 5-MeO-DMT History and Synthesis Process

  • Investigation into the historical use and synthesis of 5-MeO-DMT
  • Discussion on the extraction process of DMT from Acacia tree
  • Comparison of synthetic and toad-derived 5-MeO-DMT, emphasizing safety and ease of synthesis
• 01:48:02

  DMT and Pineal Gland Research

  • Discussion on DMT in human brain and its relation to religious experiences
  • Research on DMT presence in rats and the role of the pineal gland
  • Ethical and experimental challenges with studying DMT in the brain
• 01:51:57

  Endogenous Psychoactive Substances

  • Exploration of endogenous proteins and receptors responsible for altered states
  • Research on alpha endo psychosin and its relation to psychedelics
  • Challenges in identifying endogenous psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT
• 01:59:50

  Discussion on the Negativity in Online Interactions

  • Emphasis on ineffectiveness of arguing and negativity online
  • Highlight on the trend of meanness and cruelty in left-leaning groups
  • Importance of promoting kindness and more constructive communication
• 02:01:33

  Psychedelics and Enhancing Communication

  • Proposal for the therapeutic use of psychedelics to improve communication
  • Historical use of different psychedelics for various purposes discussed
  • Exploration of potential benefits and the need for more compassionate and genuine interactions
• 01:13:47

  Peyote's History: From Chief Quanta Parker to Conservation Challenges

  • In the United States, peyote has a history of about a hundred years with the Native American Church since 1918, initiated by Comanche chief Quanta Parker.
  • Peyote is a slow-growing cactus with significant conservation challenges due to its slow growth rate and overharvesting practices.
  • The traditional harvesting practices, importance of outdoor growth, and threats like root plowing highlight the environmental concerns associated with peyote.
• 02:23:18

  San Pedro Cactus: Sustainable Mescaline Source and Traditional Use in Peru

  • San Pedro cactus offers a sustainable source of mescaline with comparable effects to peyote and is propagated more easily through cuttings.
  • In Peru, San Pedro cactus is consumed in a way that resembles microdosing, focusing on body fortification and balance rather than intense hallucinations.
  • Characterized by unique traditions in Peru, San Pedro cactus serves a ceremonial and therapeutic purpose for prolonged consumption.
• 02:25:31

  Ambien and its Disinhibiting Effects

  • Ambien, a drug associated with absurd behaviors like command hallucinations and erratic actions.
  • Misuse of Ambien can lead to delusional states and inappropriate behaviors.
  • Discussion on the pharmaceutical company Synafi's tweet about racism not being a side effect of Ambien.
• 02:27:25

  Impact of Drugs on Cognitive Functioning

  • The disinhibiting effects of drugs like Ambien and Ketamine, leading to risky behaviors.
  • Exploration of how certain drugs may modulate implicit racial bias in individuals.
  • Discussion on the potential cognitive impacts and complexities of drug usage.
• 02:37:04

  Amanita Muscaria and Toxicity Concerns

  • Discussion on the etymology of ancient languages related to Amanita Muscaria
  • Concerns raised about potential toxicity of Amanita Muscaria due to chemical composition
  • Exploration of the legality and aesthetic beauty of Amanita Muscaria in artwork and nature
• 02:41:26

  High-Dose Experience with Amanita Muscaria Derivative

  • Personal account of a high-dose experience inducing a transformative existential trip
  • Comparison of the experience with other psychedelic substances like Ayahuasca
  • Discussion on the potential and challenges of ingesting high doses of Amanita Muscaria
• 02:48:57

  Allegro's Book and Santa Claus Connection

  • Books by Allegro, including 'Sacred Mushroom in the Cross', raised Christian myth discussions
  • Allegro's book on Dead Sea Scrolls led to lore and attachment to Christian beliefs
  • Recent republication of 'Sacred Mushroom in the Cross' sparked interest in Christmas-Santa Claus connection
• 02:50:51

  Unexplored Psychedelic Substances

  • Exploration of psychedelic mushrooms like 'rotocolibia maculata' with unknown history of human use
  • Debate over the strength of naturally occurring psychedelics like Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, containing LSA
  • Variability in psychedelic effects, ranging from sedating to dreamy delirium