#1661 - Rick Doblin
NaN minutesEpisode #1661
Rick Doblin
Rick Doblin is the founder and Executive Director of the non-profit psychedelic research and educational organization, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).
Episodes with Rick Doblin
Episode Timestamps
Psychedelics in Therapy and Support for Police Officers and Prisoners
- Discussion on the benefits of using psychedelics in therapy for individuals like soldiers with PTSD
- Exploration of administering MDMA therapy to police officers and prisoners to help with trauma
- Revelation about the importance of aftercare and group support post-psychedelic experiences
Challenges of Reintegration and Long-Term Therapy
- Insights into the challenges prisoners face after release and the difficulties of reintegration into society
- Explanation of the need for ongoing support and therapy post-psychedelic experience for long-term success
- Illustration of the neuroplastic effects of psychedelics and the importance of creating new pathways post-treatment
Realization of Insecurities and Insights from MDMA Experience
- Reflecting on the impact of insecurities in everyday interactions
- Sharing the experience of openness and lack of fear during MDMA session
- Discussions on the potential benefits of psychedelic experiences for prisoners with traumatic backgrounds
Journey through Underground Activities and Profound Psychedelic Realizations
- Exploration of early underground activities against the communist regime
- Insights from a DMT experience revealing interconnectedness and capacity for evil
- Personal reflections on confronting the notion of evil within oneself through psychedelic experiences
Ketamine Experience and Insights on Hitler's Influence
- Narrative of a ketamine experience and feeling both present and removed
- Realization about the need for mass mental health to counter evil ideologies
- Discussion on Hitler's drug use and its impact on his actions and world events
Discussion on Drugs, Neurochemistry, and Drug Policy Reform
- Insights on the impact of drugs on behavior and mental processes
- Conversation about the brain being a 'drug factory' and the significance of neurochemistry
- Advocacy for drug policy reform and the example of Carl Hart's views on responsible drug use
Work Environment at MAPS and the Emphasis on Performance over Drug Testing
- MAPS employs around 120 people, emphasizing a performance-based approach over drug testing.
- Employees are permitted to engage in 'smokable tasks' like smoking pot during work if it enhances their performance.
- The company values performance and creativity, allowing for non-traditional methods to optimize work output.
Psychedelics, Creativity, and Emotional Healing
- Discussion on how psychedelics such as marijuana can enhance creativity by widening associations in the brain.
- Exploration of MDMA's therapeutic effects in helping individuals address trauma and achieve self-acceptance.
- Vision for the future of psychedelic therapy centers to aid in emotional education and mental health reform.
Impact of Technology on Humanity and the Call for a New Mode of Thinking
- Discussion on the quote "Our technology has exceeded our humanity" often attributed to Albert Einstein
- Exploration of Einstein's quote on the need for a new mode of thinking in the face of catastrophic consequences of technological advancements
- Emphasis on the importance of fostering a universal spiritual connection to prevent disastrous human behaviors like genocide and racism
The Educational Paradigm Shift Towards Mental Health and Psychedelic Exploration
- Critique on traditional education systems and the lack of emphasis on mental and physical well-being
- Personal narrative on the transformative effects of psychedelics and mental health exploration
- Discussion on the importance of individual curiosity and emotional development in education
Personal Journey and Integration Work
- Reflection on the confusion and turbulent times of the late 60s and early 70s
- Transition back home, building a handball court, and entering the construction business
- A decade-long period of self-reflection and emotional growth with occasional psychedelic experiences
Introduction to MDMA and Political Engagement
- Encounter with MDMA and its therapeutic potential pre-backlash era
- Involvement in introducing MDMA to individuals like Lester Grinspoon for therapeutic use
- Influence of Terrence McKenna and political activism in response to DEA crackdown
Psychedelic Research and the Fruitfulness of Mystical Experiences
- Discussion on the significance of the 'fruits test' in evaluating mystical experiences
- Anecdotes about Walter Pankie's research and follow-up studies on Good Friday service participants
- Observations on how mystical experiences influenced societal movements like environmental protection and civil rights
Mainstreaming Psychedelics and Historical Context
- Exploration of the historical suppression of psychedelic traditions by religious and political authorities
- Insights into the emergence of psychedelic research in Western culture
- Mention of the military's past interest in psychedelic substances for potential tactical uses and the current focus on non-psychedelic variants for therapeutic purposes
The Push for Psychedelic Therapy in Treating PTSD
- Discussion on the importance of therapists in psychedelic therapy despite the desire for a pill-based treatment
- Efforts to secure funding and bipartisan support for psychedelic research in PTSD treatment
- The historical background of psychedelic therapy for trauma and the current focus on MDMA as a promising tool
Expanding Research and Treatment Globally
- Collaboration with politicians like Congressman Dan Crenshaw and the shifting perceptions towards psychedelic therapy
- Initiatives to globalize MDMA therapy for PTSD and ongoing research efforts in countries like the Netherlands, Israel, and Canada
- Exploration of treatment possibilities for various trauma survivors beyond military contexts
Psychedelics and Changing Cultural Attitudes
- Discussion about reintroducing psychedelics like MDMA to Western culture to promote spiritualism and reduce trauma
- Need to re-engineer the cultural narrative around drugs from a negative to a positive perspective
- Anecdote about giving marijuana to a daughter and cultural responses to drug use
Challenges and Benefits of Psychedelic Experiences
- Differentiating between bad trips due to resistance and difficult trips that can be productive with support
- Examples of challenging experiences leading to healing and transformation with MDMA-assisted therapy
- Discussion on variability in psychedelic experiences based on individual reactions and mindset
CBD with THC Incident and Marijuana Monopoly
- Anecdote about a lady who took CBD with THC, thought she was dying, and police had to ride it out
- Discussion on the federal government monopoly on the supply of DEA marijuana since 1968
- Efforts to end the DEA marijuana monopoly, including the legal battle and license issuance
Marijuana Research and Federal Legalization Predictions
- Historical account of efforts to end the federal monopoly on DEA marijuana production
- Discussion on state initiatives and federal progress towards marijuana legalization
- Prediction for federal law changes on marijuana prohibition in 2025
Marijuana Laws and Usage in Texas
- Discussion about the decriminalization of marijuana in Austin, Texas
- Exploration of the misconceptions surrounding marijuana users and the benefits Joe Rogan sees in using marijuana
- Anecdotes about using marijuana before running the New York Marathon and in the workplace
Marijuana in Jujitsu: Enhancing Performance and Changing Perceptions
- Insights into the connection between marijuana usage and performance in jujitsu
- Description of how being high can enhance performance during jujitsu sessions
- Discussion on the history of marijuana use among high-level jujitsu practitioners and the contrast with stereotypes about marijuana users
Understanding Drugs as Tools and Importance of Relationship with them
- Discussion on viewing drugs like marijuana and psychedelics as tools based on how they are used
- Importance of the relationship and intentions behind using drugs over categorizing them as good or bad
- Examples of how drugs like MDMA can serve both recreational and therapeutic purposes based on context
Path to Commercialization and Global Expansion of MDMA Research
- Exploration of FDA incentives for research on off-patent drugs like MDMA
- Introduction of Benefit Corporation model for maximizing public benefit over profit in selling MDMA
- Initiatives towards globalizing MDMA research notably in Europe and conflict-affected regions for trauma treatment
Commercializing MDMA as Medicine: Current Situation and Future Plans
- Discussion about the government's role in studying MDMA literature for potential rescheduling in Texas and all 50 states
- Overview of the challenges and estimated costs for commercializing MDMA by MAPS
- Exploration of the potential profits and global availability of MDMA through MAPS' efforts
Regulatory Challenges and Resolving FDA Disagreements
- Details on FDA challenges related to therapist protocol approval and the importance of data exclusivity
- Narrative on MAPS' efforts to dispute FDA requirements and win permission for MDMA therapy studies
- Insights on the sourcing of medical-grade MDMA from various countries and companies for MAPS' research
Path to Legalization of Psychedelics and Therapeutic Clinics
- Discussion on the potential path towards licensed legalization of psilocybin, MDMA, LSD by 2035
- Comparison to the slow progress of marijuana legalization despite medical use since 1996
- Importance of stories in motivating policy change and the role of FDA data in medical legalization
Therapeutic Dosing and Study Insights on MDMA
- Testing of various doses of MDMA in therapy sessions for PTSD patients
- Discovery of lower effective dose than anticipated and implications for study design
- Modifying therapy protocol based on study findings to optimize therapeutic outcomes
Drug Approval Process and Study Design
- Description of the process and agreements made with FDA and European Medicines Agency for drug approval studies
- Inclusion of Syrian refugees and migrants in phase three study in Europe
- Utilization of CAPS-5 measure developed by Boston VA to assess PTSD symptoms
Therapy Sessions and Therapist Variability
- Discussion on therapy sessions involving MDMA and self-healing experiences
- Exploration of therapist variability and site-to-site variations in results
- Adherence criteria and standardized approach for therapists in administering therapy
PTSD Treatment with MDMA Therapy and Challenges with Insurance Coverage
- Discussion on the effectiveness of MDMA therapy in treating PTSD, with phase two and phase three study results.
- Challenges related to insurance coverage for the therapy and the need for long-term durability in treatment.
- Comparison between MDMA therapy which aims for lasting results vs. traditional drug treatments like SSRIs.
Therapeutic Potential of MDMA in Prisons and Political Reconciliation Efforts
- Exploration of using MDMA therapy for recently paroled individuals and potential to reduce recidivism rates.
- Discussion on implementing therapy in prison environments to address deep-seated traumas and improve quality of life.
- Initiatives focusing on political reconciliation using psychedelics, such as MDMA, in conflict zones like Israeli-Palestinian contexts.
Psychedelics and Neural Growth for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD
- Discussion on the effects of MDMA and psilocybin on neuroplasticity and neural growth
- Exploration of the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating TBI and PTSD
- Efforts to raise funds for research and development in partnership with other companies
Fundraising Strategies and Support for Maps.org
- Consideration of fundraising methods such as philanthropy and donations for Maps.org
- Exploring partnerships with companies interested in MDMA for various indications
- Encouragement for donations through methods like mailing checks or donating stocks