
#1854 - Rick Strassman
Rick Strassman is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He is the author of numerous scientific papers and books, among them "DMT: The Spirit Molecule." His most recent, "The Psychedelic Handbook: A Practical Guide to Psilocybin, LSD, Ketamine, MDMA, and Ayahuasca," is available now.
www.rickstrassman.com
Episodes with Rick Strassman
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Key Takeaways
Psychedelics are gaining acceptance for research after decades of prohibition.
This shift could revolutionize mental health treatments and drug policy.
Traditional hash production methods showcase cultural ingenuity and adaptability.
Understanding these methods can enhance appreciation for cannabis culture worldwide.
Psychedelics may trigger mental illness in vulnerable individuals.
Understanding this can help mitigate risks associated with psychedelic use.
Individual experiences with psychedelics are influenced by personal history.
This highlights the importance of personalized approaches to mental health treatment.
DMT may play a significant role in visual processing during death.
Understanding DMT's function could reshape our view of consciousness.
Episode Timestamps
Exploring Psychedelics and Hash Production Techniques
- Discussion centers on the significance of psychedelics in modern research.
- Exploration of traditional hash-making methods and their global relevance.
- Personal anecdotes highlight the transformative experiences associated with altered states.
Exploring the Psychological Effects of Psychedelics on Mental Health
- Psychedelics can exacerbate underlying mental health issues like schizophrenia.
- Accessibility to psychedelics raises concerns about potential adverse effects.
- Individual experiences with psychedelics vary significantly based on genetics and trauma.
Exploring DMT's Role in Brain Function and Spirituality
- Discussion on DMT's connection to near-death experiences and brain chemistry.
- Pineal gland's controversial role in producing DMT and its implications.
- Link between DMT and psychosis, including potential effects on mental health.
Exploring the Mysteries of DMT and Consciousness
- The discussion dives into the potential functions of endogenous DMT in the brain.
- They ponder the implications of consuming organs and their effects on human experience.
- The concept of consciousness and its relation to altered states is heavily explored.
Psychedelics, Creativity, and Communication with Nature Explored
- Psychedelics potentially enhance creativity and connect us with deeper insights.
- Language and communication may evolve from our interactions with psychedelics.
- The societal challenges surrounding the acceptance and regulation of psychedelics persist.
Discussion on technology, culture, and societal issues
- The shift from modern smartphones to simpler devices like flip phones.
- A focus on the importance of community and local culture.
- Concerns about societal issues, including disease and the influence of capitalism.
Discussion on Nazi War Criminal Sentencing and Psychedelic Research
- A 101-year-old former Nazi camp guard receives only five years in prison.
- Concerns raised over the adequacy of punishment for historical crimes.
- Exploration of psychedelic research and its challenges in contemporary society.
Exploring DMT, Ayahuasca, and the Future of Psychedelic Therapy
- Discussion on the historical use of DMT and its ties to schizophrenia research.
- Religious exemptions for DMT use in certain Christian sects are highlighted.
- Concerns raised about the regulatory landscape for psychedelics in Oregon.
Exploring the Impact of Psychedelics and Mental Health
- Discussion on the relationship between cannabis use and schizophrenia risks.
- Exploration of personal psychedelic experiences and their psychological effects.
- Insights into scientific research protocols for studying DMT effects on the mind.
Exploring DMT Research and Its Cultural Implications
- DMT studies were funded through a unique approach involving public health concerns.
- Research into DMT revealed various methods of administration and their effects.
- The historical context of psychedelics reflects their role in ancient civilizations.
Exploring Psychedelics and Human Evolutionary Consciousness
- Psychedelics like psilocybin may have influenced human brain evolution.
- Neuroplasticity and neurogenesis are significant effects of psychedelics.
- Cultural perceptions of psychedelics have changed over time, impacting their use.
Exploring the Impact of Psychedelics on Society and Mental Health
- Psychedelics like psilocybin show promise in treating mental health issues.
- Historical context reveals past societal fears surrounding psychedelics and their misuse.
- Education and informed consent are crucial for safe psychedelic usage.
Discussion on Psychedelics, Manson, and Ethical Implications
- Manson's influence and the connection to psychedelic experimentation are explored.
- The discussion highlights ethical concerns surrounding informed consent in psychedelic research.
- New books on psychedelics and their implications are introduced and discussed.
Exploring Telepathy and Psychedelics in Consciousness Studies
- Psychedelics may enhance telepathic experiences among users, as discussed by David Luke.
- The potential future of telepathy raises concerns about control and privacy.
- Integration of psychedelics in therapeutic settings shows promising results for mental health.
Exploring the Intersection of Psychedelics and Personal Growth
- Psychedelics like ayahuasca are linked to personal growth and societal betterment.
- There's an ongoing debate about the regulation of psychedelics for therapy and recreation.
- Past stigma around psychedelics is shifting towards acceptance and potential legalization.
Exploring the Effects of Psychedelics and Creative Processes
- Ketamine is discussed as a powerful psychedelic with both therapeutic and addictive potentials.
- The conversation touches on the creative enhancements experienced while under the influence of substances.
- Insights into the impact of psychedelics on self-criticism and writing block are explored.
Exploring Psychedelics' Role in Ancient Societies
- Psychedelics have a long history linked to human culture and society.
- The discussion highlights the potential societal benefits of psychedelics.
- Historical records suggest significant use of psychedelics in ancient civilizations.
Exploring Psychedelics and Their Historical Connections
- Psychedelics may have influenced early religious and cultural beliefs significantly.
- Research suggests ancient practices could have involved psychedelics for spiritual experiences.
- Modern techniques like holotropic breathing can induce altered states similar to psychedelics.
Exploring Psychedelics and Their Cultural Significance
- Discussion on the ancient use of psychedelics and indigenous rituals.
- Exploration of animal behavior related to plant consumption and intoxication.
- The ongoing development of new psychoactive substances and their implications.
Exploring DMT's Potential in PTSD Treatment and Virtual Reality
- Research suggests DMT could help treat PTSD through repeated dosing.
- The discussion highlights the transformative potential of virtual reality technology.
- Participants emphasize the importance of patient care in trauma therapy.
Exploring Reality and Psychedelic Practices in Native Culture
- Discussion on the allure of living in virtual realities versus real life.
- Native American reservations as hubs for early MMA and unique psychedelic practices.
- Comparative insights on different ayahuasca churches and their cultural significance.
People Mentioned
Rick
Psychedelic researcher
Dennis McKenna
Ethnopharmacologist, Author, Researcher, Ethnopharmacologist, writer, speaker, Psychedelic Researcher
Unknown
Podcaster, Podcast Host/Participant, Discussant
Alex Gray
Artist, Author
Steven Pressfield
Author
Joseph S.
Nazi war criminal
Dr. Friedman
Psychiatrist at UCLA
Jeff Brey
Leader of UDV
Steve Jara
Researcher, Speaker
Graham Hancock
Author, Alternative researcher
Terrence McKenna
Philosopher, Ethnobotanist
Ken Kesey
Author, Counterculture figure
Tim Leary
Psychologist, Advocate for psychedelics
David Luke
Parapsychologist
Timothy Leary
Psychedelic researcher
John Lilly
Psychedelic researcher
Brian Muralescu
Author, Researcher
Bill Richards
Psychedelic researcher
Duncan Trussell
Podcaster, Comedian
Places Mentioned
Gallup, New Mexico
City
Oregon
State discussing regulatory changes.
Brazil
Country related to UDV and ayahuasca.
Budapest
City
University Hospital Albuquerque
Hospital
Dallas
City
Chichen Itza
Archaeological site
UCLA
University
Imperial College, London
University
Native American reservations
Cultural location
Books Mentioned
War of Art
Steven Pressfield
Concentration Camp Stories
Joseph Levy
Tell Children
Alex Berenson
Making Connections
Alex Berenson
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind
Julian Jaynes
Chaos
Tom O'Neill
Joseph Levy Escapes Death
Unnamed Author
Psychedelic Handbook
Unnamed Author
Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch
Philip K. Dick
Lost City of Z
David Grann
Immortality Key
Brian Muralescu
Total Recall
Philip K. Dick
Notable Quotes
"First time FDA ever allowed real studies done Schedule 1 drugs."
Discussing the breakthrough in psychedelic research.
"I'm giving people psychedelics inner fireworks now."
Reflecting on his journey from chemistry to psychedelic research.
"I've seen people many psychedelics, they're in fantasy land."
Discussion on the effects of psychedelics on mental state.
"There’s a real question about how many people are already on the path to mental illness."
Addressing the risks of psychedelics for those with predispositions.
"could block DMT naturally vaccine something."
Discussing the implications of DMT in mental health.