#2319 - Rick Doblin
Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and president of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a nonprofit established in 1986 to advance evidence-based psychedelic therapy and end prohibition. MAPS incubated Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS Public Benefit Corporation) which is leading drug development of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.
Learn more about Psychedelic Science 2025, June 16–20 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, at www.psychedelicscience.org, and visit www.maps.org for information on MAPS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episodes with Rick Doblin
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Key Takeaways
MDMA-assisted therapy shows promise for trauma treatment in conflict zones.
This could revolutionize mental health support for war-affected populations.
Legal and societal barriers hinder the research and use of psychedelics.
Understanding these barriers is crucial for future advancements in therapy.
MDMA has potential therapeutic benefits that are being explored.
Understanding MDMA's therapeutic benefits can reshape drug policy and mental health treatment.
The legal battles for MDMA's approval highlight systemic challenges in drug regulation.
These challenges emphasize the need for reform in how psychedelics are classified and utilized.
Psychedelics are being researched for their healing properties.
This research could lead to significant breakthroughs in mental health treatment.
Episode Timestamps
Exploring MDMA Therapy and Trauma in Ukraine
- Discussion on the use of MDMA-assisted therapy for trauma in Ukraine.
- Challenges faced regarding the legality and acceptance of psychedelic therapies.
- Personal experiences and potential future research in psychedelic therapy.
Exploring Psychedelics and Their Legal Challenges
- Discussion centers on the therapeutic potential of MDMA and psychedelics.
- Challenges faced by the MAPS organization in legalizing MDMA for therapy.
- Humorous anecdotes about Larry Hagman's persona versus real-life experiences.
Discussion on the Healing Potential of Psychedelics and Legal Challenges
- Psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA have significant healing potential despite legal prohibitions.
- The stigma surrounding substance abuse treatment hampers recovery and access to help.
- Examples from history show the counterproductive nature of the drug war and its societal impacts.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics
- Psychedelics can provide therapeutic benefits when integrated with professional support.
- Research reveals psychedelics may help with conditions like PTSD and cluster headaches.
- The conversation highlights societal stigma around psychedelics and their potential healing properties.
Discussion on Psychedelics, Marijuana Legalization, and Discipline
- Psychedelics and their potential benefits for mental health are highlighted.
- The conversation addresses the stigma surrounding marijuana use among disciplined individuals.
- Legalization could reduce organized crime and benefit society through taxation.
Discussion on Psychedelics, Alcohol, and Cultural Contexts
- Psychedelics can help alleviate fear of death and enhance palliative care.
- Legalizing marijuana has significant economic benefits for states like Colorado.
- Cultural integration of psychedelics can address substance abuse issues effectively.
Exploring Rites of Passage Through Psychedelics and Risks
- Psychedelics viewed as modern rites of passage and manhood tests.
- Comparison of alcohol consumption norms between the U.S. and Europe.
- Risks of over-exercising and substance use highlighted through alarming statistics.
Psychedelics and Their Role in Mental Health Treatment
- Discussion on the potential benefits of psychedelics for mental health issues.
- Highlighting bipartisan support for research on MDMA-assisted therapies for veterans.
- Critique of drug policy propaganda affecting public perception and treatment access.
Exploring MDMA-Assisted Therapy and Its Evolving Research Landscape
- MDMA therapy is being researched for its effectiveness in treating PTSD and depression.
- 5-HTP supplementation is discussed as a potential aid post-MDMA use.
- Group therapy is being explored as a scalable treatment option for trauma.
MDMA Therapy Shows Promise in Treating PTSD
- MDMA-assisted therapy demonstrates significant effectiveness for PTSD treatment.
- Lower doses of MDMA may be more therapeutically effective than previously thought.
- FDA negotiations surrounding MDMA therapy highlight complexities in drug approval processes.
Psychedelic Therapy Shows Promise for PTSD Treatment
- MDMA therapy demonstrates significant effectiveness for severe PTSD treatment.
- Low dropout rates highlight the supportive nature of psychedelic therapy.
- FDA's demand for more data highlights challenges in advancing psychedelic research.
Exploring Psychedelics, Privilege, and Human Connection
- Discussion centers on the transformative potential of psychedelics for human consciousness.
- The speaker reflects on their privileged background and responsibility to effect change.
- Connections are drawn between historical oppression and contemporary societal issues.
Exploring Competition, Peace, and Psychedelics in Society
- Herman Hesse's 'Glass Bead Game' is a metaphor for competitive energies and peace.
- Psychedelics like ayahuasca may foster connections between Israelis and Palestinians.
- Cultural contexts significantly influence the impact of technology and psychedelics.
Psychedelics as a Tool for Human Evolution and Understanding
- Human brain evolution linked to environmental changes and psychedelic experiences.
- Psychedelics may foster collaboration and innovation in humanity's future.
- Understanding the 'shadow' within ourselves is crucial for societal healing.
Exploring Drug Use in History and Its Impact
- Nazi soldiers were heavily administered methamphetamines during warfare.
- Historical drug use significantly influenced military tactics and outcomes.
- Psychedelics and their effects have been discussed in various cultures.
Exploring Psychedelics and Their Historical Significance
- The discussion highlights the connection between psychedelics and ancient rituals.
- The potential for psychedelics in mental health treatment is emphasized.
- Cultural aspects of immigration and societal challenges are also explored.
People Mentioned
Duncan
Podcast Host
Unnamed Guest
Therapist, Psychedelic Advocate
Larry Hagman
Actor, Cultural Figure
Rick Perry
Politician, Former Governor of Texas, Politician, former Governor of Texas
Morgan Luttrell
Member of Congress
Nolan Williams
TED Talk Speaker, Researcher
Carl Sagan
Astronomer, Author
Lester Grinspoon
Doctor, Harvard Medical School
Timothy Leary
Psychologist, Author
Sharif El-Nahal
Undersecretary at the VA
Marcus Amber Capone
Therapist and researcher
Unnamed speaker
Researcher or expert in psychedelics
Stanislav Grof
LSD researcher, Author
Primo Levi
Holocaust writer
Brian Muraresku
Author and documentary filmmaker
Herman Hesse
Author
Lior Roseman
Neuroscientist
Albert Einstein
Physicist
Carl Jung
Psychologist
Terrence McKenna
Ethnobotanist
Places Mentioned
Ukraine
Country
Lviv
City
Beirut
City
Santa Monica
City
Portland
City
Zurich
City
Sunstone therapy center
Therapy center
Rockville, Maryland
Location
Books Mentioned
Not explicitly mentioned
Stanislav Grof
Immortality Key
Brian Muraresku
Glass Bead Game
Herman Hesse
Blitzed
Norman Oler
Notable Quotes
"Ukrainian government put draft legislation change law, training 55 psychiatrists therapists."
Discussing efforts to train psychiatrists in Ukraine amidst trauma.
"I, baffled snail's pace acceptance things."
Expressing frustration over the slow progress in legalizing MDMA therapy.
"realized worth working towards bringing psychedelics forward, whether worked not."
Discussing the motivation behind MAPS' efforts to legalize psychedelics.
"like, one time positive drug story a, like beloved star beloved show."
Reflecting on the rarity of positive narratives about drug use.
"It’s enormously frustrating tragic. Yet, let overwhelm us, then, uh, going work hard make happen."
Discussing the challenges of legal restrictions on psychedelics.