Psychedelic Research, MAPS, and the Culture of Psychedelics
Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He shares the in depth founding story of MAPS, and gives a glimpse into what he's currently working on. Psychedelics have played a huge role in shaping cultures throughout history. Join us to learn about what we can expect for the future of psychedelic research and how the way they are perceived in our culture will continue to change. In this episode we discuss:
- The benefits of psychedelics
- Managing “bad trips” with a willingness to address whatever arises
- MAPS’ standards for therapeutic use of psychedelics
- What “set and setting” really mean
- The definition of psychedelics
- The timeline expected to legalize MDMA
If we can do ego dissolution more voluntarily, more protective, and more safe psychologically, then we will be better able to cope with the challenges that humanity is facing right now. -Rick Doblin, Ph.D.
Join us to hear this legend in the field talk about his experiences with Stan Grof and how he continues to navigate with government agencies in order to make psychedelics more widespread, accepted and available.
Related Links:
MAPS
Zendo Project
Book: The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk MD
Book: The Way of the Psychonaut Volume One: Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys by Stan Grof
Book: Island by Aldous Huxley
Book: How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
Guest Bio:
Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He received his doctorate in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where he wrote his dissertation on the regulation of the medical uses of psychedelics and marijuana and his Master's thesis on a survey of oncologists about smoked marijuana vs. the oral THC pill in nausea control for cancer patients. His undergraduate thesis at New College of Florida was a 25-year follow-up to the classic Good Friday Experiment, which evaluated the potential of psychedelic drugs to catalyze religious experiences. He also conducted a thirty-four year follow-up study to Timothy Leary's Concord Prison Experiment. Rick studied with Dr. Stanislav Grof and was among the first to be certified as a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. His professional goal is to help develop legal contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics and marijuana, primarily as prescription medicines but also for personal growth for otherwise healthy people, and eventually to become a legally licensed psychedelic therapist. He founded MAPS in 1986, and currently resides in Boston with his wife, dog, and empty rooms from three children, one of whom is in college and two have graduated.
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Jonathan Bell