If you asked me 20 years ago whether or not I would be a person who uses drugs, I would’ve firmly said no. Ten years ago, my answer would’ve been the same. But when psychedelic medicine entered my life in 2018, the answer has started to change.
And I no longer differentiate between the drugs that have been arbitrarily deemed illicit. In fact, research in the UK demonstrated soundly that the most harmful drugs related to individual and social harm are alcohol and tobacco. The opioid epidemic has strengthened public opinion against chemical substances, which are definitely causing significant harm in every community.
But psychedelics, it’s a whole other class.
Ancient rituals and ceremonies have centered around psychedelic medicine for millennia, on almost every continent. Many cultures have incorporated an appreciation, even a reverence, for the use of psychedelic compounds. There are many plants throughout nature that create this chemical response in the brain, from mushrooms, to cacti to toad venom. Ayahuasca is a tea made from the leaves of one plant and the vines of another. It’s amazing to think of the numbers of experiments on plant combinations it would have taken to uncover this magic. Or perhaps you believe it was divine intervention?
Tremendous amounts of research were started in the mid-20th century, but the investigators became cult heroes and started throwing lavish parties with the compounds where some students took huge doses with unintended consequences. Government and university opinion quickly swayed against this generation who was balking against the capitalistic hamster wheel and refusing to sign up for war in Vietnam. Of course, this all spread mistrust. More rigorous, and contained, research has resurged in the last decade. And the results are clear.
Psychedelics can successfully treat the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, serious, depression, and addictive cravings. There are many trials completed and many more ongoing, from multicentre research groups (they’re replicable, which is important). Much of the research has been in the context of existential angst during dying - so palliative care is able to request exemptions in Canada through “Section 56” orders from the federal Minister of Health.
What we are seeing, given the advanced technology since the original research is more clear, using functional imaging. That’s when a radiologist can measure not just the structure of our brain, but the activity. What we see with the use of psychedelics is decreased activity in the default mode network, or DMN. this is a connected series of areas in the brain responsible for our sense of self. The way that we know who we are, what lights off when we reconsolidate memories. Decreasing activity in the space makes us feel less like ourselves, and creates a sense of interconnectedness that is, expansive and enlightening.
I can’t get into details about my own psychedelic experiences, because there are restrictions and licensing considerations. I’m very hopeful that these journeys become legal and sanctioned. Because they can be an active component in the treatment of trauma, and because this sense of interconnectedness is a solution to the problem of greed and ego that drives industry to harm others.
One very important caveat is that these medicines are not universally benign. Some people have tripped their way into permanent psychosis. Others have suffered a stroke or neurological consequence. My own blood pressure rises during an experience. It’s key to have the opinion of a trusted medical practitioner guide this decision.
The other imporant factor is “set” and “setting” - or location and frame of mind. These were the most critical components of early research trials and remain central to the journey now. When I studied guiding (through Polaris in CA, Fluence and Synthesis Institute online), I learned about not contacting people unless licensed for this (some people have been taken advantage of while under the influence). To create a playlist that instigates the intention. And to ensure that physical, psychological, and spiritual safety are paramount in every choice - made in collaboration.
Pre-order my book with a large section about medicines, including psychedelics, The Modern Trauma Toolkit here.
Support access to therapeutic psilocybin here.
Learn more about training here - ketamine is the only legally available substance in Canada.
Read Michael Pollan’s book “How to Change Your Mind” about his investigations into this matter - both personal and academic.