The Brain: A Prediction Machine Psychedelic Brain Science podcast

1:03:36

In this episode, Dr. Jaster is joined by Kayla Greenstien, a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney researching touch in psychedelic therapy. They'll define different types of touch, theoretical frameworks behind focused bodywork and the ideas surrounding consent to touch in psychedelic therapy. Given the nature of this discussion, there is mention of sexual assault, trauma and abuse so please listen with caution. For more of Kayla's works: https://kaylagreenstien.com/ https://medium.com/@kgreenstien A starting point for history on Esalen: https://press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/453699.html Holotropic Medicine, Stan Grof’s Influence on MDMA Research Papers we touched on can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Qy6iJ8Suur3JtUmI1yRo5x06gN7BVj0D?usp=sharing…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Science Under Threat! ft. Dr. Hilary Marusak & Dr. Christine Rabinak 59:07

6 weeks之前59:07

59:07

In this special episode of Psychedelic Brain Science , Dr. Alaina Jaster is joined by Dr. Hilary Marusak, host of BrainSTEM and Principle Investigator in the THINK lab at Wayne State University. They are also joined by Dr. Christine Rabinak, a world-leading PTSD researcher, who brings a unique perspective on the impact of recent federal funding cuts—not just on scientific innovation, but also on patients whose lives depend on this research. The conversation centers on the Trump administration’s executive actions affecting NIH indirect costs and broader federal science funding freezes. These cuts threaten groundbreaking research, training the next generation of scientists, and the economic and public health benefits of biomedical innovation. Beyond the numbers, they also affect real people—patients with PTSD, cancer, and other life-threatening conditions who rely on scientific progress for hope and treatment. Scientists across the country are facing uncertainty, and the lack of clear information has created widespread concern. But there are ways to take action. In this episode, we highlight concrete steps researchers, advocates, and the public can take to push back against these harmful policies and fight for the future of science. 🔗 Topics Covered: How recent NIH funding cuts and freezes impact research, jobs, and innovation The ripple effects on early-career scientists and the next generation of researchers The role of science in shaping policy—and how policy shapes science Firsthand perspectives from both researchers and patients affected by these decisions Actionable steps for advocacy and protecting scientific funding 📢 Take Action: Contact your representatives via phone or email: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials/ Make 5 calls in 5 minutes to advocate for NIH and NSF funding: https://5calls.org/issue/nih-nsf-funding-cuts/ Check out templates for emailing and a fact sheet specific to DEIA in health and drug policy here: https://ssdp.org/blog/action-alert-support-funding-for-scientific-research/ Sign petitions and stay informed through professional societies: https://www.sfn.org/Advocacy/Advocacy-Network/Advocacy-Action-Center/Available-Actions?fbclid=IwY2xjawIV8gtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcoVtD4ypMm9S_YXTzJ-iORHELm4xuZwa5c8TaO6xT7ZgcGdJIso5bU6jA_aem_pRj4tTcv1XuHnCiQtkwfwQ#/29 Join activist groups and find more resources: Indivisible – Fighting against the constitutional crisis https://indivisible.org/ The People’s Union – Economic boycotts and protest organizing https://jointhepeoplesunion.com/ Stand Up for Science – Grassroots science advocacy https://www.standupforscience2025.org/STAND-UP-FOR-SCIENCE-2025-1965a8bd7a44806a8182dc6b75b80da2 🧠 Special thanks to the BrainSTEM production team for editing this recording: Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus ft. Dr. Jason Luoma 48:10

7 weeks之前48:10

48:10

On this weeks ISRP Speaker Spotlight Alaina is joined by psychologist and co-founder of the Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus (OPEN), Dr. Jason Luoma. They discuss evaluation of psychedelic assisted therapy in the real world following legalization in Portland, Oregon. Register for ISRP at https://www.ISRPsych.org to catch Dr. Luoma's presentation March 7 at 4:15 PM EDT / 1:15 PM PDT. For more about OPEN: https://www.openpsychedelicscience.org/ Currently Recruiting in Oregon: https://www.openpsychedelicscience.org/longitudinal Dr. Luoma's podcast "Research Matters": https://jasonluoma.com/researchmatters/…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Ibogaine & Ocular Dominance Plasticity ft. Alejo Acuña 36:02

8 weeks之前36:02

36:02

This weeks ISRP Speaker Spotlight is Alejo Acuña, a PhD student in Biology at the Neuroplasticity Unit of the Laboratorio de Neurociencias, University of the Republic, Uruguay. Alejo's project focuses on atypical psychedelic, Ibogaine, and how it can enhance ocular dominance plasticity in the mouse visual cortex, as part of a broader effort to understand its potential role in promoting brain plasticity. If you liked what you heard today, register for the virtual ISRP conference at ISRPsych.org. Alejo kicks off the conference at 11:10 EST / 8:10 PST! For research articles mentioned in the episode: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QctEWR-rkofMkXRD7I6QoyRSoaMtg6xz?usp=drive_link…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Psychedelic Therapy... in Rodents? ft. Kate Lawson 41:34

9 weeks之前41:34

41:34

This episode is the first of three in our special ISRP Speaker Spotlight series. We've decided to showcase some amazing scientists that will be presenting at the virtual International Society for Psychedelic Research Conference March 7! It's not too late to register at: https://www.isrpsych.org/conferences Our first feature is Kate Lawson, a PhD student at UC Irvine studying the persistent effects of stress in rodent models and how these negative effects may be reversed by psychedelics. We chat about ultrasonic vocalizations in rodents, the importance of translational models, and what mouse god smells like. For more about her research, register for ISRP and tune into her talk at 11:55am EDT / 8:55am PDT.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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What is a Psychedelic? ft. Dr. Boris Heifets 1:03:23

9 weeks之前1:03:23

1:03:23

In this episode, Alaina discusses the evolving language about some of our favorite substances and how we got to the term psychedelic. In the first segment, she highlights some historical names for psychedelic substances in western medicine. In the second segment, she is joined by Stanford anesthesiologist and psychedelic researcher Dr. Boris Heifets to discuss how the scientific field classifies compounds as psychedelic and how to make sense of the psychedelic experience. For more on Dr. Heifets research: https://heifetslab.stanford.edu/publications/ For more on the history and references discussed in the introduction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14761703/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584606000364 https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/ajp.108.8.572 https://academic.oup.com/ijnp/article/16/10/2165/652314?login=true https://marijuana-uses.com/mr-x/ https://content.ucpress.edu/title/9780520285422/9780520285422_chapter1.pdf Content only reflects opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinion of others or author affiliations.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Special Episode: Charting a Path Forward ft. Dr. Gill Bedi & Dr. Neşe Devenot 42:37

9 weeks之前42:37

42:37

This special episode includes presentations from a recent workshop, where Dr. Alaina Jaster, Dr. Neşe Devenot of Johns Hopkins and Dr. Gill Bedi of University of Melbourne presented their expertise and perspectives on how the psychedelic research field can move forward from the recent FDA rejection of MDMA-AT. Dr. Jaster's presentation sets the tone by going over recent events, followed by how researchers can be involved in promoting evidence-based regulatory and policy decisions. Dr. Devenot's presentation focused on what it means to be a psychedelic bioethicist and how the recent events have conflated constructive criticism with attacks, followed by a call to be better about having these discussions. Dr. Bedi's presentation discussed how scientists studying MDMA and other psychedelics can better their study design and use methodology that is evidence-based and thorough. These taken together, provided the framework for how to move forward in the field and prompted a discussion by members in the crowd (of which was not recorded to protect those participating). For more information and to see some of the slides, you can go to psychedeliccbrainscience.com…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Seeing Through the Smoke ft. Dr. Peter Grinspoon 54:41

9 weeks之前54:41

54:41

Alaina is joined by physician, author, activist and educator Dr. Peter Grinspoon to discuss the use of psychedelics and cannabis in recovery, the stigma associated with drug use and the idea of "california sober." Have questions or want to read his book? Check out Dr. Grinspoon's website https://www.petergrinspoon.com/…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Psychedelic Circuits: The Amygdala ft. Dr. Devin Effinger 53:09

20 weeks之前53:09

53:09

This episode is the last of the Psychedelic Circuits mini-series! Today, Alaina gives a brief overview on circuits involved in stress responses. Then Dr. Devin Effinger deep dives into his work with the amygdala, paraventricular nucleus and how these regions send signals to relay important information about threat, stress and more. This circuit goes beyond just anxiety disorders and can also be implicated in substance use disorders. For publications of Dr. Effinger related to our discussion: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kg0tH2iRxDbR6UyaVtg9DGHOf78GXwG_?usp=drive_link…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Special Episode: Tales from the DEA Hearing ft. Jack Gorsline 1:42:01

21 weeks之前1:42:01

1:42:01

Welcome to a super extra special episode of Psychedelic Brain Science! Dr. Jaster has finally settled back into real life after spending a week at DEA HQ fighting with Students for Sensible Drug Policy and many other scientists to keep DOI and DOC legal. She's joined today by psychedelic journalist Jack Gorsline, who was embedded with the team. They go through each day and give highlights and takeaways from the experience. For more of Jack Gorsline: https://doubleblindmag.com/author/jack-gorsline/ https://filtermag.org/author/jack-gorsline/ https://psychedelicalpha.com/?s=jack+gorsline Coverage by Hamilton Morris: https://www.patreon.com/HamiltonMorris For podcast episodes on this topic: https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/1c16abd2/sensible-drug-policy-in-the-psychedelic-era-part-2-ft-special-guests https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/1b884a6b/sensible-drug-policy-in-the-psychedelic-era-ft-special-guests Episode with Tanner Anderson: https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/27ff1c32/psychedelic-circuits-the-claustrum-ft-tanner-anderson Episode with Dr. Cameron https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/1f74c1a7/plasticity-and-psychoplastogens-ft-lindsay-cameron Episode with Dr. de la Fuente https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/1cdc3577/wtf-is-a-head-twitch-ft-dr-mario-de-la-fuente Episodes with Dr. Elder https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/251caf98/special-episode-the-state-of-psychoactiveentheogenic-plants-and-fungi https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/2ea213a9/struture-function-part-one-ft-harrison-elder https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/1fb85762/structure-function-part-two-ft-harrison-elder Episode with Dr. Charles Nichols https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/2839565b/are-psychedelics-anti-inflammatory-ft-dr-charles-nichols Episode with Dr. Ramos https://www.psychedelicbrainscience.com/podcast/episode/23032876/psychedelic-circuits-the-spinal-cord-ft-dr-raul-ramos…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Psychedelic Circuits: The Spinal Cord ft. Dr. Raul Ramos 53:40

22 weeks之前53:40

53:40

This episode is the second installment of the mini-series focused on brain circuits outside of the typical frontal cortex conversation. Today, we hear from Alaina on the basics of pain and touch perception, as well as how our nerves send information to our brains. Alaina is then joined by Dr. Raul Ramos of UC Berkeley, an expert on studying sensory modalities who is now focusing their work on phenethylamine psychedelics, including DOI. This episode includes a special guest from a previous episode, talk about the clitoris, and the Grateful Dead. Resources discussed in this episode including papers, diagrams, and a very cool video can be found at this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12jTUQnRxCCVZ93nsysNMT0ANF2fTQ8Ug?usp=drive_link…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Psychedelic Circuits: The Claustrum ft. Tanner Anderson 49:09

28 weeks之前49:09

49:09

This episode is the first of three in a mini-series focused on brain circuits outside of the typical conversations. Today, we hear from Alaina on the basics of how neurons talk to each other and a refresher on serotonin signaling. Alaina is then joined by special guest Tanner Anderson, a PhD candidate at University of Kentucky and soon to be postdoc at Yale. Tanner will discuss his recently published findings related to cortical excitability and this fun brain region called the claustrum. Find his JUST PUBLISHED paper here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HAQcUFAuP5igAoa7FykWgT8tZXvuYbnK/view?usp=sharing…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Sensible Drug Policy in the Psychedelic Era Part 2 ft. Dr. Elijah Ullman, Brett Phelps & Robert Rush 1:14:55

36 weeks之前1:14:55

1:14:55

Welcome to season 4. In this two part episode, Alaina talks about the ongoing petition against the DEA's proposed rule to schedule DOI and DOC. In the first half of this episode, Alaina is joined by Elijah Z. Ullman, of the SSDP Science Policy Committee. They discuss the background and specific reasons why DOI and DOC should not be scheduled. In the second half of the podcast, Alaina is joined by Brett Phelps and Robert Rush, the legal counsel representing two of the three parties involved in the DEA case. For more information on SSDP visit: https://ssdp.org/ For more information on our lawyers: https://rrushlaw.com/about/ https://brettphelpslaw.com/ Suggested reading on the topic: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/deas-move-to-ban-two-psychedelics-is-challenged-as-a-disservice-to-science-in-legal-filing-from-student-group/ https://filtermag.org/block-dea-psychedelics-ban/ https://www.aspet.org/docs/default-source/advocacy-files/aspet-dea-doi-and-doc-comments-1-12-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=62e172d3_0 https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn3530 Content only reflects opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinion of others or author affiliations. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/psychedelicbrainscience/support…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Special Episode: The State of Psychoactive/Entheogenic Plants and Fungi 1:11:50

50 weeks之前1:11:50

1:11:50

Join us for this special episode featuring discussion from the Richmond, VA annual Mushroom Mania festival presented by the RVA Moon Market. Alaina is joined by fellow panelists: Will E. Nelson, Co-founder of Decriminalize Nature RVA Isa Boliver, South American Medicine Woman Dr. Harrison Elder, postdoctoral researcher at Johns Hopkins researching cannabis and psychedelics Alistaire McKemy MSW, licensed clinical social worker focused on complex and/or developmental trauma and harm reduction Eric Postow Esq. Managing Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Holon Law Partners…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Season 4 Preview: Psychedelic Brain Science 16:46

1 year之前16:46

16:46

Alaina and Zarmeen are BACK BABY! In this short episode, they wanted to give some updates on their lives, explain what the heck is going on with the podcast and preview a couple exciting upcoming episodes.

Psychedelic Brain Science

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See Ya Later Alligators 15:33

2 years之前15:33

15:33

Alaina and Zarmeen announce their hiatus for YBOS while they finish up their PhDs! Time flies when you're running a podcast and being a scientist full time... That being said, listen to them briefly chat about what they've been up to, where you can find them in the next few months and a few papers that recently came out (because even if they're busy, they still have to talk science DUH). Check out the pubs referenced below: STAR*D trial re-analysis: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/7/e063095 Zarmeen's Paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37588757/ Psychedelic Commercialization: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/psymed.2023.0013…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Literature Review: Psychedelics & Addiction 17:37

2 years之前17:37

17:37

To bring this series full circle, Alaina does a quick summary of some of the current clinical and preclinical literature supporting using psychedelics for the treatment of various substance use disorders. Links to the studies references will be posted on our blog at psychedelicbrainscience.com/blog.

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Psychedelics to Treat Substance Use Disorders ft. Albert Garcia-Romeu 1:07:54

2 years之前1:07:54

1:07:54

Alaina is joined by Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu, a clinical researcher and associate professor at Johns Hopkins. They discuss some historical considerations of psychedelics, patterns of use, and how these compounds can be useful in treating unhealthy patterns in folks with Substance Use Disorders.

Psychedelic Brain Science

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The Non-Addictive Nature of Psychedelics 22:12

2 years之前22:12

22:12

Alaina gives a quick and dirty breakdown about all things drug use. She breaks down the different definitions of drug abuse and drug use, discusses how psychedelics are different from other drugs and then talks about the possible ways psychedelics may be helping people with substance use disorders.

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Journal Club: Comparing Altered States of Consciousness 31:27

2 years之前31:27

31:27

This week A & Z do a journal club style episode where they briefly discuss the rationale, methods and results of a recent psychedelic paper. The paper titled "Comparing neural correlates of consciousness from psychedelics to hypnosis and meditation" by Moujaes et al. at the university of Zurich explores the differences and similarities between pharmacological and non-pharmacological induced altered states of consciousness. Join A & Z as they deep dive into this very interesting publication.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Ambivalence in the Psychedelic Experience ft. Abigail Calder 50:56

2 years之前50:56

50:56

Alaina is joined by fellow PhD candidate Abigail Calder to discuss her ongoing work on psychedelics including neuroplasticity and how we can measure that in humans, as well as the importance in understanding how subjective effects can be positive, negative, both or neither. Abigail is currently studying all of this and more at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. To learn more about her ongoing study or to participate, please see the link below. https://redcapmed.unifr.ch/surveys/?s=DKRTNATWMDHDCCWA…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Psychedelics & Sports: ft. Riley Cote 45:00

2 years之前45:00

45:00

In this episode of YBOS, Zarmeen chats with former NHL player and now co-founder of Athletes for Care, Riley Cote. In their conversation Zarmeen and Riley talk about the unique challenges of being an NHL enforcer and what that meant for Riley during and after the sport. In their conversation, Riley details the healing he sought after his career and the role that psychedelics played in all of it. Stay tuned in this series as there are more interesting stories to come! and check out our youtube for video content of this episode! All content published by YBOS is solely the opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinions of any parties affiliated with the authors or any additional third parties .…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Psychedelics & Sports: Kickoff ft. Anna Symonds 57:55

2 years之前57:55

57:55

Happy fourth everyone!! Join Zarmeen as she kicks of her psychedelics and sports series with former professional athlete and now director of the Etheridge foundation, Anna Symonds. This series explores the use of psychedelics in the lives of athletes. The utility of these drugs during an athletic career, and beyond. This is the first episode in an ongoing series! Be sure to check out all of our episodes and head over to our youtube for video content. All content published by YBOS is solely the opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinions of any parties affiliated with the authors or any additional third parties.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Are Psychedelics Anti-inflammatory? ft. Dr. Charles Nichols 53:06

2 years之前53:06

53:06

Join Alaina and Dr. Charles Nichols, professor of pharmacology and researcher at Louisiana State University, as they discuss how psychedelics may be useful in treating inflammation. They dive into inflammatory processes, the interaction of serotonin and serotonergic agonists in these pathways and how psychedelics could be used as a potential treatment for inflammation-related pathology. All content published by YBOS is solely the opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinions of any parties affiliated with the authors or any additional third parties.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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The Mystical Mouse ft. Dr. Jennifer Wolstenholme and Dr. Peter Hamilton 33:16

2 years之前33:16

33:16

This week's episode of Your Brain on Science, Alaina is going to try and get some answers to the question everyone is dying to know: If you give a mouse DMT, do they see mouse god? Alaina is joined by two VCU professors and preclinical researchs, Dr. Jennifer Wolstenholme and Dr. Peter Hamilton, who will assist in breaking down the term anthropomorphism and what that means for preclinical research, as well as tackling whether or not rodents experience emotions and hallucinations. Tune in for this fun episode! All content published by YBOS is solely the opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinions of any parties affiliated with the authors or any additional third parties.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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WTF is a head twitch? ft. Dr. Mario de la Fuente 41:02

2 years之前41:02

41:02

Alaina is joined by colleague and friend, Dr. Mario de la Fuente Revenga to discuss the popular psychedelic preclinical experiment - head twitch response. Mario talks about the automation of the procedure, what head twitch really means, and if there are any similarities between this behavior in mice and some human behaviors when taking psychedelics. All content published by YBOS is solely the opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinions of any parties affiliated with the authors or any additional third parties.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Season 3: Science Blitz! 35:36

2 years之前35:36

35:36

A & Z catch you up on all the things that have happened in the last few months! We also feature a new sound artist this season: Charlie Hausfeld. Welcome to season 3 of Psychedelic Brain Science! All content published by YBOS is solely the opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinions of any parties affiliated with the authors or any additional third parties.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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Special Episode: Revolutionary Drug Reform ft. Congressman Earl Blumenauer 26:30

2 years之前26:30

26:30

Welcome to a special episode with A & Z, where they are joined by US Congressman Earl Blumenauer to discuss his fight against criminalization of addiction. They discuss the many things Blumenaur has accomplished in his career in regards to cannabis reform, as well as the ongoing fight to pass the Right to Try Act in Oregon. All content published by YBOS is solely the opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinions of any parties affiliated with the authors or any additional third parties.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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The Doblin Effect ft. Sasha Sisko 1:20:19

2 years之前1:20:19

1:20:19

For the last episode of season 2, Alaina & Zarmeen are joined by journalist Sasha Sisko to discuss the reasoning behind Sisko's public call for the resignation of Rick Doblin from The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Please note that part of our discussion is on suicidal ideation and sexual assault and takes place at 39 to. 50 minutes. Tune into Sisko's livestream podcast with full commentary and perspective will take place on Sunday (4/30) at 7 pm EST/4 pm PST. *When discussing Cover Story, Sisko misstated that that Mel was in the MAPS Phase 2 trial and that Leah was in Phase 3, but in reality, both were in Phase 3. *We use the term Executive Director due to the time of recording, but recently Doblin's title has been changed to President. All content published by YBOS is solely the opinions of the authors and does not reflect the opinions of any parties affiliated with the authors or any additional third parties.…

Psychedelic Brain Science

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420: Is Cannabis a Psychedelic? 22:48

2 years之前22:48