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This article delves into the challenges experienced by two individuals who participated in a Psilocybin trial. They believe that the conditions of the trial directly contributed to their ongoing struggles. Their accounts shed light on the need for comprehensive support following Psychedelic therapy sessions and bring attention to the possible enduring impacts of such treatments (should one explore this route…more on that later). Their experiences serve as a stark reminder of the gap between the envisioned ideal of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) clinics and the reality they faced, highlighting the crucial role of set & setting in the effectiveness of Psychedelic therapies.
One lesson from this trial underscores the discrepancy between the idealized vision of PAT and the tangible hurdles encountered, such as the financial struggles of companies operating Psilocybin & Ketamine clinics. In this instance, Braxia's troubles exemplify how financial instability can adversely affect trial participants. The article specifically points out the less-than-ideal setting of the therapy center, located in a dilapidated strip mall near Toronto — a setting far removed from the serene environments often associated with transformative Psychedelic experiences. This incongruity serves as a vivid illustration of the importance of environment in facilitating the potential of Psychedelics.
The Big Pharma-backed gatekeepers of Psychedelic medicine will leverage this as an opportunity to say we aren’t ready for PAT. They might claim that society requires more preparation, and clinics need additional funding. This perspective echoes the actions of California Governor & Comic Book Villain Gavin Newsom, who, in a controversial move, vetoed a bill aimed at decriminalizing Psychedelic mushrooms. Amidst a backdrop of escalating crime, widespread homelessness, and frequent fentanyl overdoses, the Governor's focus on mushrooms is misguided.
This study highlights a crucial point I've long insisted upon: the dichotomy of labeling Psychedelics as either 'recreational or medicinal' is a misleading narrative that suggests medicinal use is inherently safer, which is not only flawed but has tangible consequences.
The challenges within PAT stem from a business model prioritizing profit, leading to a variance in care quality. Not every clinic can afford a posh Malibu location; many will resemble the strip mall location described in this article, sandwiched between a Tiger Shulmann’s Karate and a nail salon.
However, the real lesson from this trial's failure isn't just about integration issues or inadequate facilities. It's about questioning the necessity of gatekeepers in Psychedelic therapy, particularly with substances like Psilocybin & MDMA. The future likely lies in personal use at home, where individuals can cultivate their ideal environment, guided by extensive online resources about setting intentions, dosages, and integration. While support for more potent substances like Ayahuasca or DMT should remain, the rigid 'medicinal versus recreational' categorization is irrelevant. The decision on how and why to engage with Psychedelics should rest with the individual, not be dictated by a system prioritizing profit over well-being.
The solution? Legalize all Psychedelics under sensible regulations similar to those for alcohol & cannabis, addressing concerns like DUIs, age restrictions, and screenings for conditions like schizophrenia. This approach could also mitigate the Fentanyl crisis, offering safer alternatives to those seeking profound experiences.
Critics from various political backgrounds resist this, revealing a lack of coherent philosophy. For instance, conservatives oppose vaccine mandates but support restrictive drug laws, while progressives advocate for selective legalization, both reflecting a desire to impose personal biases rather than uphold individual freedom. You either believe the state should make personal decisions for its citizens or you don’t.
The failure of this trial underscores the dangers of confining transformative medicines to government-sanctioned frameworks. A more liberated approach, leveraging existing legal structures for regulated substances, champions a society capable of responsible self-determination over being bound by flawed trials like this one. My stance? Opt for autonomy and empowerment over restrictive oversight.
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Good one!
I'd suggest that the main problem for PAT as well as psychedelic use and research in general is that understanding of what is going on when someone experiences "psychedelic effects"is woefully inadequate. A key to understanding the "drug effects" of these "drugs" is seeing that there are none, as such. All the effects are the quite natural effects of being a mysterious being in an even more mysterious kosmos, and experiencing a slight prod to see this reality.
https://www.academia.edu/95408960/Psychedelic_Elephant_A_Critique_of_Psychedelic_Research
Pardon me if I have suggested this here previously!
"Medicinal versus recreational' categorization is irrelevant". Quite so.
How about exploratory? Isn't it a human universal to explore reality with a goal of seeing the big picture?
"The future likely lies in personal use at home"
AS it was in the past.
Psychedelics in a strip mall seems like an obvious nightmare. Crazy that anyone would think that’s an okay trial idea.