Plants of the Gods: Hallucinogens, Healing, Culture and Conservation podcast Plants of the Gods: S8E4 The research behind microdosing and medicine (Dr. Pamela Kryskow, Part 2)
Apr 6, 2026
Dr. Pamela Kryskow, physician-researcher leading large microdosing studies and educator in psychedelic therapies. She discusses risks of unsupervised psychedelic use and the need for rigorous training. They explore integrating plant medicines into ethical patient care, visions for holistic clinics, and promising microdosing signals for cognition, sensory changes, chronic pain, and degenerative conditions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Psychedelics Require Lineage And Lifelong Supervision
- Psychedelic practice is lineage work requiring long mentorship, not weekend training.
- Pamela Kryskow stresses elders, supervision, transparency and lifelong accountability to avoid unsafe, amateur practitioners.
Shaman Said He Started Drinking At Five And Still Learns
- Mark Plotkin recounts asking a Colombian ayahuasca shaman how long training took and being told he started at five and at 93 is still learning.
- The story contrasts deep lifelong apprenticeship with modern weekend workshop claims of equivalence.
Community And Lifestyle Are The Main Medicine
- Community and lifestyle changes are primary drivers of healing, with psychedelics playing a catalytic role.
- Kryskow says movement, nature, breathwork and social support are 90% of healing; psychedelics are about 10%.
