Making Sense with Sam Harris #177 — Psychedelic Science
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Dec 2, 2019 
Roland Griffiths, a leading researcher at Johns Hopkins University, discusses the fascinating world of psychedelics. He breaks down the therapeutic potential of compounds like psilocybin and MDMA, while addressing the historical stigma surrounding their use. Topics include the importance of 'set and setting,' and the differences between psychedelics and traditional drugs. Griffiths also delves into transformative experiences, microdosing, and the striking phenomenon of encountering entities during trips, suggesting profound impacts on personal belief systems.
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Optimizing Psychedelic Sessions
- Optimize psychedelic sessions by building rapport and trust with volunteers.
- Use a controlled environment: living room, couch, eye shades, headphones, and music.
Mystical-Type Experiences
- Psychedelics can induce mystical-type experiences similar to those reported by mystics and religious figures.
- These experiences include unity, sacredness, noetic qualities, and transcendence of time and space.
Cultural Impact of Psychedelics
- Psychedelics can destabilize cultural institutions if used indiscriminately.
- Their ritualized use in traditional settings suggests controlled usage is key.