Tag: featured

In the recent Oregonian showdown, where the ballots doubled as magic mushroom killjoys, most jurisdictions decided to give psilocybin therapy the cold shoulder. Despite being given the green light back in 2020, it seems these therapy sessions are now harder to find than a unicorn at a dog show. The votes poured in, fueled by fears of psilocybin tripping too close to schools, and concerns over regulations that seem more tangled than a spaghetti junction.

Even though psilocybin is touted as a potential mental health hero, the therapy is struggling like a cat trying to swim. High costs, scarce demand, and advertising limitations are throwing curveballs at service centers, leaving some to shut their doors while psilocybin remains firmly on the federal no-no list.

Mayor Joe Buck of Lake Oswego is on board with the magic mushroom express, yet he notes that the community is as hesitant as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs, given the therapy’s shiny newness.

In 2022, a veritable parade of cities slammed the door on psilocybin, including Philomath, Clatskanie, St. Helens, La Pine, Redmond, Cascade Locks, Central Point, Eagle Point, Jacksonville, Rogue River, Shady Cove, Coburg, Cottage Grove, Creswell, Dunes City, Junction City, Toledo, Banks, Cornelius, Amity, Carlton, Dundee, McMinnville, Newberg, Sheridan, and Willamina. Quite the lineup—a regular chorus line of psilocybin party poopers!

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Reference: https://www.opb.org/article/2024/11/07/psilocybin-ban-mushroom-hallucinogenic-ballot-politics-elections-oregon/

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Published Date: 2024-11-07

In the land of fog and tech bros, San Francisco’s California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is set to launch America’s first Bachelor of Science degree in psychedelic studies in 2025. Imagine earning a degree that your grandparents might think involves majoring in mushrooms! Designed by psychology professor Nick Walker, this program combines psychology, cultural anthropology, and neuroscience, and dives deep into the trippy history of hallucinogens and colonialism’s buzzkill impact on psychedelic tourism.

Now, before you think this involves class trips to the astral plane, know this is a “bachelor completion program.” It’s for students who’ve already slogged through their general education elsewhere. Like a college sequel, it offers classes akin to CIIS’s existing certification program—but without the hands-on (or should we say “hands-off”?) drug experiences or professional training.

The degree made its debut to a lively crowd of 200 people in person, with 1,100 more tuning in online, likely from very comfortable beanbag chairs. However, not everyone is high on the idea. There’s a cloud of concern, partly because the podcast “Cover Story” spilled the beans in 2021 about some CIIS instructors allegedly getting too friendly with students during psychedelic-assisted therapy. This led CIIS to let go of those instructors and make everyone sign a no-nonsense integrity agreement: no funny business with colleagues.

To boost their credentials, CIIS plans to open a ketamine-assisted therapy training clinic, stressing safety and ethics like a hippie safety patrol. Walker aims for graduates to uphold high ethical standards and cultural humility, ensuring they’re more about public service than psychedelic spectacle.

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Reference: https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/06/psychedelic-major-degree-undergraduate-ciis/

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Published Date: 2024-11-06

DMT, the cosmic ticket to a psychedelic funhouse, is the talk of the town among researchers, despite its reputation as the black sheep of psychedelics. While MDMA and psilocybin are busy basking in the spotlight of clinical research, DMT is over here creating surreal, hyperdimensional worlds complete with a cast of deities, aliens, and mythological beings—straight out of a psychedelic Star Wars.

First cooked up in 1931, DMT was ignored until the 1950s when a Hungarian pharmacologist, Stephen Szára, decided to throw it a comeback party after being snubbed by LSD. Fast forward to the 1990s, and Rick Strassman gave it a makeover, branding it as “the spirit molecule,” even getting Joe Rogan to chime in on the cosmic chatter.

The science-y folks at Imperial College London have taken a shine to DMT, forming a research group in 2022. They’re diving into this reality-switching molecule, tinkering with doses like mad alchemists—low doses enhance your senses; medium doses throw you into a Picasso painting; and high doses? You’re off meeting the interdimensional in-laws in worlds where geometry couldn’t get any curvier.

While DMT often lurks in the shadows of podcasts and forums, it’s now getting its day in the scientific sun. Researchers like Chris Timmermann are hot on the trail, exploring DMT’s potential for treating depression and cluster headaches, and its ability to rock atheists’ worldviews—over half ditch their disbelief after a cosmic jaunt.

The science party is expanding with plans to include 5-MeO-DMT, the stronger cousin of DMT, at University College

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Reference: https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/379914/dmt-psychedelics-drug-neuroscience-consciousness-ayahuasca

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Published Date: 2024-11-04

Election Day is just a day away, and Massachusetts voters are gearing up to decide on some big questions that could shake up public policy. Picture this: Matt Damon is ready to say “how do you like them apples” to the 10th-grade MCAS exam by supporting a measure to axe it as a graduation requirement. Meanwhile, Eliza Dushku Palandjian is all about going on a legal psychedelic trip—strictly for therapeutic purposes, of course. Proponents are buzzing about the mental health benefits, while skeptics are clutching their pearls over potential risks. Palandjian insists it’s all about safe, regulated access.

MassLive is your go-to source for all things election-related, offering a Voters Guide and up-to-the-minute updates on key races. Speaking of votes, early birds have already chirped in with 1.63 million ballots, which is 31.7% of voters. That’s a bit less than the 2020 turnout, where 41.7% mailed it in and 23.1% voted early.

In other news, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is throwing shade at a property tax plan, while U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan is dishing out $144 million in federal heating aid for over 100,000 families, just in time for the Eversource gas price rollercoaster. And if you’ve got burning questions for State Sen. Joanne Comerford, you can catch her online office hours on Nov. 15 and Dec. 6.

So, whether you’re voting to ditch exams, trip responsibly, or just want to stay warm this winter, it’s all happening in the commonwealth!

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Reference: https://www.masslive.com/politics/2024/11/eliza-dushkus-next-chapter-evangelizing-for-psychedelics-john-l-micek.html

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Published Date: 2024-11-04

Voters, get ready for a trip! No, not that kind of trip, but a journey toward considering the legalization of psychedelics. Over five million people are using these mind-bending substances without turning society into a psychedelic apocalypse. With low risks of addiction and overdose, legalizing them could make their use safer and more responsible. Even the National Institutes of Health gives a nod to psilocybin and MDMA for their promising role in treating mental illnesses. Imagine licensed centers where you can explore your mind under expert supervision instead of your buddy Jim’s questionable basement setup.

Decriminalization isn’t just about destroying tie-dye fashion stigma; it’s about creating safe spaces for psychedelic adventures. So, if you’re eyeing that ballot, a “yes” on Ballot Question 4 means supporting these groovy goals. The Crimson Editorial Board has given it a thumbs-up, ensuring that the reporting on this topic will stay as impartial as that friend who refuses to pick sides in a pizza topping debate.

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Reference: https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2024/11/1/editorial-ballot-question-four/

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Published Date: 2024-11-01

In a world where magic mushrooms are the potential superheroes of mental health, meet Michou Olivera, Easthampton’s own “Fungi Fairy.” She’s growing psilocybin mushrooms at home, risking a visit from the Mushroom Police, all to help people with depression through mind-bending therapy sessions. Though currently illegal, Massachusetts is considering following Oregon and Colorado, where psychedelic therapy is more legit than a mug of organic chai at a yoga retreat.

Olivera praises psilocybin like it’s the Swiss army knife of mental health, but some doctors wave red flags, warning that it could turn into a wild ride for those with schizophrenia or psychosis. They prefer to see magic mushrooms under the watchful eye of the FDA and a doctor, not just your friendly neighborhood shroom enthusiast.

Meanwhile, Oregon’s psilocybin centers are open for business, sans medical doctors, but they’re about as affordable as a gold-plated avocado toast, which has sparked a new trend: psychedelic tourism. It’s like a vacation, but with more introspection and less sunburn.

Enter the New Approach PAC, throwing money at legalization efforts like they’re in a high-stakes poker game, reminiscent of the marijuana movement. Local mushroom heroes like Michou Olivera are rallying behind a Massachusetts ballot initiative to regulate psychedelics, aiming for a system that doesn’t just cater to those with deep pockets.

Olivera, champion of the less monied psychonauts, stresses the need for responsible mushroom use and hopes to bring down costs, making sure everyone can access these potentially transformative therapies. She’s all set to vote ‘yes’ and plans to keep pushing for a system that’s as fair as it is funky.

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Reference: https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/10/30/massachusetts-mushroom-ballot-vote-psilocybin-easthampton

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Published Date: 2024-10-30

Massachusetts is considering a legal trip down the rabbit hole with a proposed law to legalize plant-based psychedelics, joining Oregon and Colorado in their psychedelic adventures. If the law passes, starting December 15, those 21 and older could legally grow, possess, and use magic mushrooms and other psychedelic goodies like psilocybin, psilocin, dimethyltryptamine, mescaline, and ibogaine. But don’t get too excited about psychedelic shopping sprees—retail sales would be a no-go. Instead, a commission and advisory board would keep an eye on all the shroom-tastic activities.

Proponents of the law argue that these substances could be the magic cure for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Meanwhile, opponents are furiously waving caution flags, worried about potential black market shenanigans, psychedelic-fueled car rides, and health risks, especially with the rebel of the group, ibogaine.

Even if Massachusetts gives the green light, challenges might lie ahead. Just look at Oregon, where almost 70% of counties decided to sit out on the psychedelic party after laws were introduced in 2022.

If you’re curious, concerned, or just want to chat about psychedelics, you can reach out to health@newsweek.com. Who knows, you might end up in the pages of Newsweek!

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Reference: https://www.newsweek.com/third-us-state-massachusetts-legalize-psychedelics-psilocybin-1976817

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Published Date: 2024-10-29

Eliza Dushku Palandjian, known for her roles in slaying vampires and solving supernatural mysteries, took a break from her action-packed life to tackle something even scarier: politics. She bravely stepped into the State House, but this time it wasn’t to fight demons or save the world. Instead, she was there to lend her voice to the “Yes on 4” campaign. Armed with her charisma and perhaps a metaphorical stake or two (just in case), she spoke at a press conference on Tuesday. While details of her speech were not provided, one can only imagine she delivered it with the same intensity and conviction as her on-screen battles.

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Reference: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/10/29/metro/yes-on-4-presser-eliza-dushku-psychedelics/

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Published Date: 2024-10-29

In Massachusetts, Question 4 has ignited a debate hotter than a jalapeño on a summer grill, as the state considers joining the psychedelic party with Colorado and Oregon. This measure, led by the group Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, aims to give adults a psychedelic experience under professional supervision—because who doesn’t want a chaperoned trip to another dimension?

Dr. Franklin King, the voice of reason, reminds us that while psychedelics might hold the key to mental health enlightenment, they also come with risks. Meanwhile, Chris Keohan of the Coalition for Safe Communities is having nightmares about psychedelic plants taking over the neighborhood, expressing public safety concerns, especially regarding home-grown psychedelia.

Bay Staters for Natural Medicine dream of a community where everyone legally spirals into kaleidoscopic bliss. However, opinions on regulation are as varied as the colors in a tie-dye shirt. According to a poll of 430 readers, 74% are ready to dive into the mushroom marvel for mental health benefits, although some worry about public safety hazards.

Proponents tout psychedelics as a cure for PTSD and other mental health woes, backed by research and expert nods. Opponents, like cautious party poopers, emphasize the need for therapeutic settings to avoid a bad trip. Meanwhile, an ER nurse warns about the cannabis-related chaos in trauma cases, wishing for an immediate way to test users, much like a magical sobriety wand.

The debate has even roused suspicions about whether taxes are the sly motivation behind legalization, while others criticize promoting substances that might fuzz up the brain. Some voters are torn, like a cat on a hot tin roof, unsure about psychedelic decriminalization but wary of exclusive, high-cost health centers

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Reference: https://www.boston.com/community/readers-say/2024/10/28/what-experts-readers-say-about-legalizing-psychedelics-in-massachusetts/

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Published Date: 2024-10-28

In an unexpected twist on city governance, Mayors William C. Reichelt of West Springfield and Joshua A. Garcia of Holyoke have become unlikely champions of Question 4, which proposes to legalize psychedelics for therapeutic use. Apparently, they believe that swapping out the usual municipal toolkit of road repairs and zoning ordinances for a splash of psychedelic therapy might just be the secret sauce in tackling some pressing community challenges. These include mental health issues manifesting as panhandling and homelessness, which, let’s face it, are problems that no amount of “keep off the grass” signs or parking meters can solve. So, these two forward-thinking leaders are ready to dive into the psychedelic realm, hoping that a little bit of controlled tripping might lead to a whole lot of healing.

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Reference: https://www.masslive.com/westernmass/2024/10/wmass-mayors-back-psychedelic-ballot-question-citing-mental-health-crisis.html

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Published Date: 2024-10-28