Explorations in
Consciousness: Psychedelic Research
~ Gwilda Wiyaka ~
After the drug frenzy and purported resulting mental
instability of the 60s and the 70s, marijuana and psychedelics were regarded
with a jaundice eye – their benefits overlooked. Now, after the turn of the century, we find
ourselves faced with an opioid epidemic. Some
sources say that, in 2019, over 20 million Americans will suffer from addiction
to prescription or illicit opioids. That makes the 60s look like a walk in the
park!
On the forefront of options to the massive overuse of
opioids is medical marijuana. Once outlawed in the
US, its many benefits have since been researched and now marijuana is currently
legal in 29 states.
Presently, in addition to marijuana,
scientists are taking another look at psilocybin. Human usage of psilocybin mushrooms predates recorded history. In
Mesoamerica, these mushrooms had long been consumed in spiritual and divination
ceremonies. Psilocybin is clearly a consciousness
altering substance with many benefits and disadvantages.
It’s darn hard to evolve when one is in chronic pain.
It is equally difficult to evolve when in the throes of addiction.
Do psychedelics offer a viable alternative to more
addictive substances? Can they aid evolution of
consciousness or do they induce delusion? And what about our children? Is making these substances more available putting them at
risk? Is revisiting the usefulness of psychedelics providing viable
alternatives, or reopening a can of worms that is best left firmly sealed?
With us this hour is to explore this controversial
topic is Anthony P. Bossis,
a clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor
of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine. Anthony is
conducting FDA-approved psychedelic research investigating the effects of psilocybin.
His website: med.nyu.edu/faculty/anthony-p-bossis
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