New on Blossom
Psychedelic research in October 2024 covered a lot of ground, from how these drugs can help people to how they change the brain. Scientists looked at MDMA, psilocybin, and even the less-common 2C-B. They wanted to understand how these substances affect our personalities, feelings, and mental well-being.
A big question this month was how the experience during a psychedelic trip connects to its benefits later. For example, one study looked at whether stopping antidepressants before psilocybin therapy changes how well it works for depression. Others explored how the intensity of a ketamine or psilocybin trip relates to improvements in depression and addiction.
Researchers also looked at how MDMA affects emotions and personality in healthy people, and how psychedelics might help autistic adults with social anxiety and distress. Some studies focused on how these drugs change our thinking patterns and ability to cope with life's challenges. One even looked at whether psychedelics make us more empathetic.
Finally, scientists studied how psychedelics work on a biological level, examining their effects on brain cells, brain waves, and specific receptors. They also compared 2C-B to psilocybin and looked at combining small doses of psilocybin with neurofeedback training.
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1-on-1 psilocybin-assisted coaching in Dutch legal framework offered by yours truly and my wife Lotte
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All the other papers that have come out this year that don't have a separate entry in the database.
Spotlight
Psychedelic research is booming, and a recent podcast episode explored how we can keep up with this explosion of information. I was interviewed on Psychedelics Today about the challenges and trends in the field. My platform, Blossom, catalogs research papers, trials, courses, and companies, showcasing the rapid growth of psychedelic science. I shared how the number of studies has increased dramatically, from barely enough for a weekly newsletter to almost daily additions.
We discussed what's fueling this research boom and the roadblocks that remain. I offered insights into the trends I've observed, highlighting how research can change public opinion about psychedelics. We also touched on the importance of real-world data, and how retreat centers and underground communities contribute valuable knowledge.
The conversation also covered the culture around psychedelics in the Netherlands, where psilocybin truffles are legal. I discussed drug development, including tweaking existing molecules, and the regulatory landscape, referencing the Lykos and FDA situation. We also considered the economics of psychedelic therapy, predicting that insurance coverage will be a major topic soon. Finally, I discussed my work with FLO coaching and how coaching, ACT, and psilocybin can work together.
My good friend Alex—a brilliant designer—and your humble psychedelic research enthusiast have put together an exiting event: the Psychedelics Design Online Conference on December 11, 2024. This unique gathering will explore the intersection of art, science, design, and engineering, shedding light on the transformative potential of psychedelics.
We aim to connect like-minded individuals, share groundbreaking insights, and build a collaborative community that benefits society and the planet.
Join us to engage with renowned speakers and immerse yourself in innovative discussions that promise to inspire and provoke thought. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement at the forefront of psychedelic exploration and design.
Use code BLOSSOM15 for a 15% discount.
Arteles Creative Center, nestled in the Finnish countryside, offers a unique residency program called "Way Beyond" in April/May 2025. This transdisciplinary program invites artists, writers, creatives, scientists, and researchers to explore the cosmos, consciousness, and the unknown. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into deeper dimensions of reality, perception, and experience, whether through metaphysical, psychological, mystical, or scientific lenses. The month-long residency provides a supportive environment for contemplation, processing, and developing ideas, fostering imagination, and envisioning new possibilities for being and understanding.
"Way Beyond" encourages a collaborative atmosphere where participants can share perspectives and inspire one another. This program is ideal for open-minded individuals driven by curiosity and a desire to transcend conventional boundaries of thought. The deadline to apply for this immersive experience at Arteles is November 21st, 2024. Further details and application information can be found on the Arteles website.