Rick Doblin

Date: 2021-06-04 | Duration: 3h 19m

Episode Overview

Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), dives deep into the transformative potential of MDMA-assisted therapy, particularly for treating PTSD among veterans, first responders, and prisoners. He shares compelling follow-ups from early studies, including a 35-year retrospective on Timothy Leary’s Harvard research, highlighting how psychedelic experiences can lead to lasting psychological change when properly integrated. Doblin emphasizes the importance of support systems post-therapy, noting that the drug alone isn’t a cure but a catalyst for healing difficult trauma by reducing fear responses and fostering self-compassion through neurochemical effects like oxytocin release. The conversation also explores the challenges and progress in psychedelic research and legalization efforts. Doblin discusses MAPS’ ongoing work with the FDA to secure approval for MDMA therapy, the complexities of manufacturing medical-grade MDMA, and the organization’s plans to expand access globally. He reflects on the cultural and political hurdles faced over decades, including the federal government’s control over marijuana research and the stigma surrounding drug use. Doblin also touches on the broader societal benefits of psychedelics, advocating for education, harm reduction, and the potential for these substances to promote empathy and social connection in a divided world.

About Rick Doblin

Rick Doblin, Ph.D., is a pioneering advocate for psychedelic research and the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). With a background in public policy and a Ph.D. in sociology and psychology, he has spearheaded groundbreaking clinical trials exploring the therapeutic potential of MDMA for PTSD and other mental health conditions. Doblin's work has not only contributed to shifting public perception around psychedelics but has also positioned MAPS at the forefront of a renaissance in psychedelic science, making him a captivating figure in discussions about mental health and consciousness. His insights into the intersection of psychedelics and healing continue to spark interest and debate, making him a compelling guest on platforms like the Joe Rogan Experience.

Key Moments

– MDMA Therapy
– Psychedelic Research
– PTSD Treatment
– Drug Policy Reform
– Psychedelic Integration
– Psychedelic Safety Studies
– Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
– Psychedelic Manufacturing
– Psychedelic Legalization
– Psychedelic Neuroscience
– Psychedelic History
– Psychedelic Harm Reduction
– Psychedelic Education
– Veterans and Psychedelics
– Psychedelic Clinical Trials
– Psychedelic Benefit Corporations
– Psychedelic Social Impact
– Marijuana Research
– Psychedelic Cultural Perceptions
0:01:11 – Training police officers in MDMA therapy
0:01:56 – 35-year follow-up study on Timothy Leary's Harvard research
0:04:13 – Challenges of releasing prisoners after psychedelic therapy
0:07:50 – Importance of post-therapy integration and support
0:10:17 – Two-month follow-up showing no PTSD in a patient
0:14:19 – Viewing trauma survivors as innocent children
0:18:06 – Delivering psychedelic research books in Moscow under surveillance
0:22:12 – Ketamine experience linked to WWII imagery
0:26:42 – Historical use of amphetamines in WWII leaders
0:31:14 – Inviting Carl Hart to MAPS board for drug research perspective
0:36:31 – Lester Grinspoon's marijuana research contributions
0:41:22 – MDMA reduces amygdala activity to ease fear
0:44:27 – Need for professional psychedelic therapy pathways
0:45:52 – FDA approval prospects for psilocybin and alcohol use disorder
0:53:24 – Stanislav Grof's role in LSD research
0:56:10 – Therapist adherence to MDMA-assisted therapy methods
1:02:06 – Political efforts to introduce MDMA to key figures
1:26:09 – Navy SEALs using psychedelics for PTSD treatment
1:36:26 – Changing cultural views on drug use
2:02:25 – MDMA application for PTSD in Michigan
2:08:11 – Personal boundaries expansion with marijuana use
2:12:49 – MAPS Public Benefit Corporation formation in 2014
2:33:09 – Multiple companies bidding to manufacture medical-grade MDMA
2:38:20 – MDMA dosage studies in veterans and first responders
2:44:25 – FDA challenges in MDMA clinical trial blinding
2:48:27 – Majority of participants no longer had PTSD after treatment
2:52:35 – Reference to 'Acid Test' documentary on psychedelics
2:58:40 – Long-term improvements at 12-month follow-up
3:00:31 – Difficulties in conducting prison-based psychedelic research
3:06:11 – Psychedelic use in reconciliation after genocide
3:10:01 – MDMA as an empathy-promoting compound
3:11:01 – Neural growth and psychedelics' impact on brain
3:12:53 – Serving trauma-affected people with limited resources
3:15:15 – Closing remarks on ongoing psychedelic work

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the joe rogan experience train by day joe rogan podcast by night all day Starting point is 00:01:11 And he's going through our program to learn how to give MDMA therapy to other police officers. Starting point is 00:01:50 Get it to prisoners. Starting point is 00:01:56 There was a 35-year follow-up study I did to Timothy Leary when he was at Harvard. Starting point is 00:02:40 What did he do? Starting point is 00:03:25 same at the 10-month point. So it's obvious if you compare people who've been out of prison longer Starting point is 00:04:13 just help people have these experiences and then let them out of prison and assume that they'll Starting point is 00:04:51 And if you do that, I think it could potentially work. Starting point is 00:05:37 the argument about psychedelics not being life-changing, people will say, well, I know a Starting point is 00:06:23 you have this completely different view of the Starting point is 00:06:57 They tell you what to do, but then you become accustomed to that way of life. Starting point is 00:07:31 Maybe then I can get back on track. Starting point is 00:07:50 but mostly it's not. And you need this support afterwards and you need to integrate it. Starting point is 00:08:34 is alcohol abuse and doing the same things you've done before and ruining your life and taking Starting point is 00:09:22 suffering. And it was a way to be bonded still with them. Starting point is 00:09:50 Then he said, I'm taking opiates for pain, but I don't really think I'm taking it for pain. Starting point is 00:10:17 help us. And he agreed to do that. And at the two-month follow-up, no PTSD. And then around 11 Starting point is 00:10:43 I've been in touch with him recently. Starting point is 00:11:36 And that is what their brothers and sisters would want. Starting point is 00:12:19 I always thought that the way, it's not that I didn't realize that I had insecurities, Starting point is 00:12:56 No one had any. Starting point is 00...

More Episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1661?

Rick Doblin was the guest on JRE #1661. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1661?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1661 with Rick Doblin, topics include MDMA Therapy, Psychedelic Research, PTSD Treatment, and Drug Policy Reform.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1661?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1661 with Rick Doblin is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.