In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Rotem Petranker, Associate Director of the Psychedelic Studies Research Program at the University of Toronto, co-founder of the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science, and a postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University. His work focuses on microdosing, attention, emotional regulation, and open science.
[00:01:00] Rotem’s background and early path into psychedelic research[00:02:00] Why microdosing research began and early challenges[00:03:00] Perspectives on drug policy, legalization, and mental health[00:05:00] Design of Rotem’s psilocybin microdosing clinical trial[00:07:00] Study outcomes, placebo response, and limitations of once-a-week dosing[00:11:00] Diversity of participants and feasibility for future research[00:12:00] The role of set, setting, and the “social matrix” in healing[00:14:00] Group dynamics, contact high, and integration at retreats[00:16:00] The challenge of reductionist science versus indigenous traditions[00:21:00] Replication crisis in psychology and the need for open science[00:23:00] Pre-registration, open data, and transparency in psychedelic research[00:35:00] Different epistemologies: indigenous wisdom vs. neuroscience[00:37:00] Comparing LSD and psilocybin microdosing (duration, variability, safety)[00:39:00] Benefits and drawbacks of microdosing—mood, anxiety, sleep[00:42:00] Microdosing vs. antidepressants and side effect profiles[00:45:00] Bro-science explanation of SSRIs vs. psilocybin and how little we know[00:47:00] Why open science matters and how to evaluate credible researchIf you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com
Find more about Dr. Rotem Petranker at @rpetranker and through the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science.