MAPS Canada Podcast

This episode features our interview with Dr. Balázs Szigeti. Dr. Szigeti is a neuroscientist from Imperial College London who recently published a study with his team investigating the placebo effect in psychedelic microdosing. In this interview, we talk about how this unique ‘self-blinding’ microdose study was designed, the benefits of using a citizen science approach in psychedelics research, and ultimately what his findings reveal about microdosing. We even discuss how the effects of microdosing might be similar to the positive experiences reported with homeopathic medicines.

This episode was produced and edited by Brendon Campbell. Original music and audio engineering by Andrew Illmann.

We’ll be back on June 21st with our first Canadian History of Psychedelics episode!

MAPS Canada is a registered non-profit; we rely on the generosity of our supporters to fund our life-changing research. Please visit mapscanada.org/donate to become a monthly donor or to make a one time donation today!

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Welcome to the first episode of the MAPS Canada podcast. This episode introduces listeners to MAPS Canada, it’s mission, goal, and future vision for the safe and beneficial use of psychedelics to treat mental illnesses. This episode also provides an introductory overview of what psychedelics are and how they came to be. You’ll also get a brief history of the role psychedelics have played in early religions, the use of psychedelics in scientific research, and lastly, the neuroscience behind it all. This episode was brought to you by a dedicated team of diverse volunteers with MAPS Canada. The Podcast Committee would like to thank the entire team of researchers and other individuals who helped with promoting the podcast, and lastly, we’d like to thank journalist and historian, Ross Crockford, for his contribution to this episode.

This episode was produced and edited by Brendon Campbell. It was written by Sidath Rankaduwa, Jaipreet Mattu, Monica Lau, and Brendon Campbell. Original music and audio engineering by Andrew Illmann.

References & Sources:

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Carhart-Harris, R.L. (2018). How do Psychedelics Work? Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 32(1), 16-21.

Dobkin de Rios, M., & Janiger, O. (2003). LSD, spirituality, and the creative process: Based on the groundbreaking research of Oscar Janiger, MD. Inner Traditions Bear and Company.

Dyck, E. (2019). Psychedelic Research in 1950 Saskatchewan. In The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/psychedelic-research-in-1950s-saskatchewan. Accessed 25 January 2021.

Dyck, E. (2012). Psychedelic Psychiatry: LSD on the Canadian Prairies. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press.

Griffiths, R.R., Johnson, M.W., Carducci, M.A., Umbricht, A., Richards, W.A., Richards, B.D., Cosimano, M.R., & Klinedinst, M.A. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181-1197.

Hofmann, A. (1994). High Times Magazine [Interview Recording]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN6rYHAZ30c

Hofmann, A. (1978). LSD: My Problem Child and Insights/Outlooks. Oxford University Press.

Osmond, H. (Performer), Littlefield, C. (Director). (2002). Hofmann’s Potion. [Documentary]. Retrieved from https://www.nfb.ca/film/hofmanns_potion/

Huxley, A. (1954). The Doors of Perception. Harper & Row.

Lau, M. (2021). [W-wait… Did you say psychedelics were used in psychiatry?] [Speech audio recording].

Leary, T. (1966). Turn on, tune in, drop out. World Heritage Encyclopedia.

Leary, T., Metzner, R., & Alpert, R. (1964). The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Zihuatanejo Project. (n.p.)

Johnson, M.W., Garcia-Romeu, A., & Griffiths, R., (2017). Long-term Follow-up of Psilocybin-facilitated Smoking Cessation. American Journal of Alcohol Abuse, 43(1), 55-60.

May, P. (2014). Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD). In P.M. & S.C. (Eds.), Molecules That Amaze Us (pp. 293-303). Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies. (2021). Welcome to MAPS Canada. https://mapscanada.org/

Nichols, D.E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68, 264-355.

Passie, T., Halpern, J.H., Stichtenoth, D.O., Emrich, H.M., & Hintzen, A. (2008). The Pharmacology of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide: A Review. CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics, 14(4), 295-314.

Sessa, B. (2012). The Psychedelic Renaissance: Reassessing the Role of Psychedelic Drugs in 21st Century Psychiatry and Society. Muswell Hill Press.

Stevens, J. (1987). Storming heaven: LSD and the American dream. New York: Grove Press.

Wasson, G.R., Hoffman, A., & Ruck, C.A.P. (2008). The Road to Eleusis: Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries. North Atlantic Books.

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Whether you're curious about psychedelics, skeptical of their benefits, or even an experienced psychonaut yourself - this podcast will aim to highlight everything you need to know to navigate their role in our society. Hit subscribe! We'll be releasing new episodes every third monday of the month starting on April 19th.

Support MAPS Canada Podcast