The ultimate psychedelics explainer | Professor Matthew Johnson

Johns Hopkins professor Dr. Matthew Johnson answers 24 huge questions about psychedelics.

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Psychedelic research is enjoying a renaissance. Matt Johnson, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins, is at the forefront of the movement to redefine our understanding of the mind and its interaction with these powerful substances.

Johnson's research focuses on unraveling the scientific underpinnings of psychedelic substances, moving beyond their historical and cultural context to shed light on their role in modern therapeutic applications. With a perspective that merges traditional psychiatry and cutting-edge neuroscience, he posits that psychedelics harbor a unique capability to induce transformative, enduring changes, sometimes after a single encounter. These effects span from perceptual alterations to profound spiritual experiences, demonstrating their intrinsic “mind-manifesting” attributes.

As psychedelic compounds steadily enter the sphere of clinical trials, Johnson's groundbreaking research underscores their potential to bring about a paradigm shift in psychiatry, neuroscience, and pharmacology. His empirical pursuit unveils the promise of these substances in navigating the complexities of human consciousness.

0:00 Meet Dr. Matthew Johnson
0:25 Why are psychedelics unique among drugs?
3:42 What does the term ‘psychedelic’ mean?
7:40 What is hallucinogen vs. entheogen vs. psychedelic?
13:46 The first wave: Hofmann, Leary, and the CIA
18:54 Are psychedelics legal?
21:39 What are the main effects of psychedelics?
24:28 How do psychedelics work in the brain?
39:57 Are psychedelics dangerous? What is the link to schizophrenia?
48:43 What are the biggest risks of psychedelics?
50:42 How do “all arounders” get to the core of psychiatric disorders?
54:48 What is the role of a guide in a psychedelic session?
58:22 What is the focus and impact of your research?
1:03:44 What really amazes you in your research?
1:09:54 Why are we in a psychedelic renaissance?
1:17:09 What are some pitfalls of psychedelic medicine?
1:24:04 Will psychedelics answer the hard problem of consciousness?
1:28:31 What medicine is used in psychedelic therapy sessions?
1:34:16 What is the ‘heroic dose’ given in a psychedelic therapy session?
1:37:45 What is a psychedelic therapy session like?
1:43:04 What are some experiences people have in their sessions?
1:49:24 What does the integration phase entail?
1:52:53 Why does psychedelic therapy seem to be so effective?
1:57:38 Are DMT elves real?
2:01:02 Why are psychedelics poised to treat so many conditions?


Read the video transcript ► https://bigthink.com/series/the-big-think-interview/ultimate-psychedelics-explainer/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_description

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About Matthew Johnson: Matthew W. Johnson, Ph.D., is The Susan Hill Ward Endowed Professor of Psychedelics and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins. Working with psychedelics since 2004, he is one of the world’s most widely published experts on psychedelics. He has published research on psychedelics and mystical experience, personality change, tobacco smoking cessation, cancer distress treatment, and depression treatment. In 2021 he received as principal investigator the first grant in 50 years from the US government for a treatment study with a classic psychedelic, specifically psilocybin in treatment of tobacco addiction. He is also known for his expertise in behavioral economics, addiction, sexual risk behavior, and research with a wide variety of drug classes. He’s been Interviewed by Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, NPR, Fox News, Fox Business News, BBC and in Michael Pollan’s book How to Change Your Mind.

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