Can we civilize the psychedelic landscape without losing its magic?

Psychedelics are currently experiencing their "Wild West" era, a period of rapid expansion and untamed potential. Much like the frontier days of old, adventurers and seekers venture to the edges of conventional society to explore these mind-altering substances. The psychedelic landscape is largely uncharted territory, operating outside the bounds of traditional medical and economic systems. In this vast, unregulated expanse, psychedelics have found a place to flourish, offering millions of people transformative experiences and potential healing – even as formal safety nets and reporting systems remain underdeveloped.

Just as the Wild West eventually gave way to more structured societies, we now stand at a crossroads with psychedelics. To make these powerful tools accessible to a broader population and integrate them responsibly into our culture, we must begin to "settle" this frontier. This process of formalization is already underway, with scientific research playing the role of surveyors and cartographers, mapping the terrain of the psychedelic experience and its effects on the human mind.

A recent functional mapping study, for instance, has shed light on the neurological impact of psilocybin. The research revealed that psilocybin causes over three-fold greater acute changes in functional brain networks than methylphenidate (Ritalin), with the most significant disruptions observed in the default mode network (DMN) – the brain region associated with our sense of self. These findings help explain the profound alterations in the perception of space, time, and self that many users report, as well as the potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like depression.

As we push forward into this new frontier, we're also beginning to establish the infrastructure needed to support the safe and beneficial use of psychedelics. The RAND Corporation's recent report, "Considering Alternatives to Psychedelic Prohibition," serves as a stepping stone in formalising the psychedelic landscape. It provides crucial data and analysis to inform policymakers as they navigate this complex terrain. The report highlights that, unlike many other substances, psychedelics are primarily used infrequently, with psilocybin being the most prevalent among U.S. adults.

However, just as the Wild West wasn't without its challenges and conflicts, the path forward for psychedelics is not without obstacles. The scientific literature on the consequences of psychedelic use and methods for preventing and mitigating adverse events remains limited. This knowledge gap is like the unexplored territories on old maps, marked with "Here be dragons" – areas of potential danger that require careful navigation.

As we continue to explore and settle this new frontier, we must build suitable structures and systems. This is where organizations like the Psychedelic Medicine Association (PMA) and the Board of Psychedelic Medicine and Therapies (BPMT) come into play. These entities represent the backbone of the emerging psychedelic industry, much like the railroad companies and telegraph operators that connected and civilized the Wild West.

The PMA, for instance, serves as a bridge between the medical community and the burgeoning field of psychedelics, providing education and resources to healthcare providers about the latest research and best practices. They're like the frontier doctors, bringing modern medical knowledge to new territories.

The BPMT, on the other hand, focuses on the responsible integration of psychedelics into society, working on policy reform, public education, and support for ongoing research. They're akin to the frontier's lawmakers and educators, helping establish order and understanding in this new landscape.

These infrastructure organizations are essential for the safe and effective implementation of psychedelics as therapeutic tools. They need our support – financial and otherwise – to continue their crucial work in policy reform, public education, accreditation, and certifications. By contributing to these infrastructure projects, we're like the investors and community builders of the Old West, helping to turn a wild frontier into a thriving, structured environment that can benefit society at large.

The RAND report emphasizes the need for thoughtful consideration of supervision and facilitation in psychedelic use, much like the establishment of law enforcement and community leadership in frontier towns. It also stresses the importance of including Indigenous voices in policy discussions, recognizing these substances' deep roots in traditional practices – a reminder that we are not the first to explore this terrain.

With Blossom , we're chronicling this journey from the wild frontier to a more structured landscape. We're tracking the research, from clinical trials to practical applications, that's helping to build the roads and bridges of understanding in this new world. But we're also keeping an eye on the horizon, watching for new discoveries and unexplored territories.

The time is now to put these systems in place, to create a framework that allows for safe exploration while preserving the transformative potential of psychedelics. As we do so, we must be mindful not to over-civilize this frontier. The goal isn't to tame psychedelics entirely but to create a sustainable balance between structure and freedom, between scientific understanding and mystical experience.

Floris - Founder of Blossom

ps get the latest in psychedelic research - from trials to practice - by subscribing to The Bloom