As mentioned earlier, training up facilitators is key. I also think we need more basic science to understand the brain mechanisms involved. Most research is focused on treating new disorders, which is important, but there’s not much on HOW psychedelics work—neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, anti-inflammatory effects, potential to re-open critical periods of development, etc. This work will lead to new treatment for new indications eventually. It will also shed light on what consciousness is. There is a young generation of neuroscientists eager to do this work, but as yet, traditional funding sources are not available to study psychedelics, which is why private philanthropy can have an outsized effect here.
As mentioned earlier, training up facilitators is key. I also think we need more basic science to understand the brain mechanisms involved. Most research is focused on treating new disorders, which is important, but there’s not much on HOW psychedelics work—neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, anti-inflammatory effects, potential to re-open critical periods of development, etc. This work will lead to new treatment for new indications eventually. It will also shed light on what consciousness is. There is a young generation of neuroscientists eager to do this work, but as yet, traditional funding sources are not available to study psychedelics, which is why private philanthropy can have an outsized effect here.