Do Psychedelics Unlock a Deeper Truth? With Rick Doblin & Neil deGrasse Tyson

Do psychedelics reveal a different objective reality? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn about psychedelic drugs, treating PTSD, and other mind-bending research with President of Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Rick Doblin. Thanks to Overview for sponsoring today’s video. To learn more, head to https://www.WearOverview.com and use code StarTalk at checkout for 20% off. How do psychedelics work? What makes a drug psychedelic? Learn about the history of psychedelics in the United States and the different hurdles to overcome when researching illicit substances. Was the government too quick to criminalize these drugs? We explore MDMA and its prosocial effects in octopuses and the effects of psychedelic use. What is the difference between recreational and therapeutic uses? How have psychedelics been helpful in the therapeutic treatment of PTSD? We discuss how psychedelics could do to the field of psychology what the telescope did for astronomy. What does MDMA do to the brain in PTSD patients? Learn about the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and why ecstasy might not be the best name for MDMA. Learn how the “fallen Mormon” study helped uncover the effects of ecstasy. Is microdosing an effective use of these types of drugs? Discover an experiment where they gave psychedelic drugs to religious leaders. We discuss objective versus subject reality and why delusions associated with tripping feel so mystical. Do psychedelics unlock a deeper truth? Thanks to our Patrons Mark Rosenthal, David Aulwes, Alissa Mc Cormick, Gavin Bamber, Lester Teichner, Chase Kimes, and Cindy Barrick for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson 00:00 - Introduction: Psychedelics 1:45 - Drug Laws: Studying Illegal Substances 8:50 - The Psychedelic Research Renaissance 9:59 - What is a Psychedelic? 14:48 - Neuroplasticity & Therapeutic Use 18:08 - What is MDMA? 20:10 - Using Psychedelics to Treat PTSD 30:26 - Psychedelics in Academia 33:33 - The Fallen Mormon Ecstasy Study 36:54 - Micro-dosing & Creativity 38:53 - Tripping, Delusions, & Mystical Experiences 42:50 - Illuminating Objective Reality