Truffle Talk
WITH MICRODOSING, MDMA AND PSYCHEDELIC JOURNEYS ON THE RISE, WE HAVE TO ASK: IS THE TRIP WORTH TAKING?
As the summer unfolds in the Hamptons, dinner parties brim with delicious food, fine wine and an unexpected new topic of conversation: microdosing, MDMA and psychedelic journeys. While I could wax poetic about the delicate nuances of a perfectly crafted truffle, it’s hard to ignore what’s truly capturing the attention of guests around the table—chocolate infused with a dash of magic—mushrooms, that is. The intriguing blend of culinary delights and mind-expanding substances is stirring both curiosity and debate. Is it a fleeting fad; what are the pros and cons; and could this signify a groundbreaking shift in our acceptance and understanding of natural and synthesized compounds like psilocybin and MDMA?
The psychedelic underground has been active since MDMA and psilocybin were classified as Schedule 1 drugs in 1985 and 1970, respectively. As documented in Michael Pollan’s series, How to Change our Mind, the therapeutic benefits of these substances are difficult to dismiss. MDMA therapy has proved to be one of the most effective treatments for PTSD and trauma, and psilocybin’s benefits range from relieving depression and anxiety to helping terminally ill patients come to terms with their condition, improving their overall quality of life.
Nonprofit organizations like REBECOMING (rebecoming.org) have been at the forefront of unlocking the healing potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness. Through funding clinical research and developing educational programs, this 501(c)(3) aims to prove a new thesis on healing from trauma, paving the way for the acceptance and recognition of MDMA and psychedelic medicines for their therapeutic benefits.
Facilitators administer these medicines in both individual and group settings. Kevin, Liz and Alana have co-facilitated “Happenings” for the last four years in both New York City and the Hamptons. These ceremonies are meticulously crafted to trust and harness the inner healing intelligence of each individual, providing a safe environment that encourages profound personal transformation and supports self-directed healing. “One-on-one is ideal with someone that you have a long-standing therapeutic relationship with (like a therapist),” states Liz. “Otherwise, the healing power of being in community is the antidote to the meta-social ill of isolation. We are pack animals, wired to connect, and our mammalian brains have a profound longing for bonding—we should do our spiritual healing in community.”
Dr. Sara Szal Gottfried, a Harvard-educated physician specializing in integrative and functional medicine, has explored the potential of MDMA-assisted therapy in treating autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and others. In her recent book, The Autoimmune Cure: Healing the Trauma and Other Triggers That Have Turned Your Body Against You, Gottfried emphasizes the connection between trauma and autoimmune responses. She suggests that MDMA, when used in a therapeutic setting, can help modulate the immune system by addressing deep-seated psychological issues.
As the therapeutic benefits of MDMA and psilocybin gain more recognition, it’s crucial to address the potential risks associated with their recreational use. These powerful substances, when not used in the right setting and environment, can lead to adverse experiences. For instance, MDMA should not be combined with SSRIs due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, and its use alongside heat, caffeine and alcohol can be neurotoxic. Similarly, while psilocybin mushrooms might not lead to a DUI, an uncontrolled setting can turn a trip into a made-for-Netflix nightmare.
Furthermore, many off-market microdose psilocybin pills contain synthetic compounds that can cause medical harm.
Given these benefits and concerns, what is the future for plant medicines and synthesized psychedelics? “There is no future, only now. Many in the industry believed that MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) had it all figured out. We might think we can predict the future, but in reality, we’re still just building this ship as we sail,” articulates one facilitator.
To ensure these substances are respected for their medicinal properties, mindfulness and education are key. Emphasizing the importance of intention and context in the use of MDMA and psychedelics, we can harness their potential for healing while minimizing the risks of adverse effects. After all, as Forrest Gump wisely put it, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” And let’s be honest, a bad trip can leave you with a lot more than just emotional baggage.
