Ethics

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Psychedelic Science 2023 Contract Muzzles Speakers: Two Clauses Dictate What Presenters Can and Can’t Say

In order to present at Psychedelic Science 2023, speakers must agree to two out-of-the-ordinary requests about content exclusivity and MAPS’ reputation.

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Church of Psilomethoxin, Part 4: The Church That Cried Capitalism

The Church of Psilomethoxin claims it’s the victim of “psychedelic capitalism,” but almost everything it claims is wrong.

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Church of Psilomethoxin, Part 3: Matters of Faith. Father, Son, and Wholly Dosed?

The Church of Psilomethoxin now admits that its claims about psilomethoxin are solely based on faith. But how strong are the religious convictions of the Church?

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The Church of Psilomethoxin Part 2: Unraveling the Sacred Chemistry

Psymposia’s investigation into the Church of Psilomethoxin (CoP) turns to the Church’s claims that it’s currently “scientifically impossible” to test for psilomethoxin. Psychedelic chemist David Nichols calls that claim “completely nonsensical and nonscientific.

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Church of Psilomethoxin, Part 1: Sacramental Skepticism. Is the Church in Denial?

This is the first article in a series investigating the Church of Psilomethoxin (CoP), exploring the recent debate about the Church’s sacrament and the people involved in promoting the Church and its claims.

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Rick Doblin Is No Longer MAPS’ Executive Director. We Didn’t Notice — Did You?

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) quietly replaced founder Rick Doblin as Executive Director with Kris Lotlikar.

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A Resource for Journalists Covering Sexual Assault in Psychedelic Therapy

Language used by mainstream media affects the way we think about and respond to sexual violence, and no language is neutral. When journalists repeat the misrepresentations of abusers without qualification, they retraumatize victims and perpetuate ongoing misogynistic views about sexual violence.

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An open letter in response to John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight episode on Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

Last Week Tonight joined a long and growing list of media outlets that have added fuel to the hype of psychedelic medicalization.

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Psychedelic Training Provider Fluence Files Trademark for Common Phrase, Walks Back After Criticism

Fluence will no longer seek a trademark for the phrase “Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration.”

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A Channel for Magic: Ralph Hood’s Mysticism Scale and the Occult Roots of the Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research Program

Psychologist Ralph Hood’s study of serpent handling and mysticism helped legitimize the study of psychedelics. So why doesn’t he want them approved for medical use?

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The Misadventures of “Toxic Bob”

Throughout his lifetime, Robert Friedland has evolved from Steve Jobs’ psychedelic guru to mining guru, leaving a trail of environmental destruction in his wake.

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How To Open Your Wallet: The Hyped and Distorted Claims of Online Psychedelic Marketing

From cultural appropriation to “Shroom Boom,” psychedelic online marketing gaffes and misrepresentations are becoming more and more prevalent from major psychedelic organizations.