Placebo, open science and microdosing with Rotem Petranker

In this episode of Ayahuasca Podcast host Sam Believ (founder of www.lawayra.com) has a conversation with Dr. Rotem Petranker, Associate Director of the Psychedelic Studies Research Program at the University of Toronto, co-founder of the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science, and a postdoctoral fellow at McMaster University. His work focuses on microdosing, attention, emotional regulation, and open science.

We touch upon topics of:

• [00:01:00] Rotem’s background and early path into psychedelic research
• [00:02:00] Why microdosing research began and early challenges
• [00:03:00] Perspectives on drug policy, legalization, and mental health
• [00:05:00] Design of Rotem’s psilocybin microdosing clinical trial
• [00:07:00] Study outcomes, placebo response, and limitations of once-a-week dosing
• [00:11:00] Diversity of participants and feasibility for future research
• [00:12:00] The role of set, setting, and the “social matrix” in healing
• [00:14:00] Group dynamics, contact high, and integration at retreats
• [00:16:00] The challenge of reductionist science versus indigenous traditions
• [00:21:00] Replication crisis in psychology and the need for open science
• [00:23:00] Pre-registration, open data, and transparency in psychedelic research
• [00:35:00] Different epistemologies: indigenous wisdom vs. neuroscience
• [00:37:00] Comparing LSD and psilocybin microdosing (duration, variability, safety)
• [00:39:00] Benefits and drawbacks of microdosing—mood, anxiety, sleep
• [00:42:00] Microdosing vs. antidepressants and side effect profiles
• [00:45:00] Bro-science explanation of SSRIs vs. psilocybin and how little we know
• [00:47:00] Why open science matters and how to evaluate credible research

If you would like to attend one of our Ayahuasca retreats go to www.lawayra.com

Find more about Dr. Rotem Petranker at @rpetranker and through the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science.