Podcasts | Checks and Balance

Should psychedelics be more widely available?

Our weekly podcast on democracy in America

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VOTERS IN Oregon have approved a law allowing people to take psilocybin, the psychedelic substance in magic mushrooms. Users will be able to apply to go to a licensed facility and take the drug with the help of a trained supervisor. The evidence suggests that this could successfully treat mental health issues. Should psychedelics be more widely available?

Veteran Jesse Gould explains how an ayahuasca trip helped to cure his PTSD. We go back to an outlandish covert CIA operation. And Harvard’s Dr Mason Marks tells us if Oregon’s approach could be replicated elsewhere.

John Prideaux presents with Jon Fasman and Charlotte Howard. Runtime: 43 min

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