Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By Philosophers Stone
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

A comedian explains why we need to challenge the stigma of psychedelics

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


by Sam Woolfe

American comedian Shane Mauss is about to embark on his biggest tour to date. A Good Trip is a science-based psychedelic comedy show. In a recent interview about the tour, Mauss explained one of his aims – to erode the stigma surrounding the use of psychedelics.

Challenging public perceptions

Mauss wants to enable people to think about psychedelic substances in a different light. He said:

The show isn’t about getting high and doing something stupid like most drug humour. The show is about using humour to highlight the potential meditative benefits of psychedelic experience as meditative, therapeutic aids.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that he won’t talk about the weirdness of psychedelic experiences. In the show he pays special attention to a compound called DMT. Mauss said:

…DMT is the weirdest thing that I’ve ever experienced in my life. It’s about the most powerful psychedelic that there is. It’s such an intense experience that it can’t be put in the same category as something like LSD or mushrooms. I talk a lot about it at the end of the show but I would sound like a lunatic trying to explain it in a couple of sentences.

But the main thrust of the show is about using humour and science together to de-stigmatise psychedelics. Firstly, Mauss touches on his personal experience with psychedelics as a way to challenge public perceptions about what these drugs actually do. Mauss emphasises:

On a personal level, psychedelics have seemingly cured the chronic depression that made my inner world miserable for 20 years. They’ve also helped me be a more thoughtful and creative person.

As previously reported at The Canary, these substances are not without their risks. Although even difficult psychedelic experiences can end up being positive in the long run.

Focusing on the evidence

Mauss also maintains a scientific approach when talking about these experiences. In his podcast ‘Here We Are’, he hosts weekly interviews with scientists from around the world. He has spoken to psychedelic researchers such as Rick Doblin, executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelics Studies (MAPS), a non-profit which is working with the US Food and Drug Administration to legalise MDMA (Ecstasy) for the clinical treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Mauss’ focus on evidence-based thinking informs a lot of his material. He said:

My show is about moving toward a more reasonable society that allows these things to be tested. I’m an advocate for scientific research.

He added:

People have lots of different opinions. This is why we research things. Are psychedelics bad? Show me the data.

The renaissance of psychedelic research

Since the Controlled Substances Act (1970) in the US, and the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) in the UK, it has been a regulatory challenge to study psychedelic drugs. But recently, we have seen a revival of research into psychedelics.

[More…]

Philosophers stone – selected views from the boat http://philosophers-stone.co.uk


Source: http://www.phoenixisrisen.co.uk/?p=12566


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.