Episode
#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
3:39:37
Published: Mon Dec 14 2020
Description
Matthew W. Johnson is a professor and psychedelics researcher at Johns Hopkins. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Brave: https://brave.com/lex - Neuro: https://www.getneuro.com and use code LEX to get 15% off - Four Sigmatic: https://foursigmatic.com/lex and use code LexPod to get up to 60% off - Cash App: https://cash.app/ and use code LexPodcast to get $10 EPISODE LINKS: Matt's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Drug_Researcher Matt's Website: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/0800020/matthew-johnson Study Website: https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/ PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexFridmanPage - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:31) - Introduction to psychedelics (22:33) - Psychedelics expand the mind (25:44) - The priors we bring to the psychedelic experience (29:40) - Elon Musk and first principles thinking (40:10) - DMT (51:32) - Joe Rogan and DMT (57:40) - The nature of drug addiction (1:11:29) - The economics of drug pricing (1:17:44) - Should we legalize all drugs? (1:29:46) - What is the most dangerous drug? (1:32:20) - Does drug prohibition work? (1:36:14) - Cocaine and sex (1:43:15) - Risky sexual decisions (1:54:12) - Psilocybin helping people quit smoking (2:00:30) - Young Jamie (2:22:38) - Participating in a study (2:29:57) - Psychedelics and the human mind (2:37:20) - The future of psychedelics (2:40:01) - Neuralink (2:49:33) - Consciousness (3:02:15) - Panpsychism (3:12:20) - Aliens and DMT (3:22:24) - Mortality (3:32:12) - Meaning of life
Chapters
Matt Mullenweg discusses the fascinating area of study in psychedelics and the expansion of human experience through the tools of biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, and AI with his colleague.
00:00 - 05:51 (05:51)
Summary
Matt Mullenweg discusses the fascinating area of study in psychedelics and the expansion of human experience through the tools of biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, and AI with his colleague.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The term "psychedelics" refers to a group of compounds that produce similar subjective effects, but work pharmacologically in different ways.
05:51 - 14:00 (08:08)
Summary
The term "psychedelics" refers to a group of compounds that produce similar subjective effects, but work pharmacologically in different ways. Some examples include PCP, ketamine, MDMA, and ibogaine. These compounds are generally safe at the physiological level.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are safer to use than other drugs like MDMA or cocaine, as they do not cause addiction and have lower risk to cause long-term damage.
14:00 - 23:03 (09:02)
Summary
Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are safer to use than other drugs like MDMA or cocaine, as they do not cause addiction and have lower risk to cause long-term damage.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The language we use, specifically pertaining to topics such as general relativity, can shape the way we perceive the world and alter our experiences on psychedelics.
23:03 - 28:57 (05:53)
Summary
The language we use, specifically pertaining to topics such as general relativity, can shape the way we perceive the world and alter our experiences on psychedelics. However, there is concern around the scientific community going too far into the idea of changing beliefs in specific domains.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how to build better systems, such as rockets, through the process of discarding assumptions about the nature of reality and using solid data points or experiential anecdotes to draw inspiration and intuition.
28:57 - 42:43 (13:46)
Summary
The speaker discusses how to build better systems, such as rockets, through the process of discarding assumptions about the nature of reality and using solid data points or experiential anecdotes to draw inspiration and intuition.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the experience of meeting unknown beings during psychedelic trips, and how it is often described as strange, yet self-validateable.
42:43 - 56:03 (13:19)
Summary
The podcast discusses the experience of meeting unknown beings during psychedelic trips, and how it is often described as strange, yet self-validateable. The speaker reflects on what it might mean psychologically to experience such entities and how it may relate to the work of Freud and Carl Jung.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast talks about how people need to use cannabis for radical self-examination and discuss how they often treat it more like Xanax or beer, in contrast to treating it as a psychedelic.
56:03 - 1:08:57 (12:54)
Summary
The podcast talks about how people need to use cannabis for radical self-examination and discuss how they often treat it more like Xanax or beer, in contrast to treating it as a psychedelic.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Raising the prices of addictive products, such as illegal drugs or snacks can cause a reduction in consumption, but it may not impact the most addicted consumers and also lead to overcompensation.
1:08:57 - 1:20:26 (11:28)
Summary
Raising the prices of addictive products, such as illegal drugs or snacks can cause a reduction in consumption, but it may not impact the most addicted consumers and also lead to overcompensation.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the impact of the opioid epidemic and how it compares to the potential legalization of drugs such as cannabis and cocaine.
1:20:26 - 1:28:36 (08:10)
Summary
This podcast discusses the impact of the opioid epidemic and how it compares to the potential legalization of drugs such as cannabis and cocaine. It highlights the need for more education, control over dose and purity, and access to resources such as help for overdose in a safer society.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In terms of harm caused, all illegal drugs combined are barely visible compared to the damage inflicted by tobacco on the society; the slow turn from prohibition model raises questions if we want it with nicotine; people have the possibility of giving another medium the ability to deliver the drug if overregulation is avoided.
1:28:36 - 1:38:10 (09:33)
Summary
In terms of harm caused, all illegal drugs combined are barely visible compared to the damage inflicted by tobacco on the society; the slow turn from prohibition model raises questions if we want it with nicotine; people have the possibility of giving another medium the ability to deliver the drug if overregulation is avoided.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A study used a behavioral science approach to evaluate condom use choices by asking individuals to rate their likelihood of using a condom along a continuum rather than a binary choice, showing that for many people, condom use is a reinforcer and can be improved through personalized decision-making scales.
1:38:10 - 1:44:56 (06:46)
Summary
A study used a behavioral science approach to evaluate condom use choices by asking individuals to rate their likelihood of using a condom along a continuum rather than a binary choice, showing that for many people, condom use is a reinforcer and can be improved through personalized decision-making scales.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Researchers found that 24% of men who have sex with men reported having unprotected anal intercourse in the last six months, putting them at risk of sexually transmitted infections.
1:44:56 - 1:50:50 (05:53)
Summary
Researchers found that 24% of men who have sex with men reported having unprotected anal intercourse in the last six months, putting them at risk of sexually transmitted infections. Encouraging people to carry condoms can be an effective method of preventing these infections.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, host and economist Austin Frakt talks about the behavioral science of addiction and desire, citing a study that showed people on cocaine rated their sexual desire much higher than those not on the drug.
1:50:50 - 1:57:56 (07:06)
Summary
In this episode, host and economist Austin Frakt talks about the behavioral science of addiction and desire, citing a study that showed people on cocaine rated their sexual desire much higher than those not on the drug. This leads to a discussion on the therapeutic implications of understanding the relationship between addiction and desire.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the significance of training study participants for psychedelic therapy sessions to better prepare users for the sometimes scary and unsettling experiences that can occur during these treatments.
1:57:57 - 2:07:43 (09:46)
Summary
The podcast discusses the significance of training study participants for psychedelic therapy sessions to better prepare users for the sometimes scary and unsettling experiences that can occur during these treatments. Researchers typically provide preparatory sessions to build up rapport between patients and guides, who will be there to help during the session itself.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker emphasizes the importance of providing a safe space for people to express their emotions, especially if they go into realms of despair and sorrow, and how it is crucial to ensure that events are a safe space for everyone, even for women who might face sexual harassment.
2:07:44 - 2:12:53 (05:09)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of providing a safe space for people to express their emotions, especially if they go into realms of despair and sorrow, and how it is crucial to ensure that events are a safe space for everyone, even for women who might face sexual harassment.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Dreams can evoke a range of emotional experiences, including deep love and intense fear, and can feel symbolic of recent life events.
2:12:54 - 2:23:13 (10:19)
Summary
Dreams can evoke a range of emotional experiences, including deep love and intense fear, and can feel symbolic of recent life events.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker mentions the importance of subject lines that get straight to the point in order to break through the noise of overcrowded inboxes.
2:23:14 - 2:29:34 (06:19)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker mentions the importance of subject lines that get straight to the point in order to break through the noise of overcrowded inboxes. They highlight the challenge of being able to successfully identify the most effective collaboration partners through email alone and express discomfort at the number of long emails they receive.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The psychedelic studies conducted have shed light on the relationship between the human brain and mind.
2:29:34 - 2:35:10 (05:36)
Summary
The psychedelic studies conducted have shed light on the relationship between the human brain and mind. These studies have provided insights into the biological processes that govern our experiences and challenges the psychology versus biology divide.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The combination of targeted pharmacology, magnetic stimulation, and emerging technologies such as virtual reality will continue to shape the future of drug use and its impact on the brain.
2:35:10 - 2:47:31 (12:21)
Summary
The combination of targeted pharmacology, magnetic stimulation, and emerging technologies such as virtual reality will continue to shape the future of drug use and its impact on the brain. However, there is criticism surrounding the oversimplification and lack of consideration for human factors when it comes to these advancements.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode discusses the effects of psychedelics on the sense of self and how they may provide insight into its nature.
2:47:31 - 2:57:16 (09:44)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the effects of psychedelics on the sense of self and how they may provide insight into its nature. While it is unclear whether the existence of phenomenal consciousness can be explained through AI, the experiences induced by psychedelics can offer valuable information.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Some scientists speculate that the human mind is like a radio that tunes into another medium where consciousness exists, and the only way for the model and the real thing to merge is if there is something baked into the nature of reality.
2:57:17 - 3:09:08 (11:50)
Summary
Some scientists speculate that the human mind is like a radio that tunes into another medium where consciousness exists, and the only way for the model and the real thing to merge is if there is something baked into the nature of reality. The illusion of the self that has evolved in humans might be similar to how AI might need a sense of self for its functioning.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker ponders about the range of discovery we can anticipate knowing in the future and the possibility that there may be a qualitative shift in a complex field.
3:09:07 - 3:18:33 (09:25)
Summary
The speaker ponders about the range of discovery we can anticipate knowing in the future and the possibility that there may be a qualitative shift in a complex field. The hard problem of phenomenal inner experience is also addressed, in which an agent-like algorithm is seen to be working.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker believes in balancing the usual rigor of the scientific process with stepping out and discussing topics like aliens and consciousness.
3:18:33 - 3:27:52 (09:18)
Summary
The speaker believes in balancing the usual rigor of the scientific process with stepping out and discussing topics like aliens and consciousness. In science, there needs to be a balance between being empirically grounded and skeptical while still allowing room for speculation and discussion on topics that may seem far-fetched.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker discusses their openness to the concept of afterlife and how the US system is the best model for humans to work together.
3:27:52 - 3:37:46 (09:53)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker discusses their openness to the concept of afterlife and how the US system is the best model for humans to work together.
Episode#145 – Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, Lex Friedman interviews Matthew Johnson about his research on using psychedelics to treat addiction, depression, and anxiety.
3:37:46 - 3:39:13 (01:27)
Summary
In this podcast episode, Lex Friedman interviews Matthew Johnson about his research on using psychedelics to treat addiction, depression, and anxiety.