JRE #1615 – Hamilton Morris

This podcast takes a deep dive into the world of psychedelics and their potential applications, particularly in the realm of mental health and healing. Hamilton Morris, the creator and host of the Vice TV documentary series “Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia,” joins Joe Rogan for an expansive discussion that covers a range of topics, from the intricacies of drug pharmacology and the history of psychedelic research to the social and political implications of drug policy and the potential for therapeutic breakthroughs. Underlying themes explore the complexities of human consciousness, the power of personal choice, and the ongoing struggle for scientific truth and personal freedom.

Topics Explored in the Podcast

1. The COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on Society:

• The podcast opens with a discussion of the pandemic’s impact on the lives of both Hamilton Morris and Joe Rogan, including their personal experiences with lockdowns, crime, and the decline of local businesses.
• The discussion highlights the economic disparities exacerbated by the pandemic, with the focus on how the shutdown affected businesses and the challenges faced by those who lost their jobs.
• Morris raises the issue of government overreach and the lack of emphasis on personal responsibility and preventative measures like diet, exercise, and vitamin intake.
• The podcast delves into the hypocrisy surrounding pandemic restrictions, specifically the inconsistency in allowing certain businesses to operate while others remain closed.

2. The Role of Pharmaceutical Companies and Drug Policy:

• The podcast examines the complex relationship between pharmaceutical companies and psychedelic research, highlighting both the potential for breakthroughs and the history of suppression and misinformation.
• Morris discusses the politicization of drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, emphasizing the need for objective scientific evaluation rather than political bias.
• The podcast explores the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly for conditions like PTSD, CTE, and depression.
• The discussion emphasizes the importance of decriminalization and destigmatization of drugs, arguing for a more nuanced approach to drug policy that prioritizes personal freedom and harm reduction.

3. The Controversies Surrounding Microdosing:

• The podcast explores the growing interest in microdosing psychedelics, specifically LSD and psilocybin.
• Morris discusses the limitations of self-reported studies and the difficulty of accurately measuring microdosing effects.
• The podcast examines the history of pharmaceutical microdosing, including the use of ibogaine and alpha-ethyltryptamine as antidepressants.
• Morris emphasizes the importance of understanding the diverse range of potential effects from microdosing, highlighting the need for further research and individual experimentation.

4. The Black Market for Drugs and Environmental Impact:

• The podcast discusses the environmental damage caused by the unregulated black market for drugs, particularly the deforestation caused by the extraction of safrrole, a precursor to MDMA.
• Morris argues that the problem is not solely due to drug use but rather the illegal nature of the market, which incentivizes criminal activity and environmental exploitation.
• The podcast highlights the potential for sustainable and ethical drug production through decriminalization and regulation.
• The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the drug market to ensure both public safety and environmental protection.

5. The Dangers of Addiction and the Importance of Personal Responsibility:

• The podcast explores the complexities of addiction, including the role of pharmaceutical companies, the responsibility of doctors, and the personal choices of individuals.
• Morris challenges the oversimplification of addiction as solely the fault of pharmaceutical companies, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility for one’s health and well-being.
• The discussion delves into the history of opioid addiction and the misuse of oxycodone, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the drug’s history and potential risks.
• Morris emphasizes the importance of developing healthy coping mechanisms and avoiding dependence on any substance, even those considered beneficial, for long-term well-being.

6. The Use of Benzodiazepines and the Case of Jordan Peterson:

• The podcast examines the use of benzodiazepines, specifically Klonopin, and their potential for addiction and withdrawal.
• Morris discusses the case of Jordan Peterson, a public figure who struggled with benzodiazepine dependence and the challenges of detoxification.
• The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing the unique challenges faced by public figures who grapple with addiction, including the pressure of public scrutiny and the difficulty of seeking treatment.
• Morris emphasizes the need for a compassionate and nuanced approach to understanding addiction and dependence, recognizing the complex interplay of social, psychological, and physiological factors.

7. The Potential of Xenon Gas for Therapy and Treatment:

• The podcast explores the use of Xenon gas as an anesthetic and its potential therapeutic applications.
• Morris discusses the unique pharmacology of Xenon, its lack of toxicity, and its potential for treating conditions like autism.
• The podcast examines the use of Xenon as a performance-enhancing drug and its potential for promoting athletic performance.
• The discussion emphasizes the need for further research into the therapeutic potential of Xenon, acknowledging its unique properties and potential for revolutionizing medicine.

8. The Power of Ibogaine and its Role in Addiction Treatment:

• The podcast delves into the history and cultural significance of ibogaine, a psychedelic plant traditionally used in Central West Africa.
• Morris shares his personal experience with an ibogaine ceremony, highlighting the transformative potential of the substance for addressing addiction and cultivating self-reliance.
• The podcast explores the proposed mechanisms of action for ibogaine, including its effects on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, neurotrophic factors, and NMDA receptors.
• The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the holistic nature of ibogaine’s effects, acknowledging the role of both the pharmacological properties and the cultural context of the ceremony.

9. The Nature of Compulsion and the Importance of a Mature Attitude Towards Suffering:

• The podcast explores the concept of compulsion, arguing that many human behaviors, including drug use, social media addiction, and gambling, share common neurological underpinnings.
• Morris proposes that a mature attitude toward suffering is essential for living a healthy life, emphasizing the need to embrace the inevitability of pain and find meaning and growth within it.
• The podcast highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between biological drives, environmental influences, and personal choices in shaping our behaviors.
• Morris encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection and critical analysis, challenging them to question their own compulsions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

10. The Significance of Sci-Hub and the Fight for Open Access to Scientific Information:

• The podcast discusses the importance of open access to scientific information and the impact of paywalls on scientific progress.
• Morris highlights the work of Alexandra Elbakyan, the creator of Sci-Hub, a website that provides free access to millions of scientific articles.
• The podcast examines the controversy surrounding Sci-Hub, including the legal challenges faced by Elbakyan and the opposition from major scientific publishers.
• Morris emphasizes the profound impact of Sci-Hub on the scientific community, acknowledging its role in democratizing knowledge and advancing research.

11. The Importance of Balanced Perspectives and the Dangers of Oversimplification:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of nuanced perspectives and critical thinking, particularly in relation to complex issues like drug policy, addiction, and mental health.
• Morris cautions against oversimplification and the tendency to blame single entities for complex problems.
• The podcast highlights the need for understanding the interplay of individual responsibility, social factors, and systemic issues in shaping our lives and behaviors.
• Morris encourages listeners to engage in thoughtful discourse, considering multiple perspectives and challenging assumptions.

12. The Role of Social Media in Shaping Our Views and Behaviors:

• The podcast explores the impact of social media on communication, emphasizing the prevalence of anger, negativity, and superficiality.
• Morris argues that social media fosters a culture of outrage, hindering meaningful dialogue and promoting a sense of division and polarization.
• The podcast encourages listeners to engage in more thoughtful and constructive forms of communication, prioritizing empathy, understanding, and genuine connection.
• Morris advocates for a more balanced approach to social media, encouraging users to limit their exposure to negativity and prioritize meaningful interactions.

13. The Importance of Face-to-Face Communication and the Benefits of Podcasts:

• The podcast highlights the importance of face-to-face communication, arguing that it fosters a deeper sense of understanding and connection than online interactions.
• Morris praises the format of podcasts for promoting thoughtful dialogue and encouraging listeners to engage with ideas and perspectives in a more immersive way.
• The podcast emphasizes the value of listening attentively, considering different viewpoints, and engaging in respectful and open-minded discussions.
• Morris encourages listeners to seek out opportunities for authentic and meaningful conversations, recognizing the importance of human connection in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

Memorable Quotes from the Podcast

• “The problem that I don’t think the people that shut everything down for a fucking year ever take into consideration is that people don’t have the resources to bounce back. Things don’t bounce back on their own.”
• “People are trying not to be an asshole. When you wear a mask, which you’re which you’re basically saying is I’m not an asshole. You know?”
• “I think that there’s a lot of perhaps justified insecurity in the world of drugs. So people have been oppressed for such a long time that they needed justification of some kind.”
• “We don’t hate people for being alcohols. Right? We praise them for their sobriety. Like, when they get their 90 day chip or whatever they get. You know, people say, they don’t they look at you, like, you know, you’re you’re some sort of a fool because you couldn’t handle alcohol. They go, oh, he was an alcoholic, but he sobered himself up good for him.”
• “And I just hope that, you know, as many people as possible will remember the lessons of the past. that they won’t Hope away because these hysterias have never helped anyone, and they’ve caused in calculable human suffering.”