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neil maclean's avatar

I appreciate the opening of this discussion. I interpret the MDMA advisory committee's disapproval as based on MAPS unwillingness to address "adverse events," especially false positives of a person who _believes_ they are healed, but is deluded. (The "Jesus Freak" is the most common and because so sought after by numerous cultural expectations one that is intractable and difficult to call out.

One area that I think is of crucial importance that I didn't see you mentioning: the effects of prison, incarceration, snitch society, plea bargaining, and all of the consequences: survivor guilt, trauma, loss of freedom. .... Your perspective seemed limited to me by the perspective of those who have suffered from the punishing propaganda but did not include those who have been targets of actual state violence.

Good article, and please keep going.

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Sheldon Norberg's avatar

Andrew, this is fantastic.

Have you ever heard of Confessions of a Dope Dealer?

https://web.archive.org/web/20060721233731/http://www.sheldonnorberg.com/

I would very much like to talk to you, and soon.

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Kai's avatar

Thank you for this well examined exploration of an unfortunately under-explored, and very important aspect of this new psychedelic renaissance. I agree that we need to be having a more nuanced discussion of these substances and the ways in which we can incorporate them into post-prohibition medical and mental health spaces.

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Jazz Glastra's avatar

Well said, Andrew. This is the most thoughtful take I've read on the incident so far and so many other golden nuggets in here.

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Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP's avatar

Thanks Jazz.

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Mandy Bliss's avatar

Thank you for a cogent, evidence-backed response to a truly important issue. It’s a refreshing contrast to the cavalier (and sometimes reckless) claims made by one side, and the pearl-clutching histeria from the other. It’s lovely to see someone can give both a human AND academic response.

SO importantly, thank you for advocating for making it easier for pilots, physicians, and nurses (🙋🏻‍♀️) to seek mental health care without risking their professional license and livelihood. Bravo.

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Andrew Penn, MS, PMHNP's avatar

Thanks Mandy - glad it resonated. I'm calling ALL the sides of this issue in to be more honest about the situation. Trust is on the table to be reclaimed.

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