💧 Ozempic + Psychedelics: A new diabetes duo?

Welcome back to The Drop In! We SoCal folks are on the back end of a hellish heat wave that almost melted us off the planet 🫠 . While we’re grateful the temperature has dropped, we couldn’t help but reflect on rising global temperatures and how this community of compassionate folks can channel its brilliance into creative solutions.

But that’s an essay for a different day. Today’s featured story dives into a potential new diabetes treatment, blending Ozempic with a psychedelic alkaloid from Syrian Rue and Banisteriopsis caapi. Read the story below to see how this compound affects beta cells and insulin production.  Plus, don’t miss the beautiful essay on Penny V, a pillar of Big Sur’s whimsical community and a true psychedelic elder. We also just published a piece on a mushroom dispensary in Vancouver that won a court case to stay open!

You can also join us for our workshop on psychedelics for trauma later this month. Learn more about it here! 

Enjoy the brain food 🧠🌍🍌

Mary Carreón
Senior Editor

Together With…

Do you find yourself in conversations about psychedelics, wanting to share more than just personal insights–but unsure how to explain the science?

You’re not alone. We can all agree that the latest research is fascinating, but translating it into simple, scientifically-informed language for clients, loved ones, or curious friends can be challenging for many.

That’s why we’re excited about leading psychedelic neuroscientist and researcher Dr. Manesh Girn’s upcoming free webinar. In “Bridging the Gap: How to Communicate Psychedelic Science to Patients, Clients, and Loved Ones,” Dr. Girn will help you break down complex findings into clear and easy-to-understand language.

In this free 60-minute presentation and Q&A, you’ll learn how to:

• Explain how psychedelics affect the brain and consciousness in an easy-to-understand and relatable way

• Address concerns about safety with the latest scientific evidence

• Understand the current evidence for psychedelic therapy for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and more

• Adjust your communication for different groups—whether it’s a healthcare client or your curious neighbor

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a guide, or simply someone passionate about this field, this webinar will give you the tools to speak about psychedelics in a factual and evidence-based way.  

Click here to reserve your spot now for the live session and access the recording!

Our Latest

At 95, Penny Vieregge, a Big Sur icon, embodies the spirit of the psychedelic era—without needing the substances. Living in a constant state of mysticism and synesthesia, Penny shares her wisdom through poetry, stories from her time at Esalen, and guiding others through transformative experiences. Her life is a testament to the natural magic of simply being. Click here to discover her remarkable journey in this heartwarming profile!

Following the FDA’s denial of MDMA-assisted therapy, MAPS is turning its attention to state-level efforts. In a recent panel, experts highlighted the organization's push for ballot measures in states like Massachusetts, following in the footsteps of Colorado and Oregon. With federal approval stalled, MAPS believes state-led initiatives are the future of psychedelic therapy. Click here to get the full story on this new direction.

& More Must-Reads

• How do psychedelic art and space art overlap? For starters, the earliest blotter papers expressed the astronomical depths of LSD with images of crescent moons, swirling nebulas, and star scapes.

• The increasing use of ketamine for mental health should not let us forget that this combination clinical and party drug also has addictive potential.

• The more people who come out as psychedelic users, the more we can shift public perception, reduce stigma, and support policy reform, and if you're considering going public, we've got tips to help.

Trip Tales

Have you had a profound experience with psychedelics before? Share your story with us for a chance to be featured in The Drop In. Submit your entry here.

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From live Q&As with psychedelic pioneers to practical tools for integration, we’ve got you covered.

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Learn with Us

✨Psilocybin shrooms and LSD are among the most popular of the classic psychedelics. If you’re new here, you might be wondering: what’s the difference? Here's our comparison of shrooms vs. acid and their different effects.

💧You may have tripped on acid before, but do you know where it comes from? While LSD is derived from the ergot fungus, the acid we know and love is synthesized in a lab. Here’s the scoop on how it’s made.

🍃You’ve likely seen salvia being sold as gas stations and head shops—but is legal? Salvia divinorum exists in a legal gray area, with varying regulations worldwide. Here’s the low down on it’s legality.

🪵 A conservation report released a few years ago raised concerns about the sustainability of palo santo. It left a lot of people wondering whether it was actually endangered or not. Here’s the breakdown on this sacred wood.

DoubleBlind Digs

Here are today’s recommendations to help you live more psychedelically… 

1. Calling all fungi fanatics near Montreal! 🍄 The first-ever Montreal Mushroom Festival is happening October 18 & 19, with talks, workshops, sonic healing, DJ sets, and more for mycology lovers and the curious alike. Connect with fellow mushroom enthusiasts and explore a bazaar filled with artisanal goods. Check it out and grab your tickets here!

2. You (yes, you!) have the capacity to be an artist—especially if you’re creating trippy art. We’ve found that creating art can be incredibly therapeutic during a trip as well as in the intergration process. If you want to make trippy art but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few prompts to help spark your imagination.

3. Dreaming of a career in the psychedelics space? There are countless paths you can take, from research and facilitation to manufacturing and communications. Start by considering your skill set, find a company that aligns with your values, and go from there! Our friends at Psychedelic Alpha offer a job board that’s perfect for kicking off your search for meaningful work. Check it out here.

Together With…

Want to feel confident explaining psychedelics to your clients, family, or friends?

Join renowned neuroscientist Dr. Manesh Girn for a free webinar on September 25th at 4pm PT/7pm ET.

In “Bridging the Gap: How to Communicate Psychedelic Science to Patients, Clients, and Loved Ones”, you’ll learn:

• How psychedelics affect the brain and mind

• How to address concerns about safety

• The latest science behind their mental health benefits

• And much more, all in an easy-to-understand and digestible way!

Whether you’re looking to educate clients or simply deepen your understanding of psychedelics, this webinar will equip you with the tools to communicate science with clarity and ease.

Sign up now to secure your spot and get access to the recording!

Latest Youtube Video

What We're Watching: The Dark Side of Psychedelic Retreats

We’re diving into the troubling story of Sowilo, a psychedelic retreat center embroiled in controversy in our latest video on YouTube. 

The truth is, anyone can open a retreat center, call themselves a “shaman,” and start facilitating entheogens. This investigation uncovers harm caused by facilitators operating out of integrity, and gives us a window into the shadow side of the psychedelic retreat industry.

Click here to watch the video, and don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel.