Summary
Highlights
Morris delves into the origins of Ketamine, tracing it back to PCP and its development as a safer anesthetic. He describes the surprising unawareness of one of its discoverers about its widespread use. He also explains Ketamine's evolution from a medical anesthetic to a popular rave drug, and now, a treatment for depression, noting its isolating effects compared to other social drugs.
Hamilton Morris is introduced as a journalist, documentarian, and scientific researcher known for his fearless exploration of psychoactive substances. He discusses his early work with Vice magazine, including 'The Magic Jews' piece about Hasidic Jews using psychedelics, and his extensive fieldwork in Mexico, Africa, and South America.
Hamilton recounts a dangerous expedition to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in search of rare weed strains, specifically an appetite-suppressant variety. He details the risks involved, including a local guide almost dying from malaria and the tragic death of a key subject, Franco, shortly after the shoot from cerebral malaria.
Morris describes his work in South Africa, investigating the bizarre legacy of chemical and biological weapon development during apartheid. He highlights the story of Dr. Voter Bassan, who allegedly attempted to weaponize recreational drugs like quaaludes for crowd control, leading to theories of a state-sponsored drug dealing operation. He also explains why quaaludes disappeared from the market due to their chemical properties and regulatory crackdown.
Hamilton discusses Ibogaine, a powerful substance found in Gabon, known for its ability to treat heroin addiction. He experienced an Ibogaine ceremony himself and reflects on how the tradition is evolving, particularly with the introduction of opioid addiction in Central West Africa, leading to the use of Ibogaine to treat tramadol addiction.
Hamilton discusses the history of MDMA, originally used in psychotherapy and couples therapy. He highlights Rick Doblin's multi-decade effort to get MDMA approved for PTSD treatment despite its Schedule I classification due to DEA resistance. He also clarifies the difference between MDMA, MDA, and Molly, and touches on the cultural anxieties reflected in drug usage patterns.
Morris shares a shocking, previously untold story about the alleged legal and PR campaign against MDMA's FDA approval. He claims a wealthy individual and her allies funded journalists and engaged in smear tactics, even intimidating trial participants, to derail the approval process. The FDA's recent rejection of MDMA for PTSD treatment is discussed, with Morris questioning some of the stated reasons.
Hamilton explains the preparation and cultural significance of Ayahuasca, a DMT-containing tea, noting the blend of plants and ritualistic aspects. He touches on its popularity for spiritual and therapeutic purposes, particularly for those seeking deep psychedelic experiences under supervision, and its association with processing trauma.
Morris talks about drugs he would avoid, like Scopolamine, known for inducing anticholinergic delirium and amnesia. He recounts an unsuccessful expedition to find hallucinogenic fish (ichthyoenotoxism) and his past experiences with psychoactive frog venoms, such as sapo from the waxy monkey tree frog in Brazil.
Hamilton reveals an untold story he hopes to adapt into a film: the disappearance of Marcia Moore, author of a mysterious book on ketamine. Moore, an astrologer and past-life regressionist, believed ketamine could save humanity and saw herself as a reincarnation of Cleopatra. Her disappearance, her husband's suspicion, and the strange connections to early computer research on astrology and the CIA make for a compelling mystery.
Morris discusses historical CIA involvement in psychedelic drug experiments, citing cases like Frank Olson and Harold Blau. He also shares a recently uncovered connection to chemist Alexander Shulgin and a psychedelic compound whose development was mysteriously discontinued. Finally, he analyzes RFK Jr.'s stance on drug policy, specifically his opposition to kratom, which RFK Jr links to his own past heroin addiction stemming from the French Connection heroin bust.