Hot Goss with Shayla Love: Shroom Patents and the Psychedelic Hype Bubble

The DoubleBlind Magic Hour

Did someone say shroom nasal spray? And what about an ayahuasca patch that doesn't make you vomit? There's all kinds of weird patents being filed in the emerging field of psychedelic science—and we get into it with journalist Shayla Love.

In this episode, Shayla Love joins us to talk about the complexities and nuances of psychedelic journalism. Shayla shares her journey from general health reporting to specializing in the psychedelic space, driven by personal experiences and a deep interest in mental health.

We explore the therapeutic potentials and challenges of psychedelics, emphasize responsible journalism, and get to messy topics like the ethics of psychedelic patents and the commercialization of psychedelic therapies.

We also get into broader societal implications, particularly in the context of recent decriminalization efforts in states like Oregon and Colorado, highlighting the need for accessible and ethical approaches in the expanding field of psychedelic medicine.

What We Cover (Expanded)

1. Shayla Love's Background in Health Journalism: We explore her transition from local news to a focus on neuroscience, psychology, and mental health influenced by personal experiences.
2. The State of Psychedelic Journalism: We discuss the decline of psychedelic-focused media with the closure of prominent platforms like Vice, and the unique position of DoubleBlind.
3. Ethical Concerns in Psychedelic Patents: We analyze how patents could restrict therapeutic innovations and the ethical implications within the burgeoning psychedelic industry.
4. Psychedelic Research and Mainstream Acceptance: The growth of psychedelic journalism as scientific research on these substances gains more mainstream media attention.
5. Personal Experiences with Psychedelics: Shayla's personal neutrality towards psychedelics, which she believes helps her maintain an unbiased perspective in her journalism.
6. The Challenge of Accessibility in Psychedelic Therapy: Concerns about the commercialization of psychedelic therapies and how it could limit access to those who might benefit from them.
7. Psychedelics and Mental Health: A deep dive into the potential and limitations of psychedelics as a treatment for mental health issues, including depression and PTSD.
8. Legal and Societal Implications of Decriminalization: The outcomes of psychedelic decriminalization in Oregon and Colorado, focusing on public health issues and drug policy.
9. Public Perception and Media Responsibility: The role of the media in shaping public perception of psychedelics and the responsibility to provide nuanced, accurate reporting.
10. Future of Psychedelic Therapy and Regulation: Discussion on the future implications of FDA approvals, the role of psychotherapy in treatment, and the ongoing evolution of regulations in the psychedelic space.

Shayla Love is a freelance science journalist based in Brooklyn, and a staff reporter for The Guardian and Psyche. She started writing about psychedelics as a senior staff writer at VICE News, and has extensively covered psychedelic research, culture, ethics, and business. Her work has also appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, WIRED, Scientific American, The Washington Post, STAT, The Atlantic, Undark, Harper’s, and more. She has a Master’s Degree from Columbia University in science, environment, and medicine journalism, and has received a number of awards and fellowships, including The Ferriss – UC Berkeley Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship.

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