Katherine Tucker, director of advocacy at the National Psychedelics Association, discusses her work in advocating for the use of psychedelic therapy in end-of-life care. She highlights the importance of providing relief for non-physical suffering in dying patients and the potential impact of psychedelic therapy on the desire for medical aid in dying. Tucker also discusses the challenges of navigating federal and state laws regarding the use of psychedelics and the need for a federal safe harbor. She expresses concerns about the pace of psychedelics regulation and emphasizes the underlying principles of empowering individuals with life-threatening illnesses to have more choices in managing their illness and confronting death.
Takeaways
• Psychedelic therapy can provide relief for non-physical suffering in dying patients and may impact the desire for medical aid in dying.
• There is a need for a federal safe harbor to allow physicians to provide psychedelic therapy without risking their licenses or facing criminal penalties.
• The pace of psychedelics regulation is a concern, and clarity is needed from the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration regarding enforcement of federal laws.
• Coalition building is important in the advocacy for psychedelic therapy, and support from the veteran mental health community is particularly significant.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
03:40
The Relationship Between Psychedelic Therapy and the Right to Die
08:45
Exploring the Personal Motivations for Advocacy
09:19
Legal Battles and the Right to Die
14:08
The Need for Federal Safe Harbor for Psychedelic Therapy
24:04
The Underlying Principles of Advocacy
26:12
Coalition Building and the Importance of Veteran Support
#psychedelic #psy #death
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