Psychedelics 101 Foundational Course

Psychedelics 101 is a foundational education series presented by Delphi. This introductory course explores a range of topics, from the history and science of psychedelics to their therapeutic potential, legal status, and the complexities of regulation and access. It examines the challenges and opportunities in integrating these powerful tools into our healthcare system and society at large.

What is Psychedelics 101?

This course begins by examining the history of psychedelic use, starting with their ancient roots in indigenous communities. The course then traces the scientific interest in these compounds, beginning in the 19th century, and continuing through the cultural revolution of the 1960s, and the research hiatus following the Controlled Substances Act. Finally, the course examines the recent resurgence of research in this field, with particular attention to the latest developments in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

The goal of this course is to provide learners with a comprehensive and balanced understanding of psychedelics, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of this field. Whether you are a healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply someone with a keen interest in the potential of psychedelics, Psychedelics 101 offers a valuable foundation for understanding this emerging area of study.

Discover how psychedelics can transform healthcare

This course provides a foundational understanding of these powerful substances, exploring their therapeutic benefits, regulatory challenges, and the evolving legal landscape.

$399

One-Time Payment

Get access to lifetime updates.

Meet Your Facilitators

Lia Mix, LMFT, CPTR

Founder & CEO of Delphi

Lia Mix has worked for over two decades to integrate new behavioral health therapies into the US healthcare system.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist with a Certification in Psychedelic Therapies and Research, she brings a unique perspective to this emerging field.

Lia’s career began in community mental health, working with vulnerable populations. Later, she spent 15 years in the commercial health insurance industry, where her work directly impacted 20 million covered lives and indirectly influenced the entire commercial market of 250 million.

Now, at Delphi, she collaborates with various stakeholders to ensure the responsible integration of psychedelic therapies into broader health paradigms. Delphi’s goal is to extend the potential benefits of these innovative treatments to millions more, making them accessible within mainstream healthcare. Lia has witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of psychedelic therapies and their rapid evolution.

Floris Wolswijk, MSc

Founder & CEO of Delphi

Floris has been the driving force behind Blossom, the most comprehensive database for psychedelic medicine insights.

This groundbreaking platform has become an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and enthusiasts alike, providing a bridge between academic rigor and accessible information.

Floris’s commitment to advancing the field of psychedelics extends beyond data aggregation. With two years of experience working at Delphi, he has been instrumental in developing innovative healthcare solutions in this emerging field. His work exemplifies a dedication to leveraging psychedelics for positive societal impact.

Floris holds a master’s degree in Psychology from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, bringing a solid academic foundation to his work. His journey in the psychedelic field began with personal experiences, which led to a deep dive into the scientific literature. This combination of personal insight and scientific rigor has shaped his unique perspective on the potential of psychedelics in medicine and self-development.

Joshua Lilienstein, MD

Senior Medical Advisor at Delphi

Dr. Lilienstein’s expertise spans neurobiology, radiology, device development, and pharmaceutical development.

He offers invaluable insights into the medical and industry standards that shape the regulatory landscape of psychedelics.

Dr. Lilienstein holds a BA in Neuroscience from UC Berkeley, an MD from the USC Keck School of Medicine, and a Certificate in Psychedelic Therapies and Research from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). This multidisciplinary background allows him to approach regulatory challenges from various angles, considering both the scientific and practical aspects of psychedelic medicine.

In his professional career, Dr. Lilienstein has been at the forefront of pharmaceutical development, leading strategies for integrated evidence planning, external engagement, and clinical development. His experience in building teams and collaborating across different stages of product lifecycles gives him a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory hurdles facing the psychedelic field. Dr. Lilienstein has been working behind the scenes to support the development of the psychedelic ecosystem since 2016, making him an ideal guide for explorations of regulatory challenges.

Kwasi Adusei, DNP

Research Affiliate at Harvard Law School

Kwasi Adusei is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a multifaceted career in the field of psychedelic medicine.

Kwasi currently serves as a Research Affiliate at the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School. In this role, he contributes to the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation (POPLAR), examining the ethical, legal, and social implications of psychedelics research, commerce, and therapeutics. This position uniquely qualifies him to discuss the complex interplay between policy, access, and ethics in psychedelic therapy.

Kwasi’s work with the Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI) and the Psychedelic Medicine Association (PMA) has positioned him at the forefront of efforts to ensure that the benefits of psychedelic therapies are accessible to all communities, including BIPOC and other minority groups. His involvement in these organisations reflects a deep commitment to addressing the unique challenges these communities face in accessing and benefiting from psychedelic treatments. As a board member of Reconsider.org and with his past experience in grassroots harm reduction efforts, Kwasi brings valuable insights into practical strategies for risk mitigation and public health approaches to ensure the safe use of psychedelics.

With his diverse background spanning clinical practice, research, policy development, and innovative business models, Kwasi is uniquely qualified to guide audiences through the complex landscape of ethics, access, and harm reduction in psychedelic therapy.

Lisa Gora, Esq.

Attorney at Epstein Becker Green

Lisa Gora is a leading attorney specializing in healthcare law, regulatory compliance, and emerging fields like psychedelics and cannabis.

Lisa plays a key role in Epstein Becker Green’s psychedelic and cannabis practices, providing legal guidance to highly regulated businesses in these evolving legal frameworks. Her expertise extends to advising healthcare providers, researchers, academic medical centers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and investors interested in psychedelic substances.

As co-chair of the psychedelic subcommittee of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Lisa is at the forefront of shaping legal perspectives on psychedelics. Her past roles as Chair of the Health Law Section and co-chair of the Cannabis Law Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association further demonstrate her leadership in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Lisa’s contributions to the field include serving as Editor-in-Chief of “Health Care and the Business of Cannabis: Legal Questions and Answers,” a pioneering publication offering insights into the interplay between medicinal cannabis and the healthcare industry. Her comprehensive understanding of varying approaches to psychedelic regulation across different states positions her as an invaluable guide in exploring the patchwork of laws and policies governing psychedelics in the U.S.

Course Curriculum

Module 1 provides an introduction to psychedelics, exploring their effects, origins, and potential uses. The module defines psychedelics as a vast and diverse array of chemical compounds that can be found naturally or synthesized in a lab. This introductory module also distinguishes between classic psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, and non-classic psychedelics, based on the neurotransmitters these substances affect.

Each module has a full transcript available.
Each module also provides links to further reading materials.
And a short (optional) quiz to test your knowledge.

Module 2 focuses on the historical use of psychedelics in indigenous communities worldwide. It explores the significance of these substances in medicinal treatments for physical and psychological ailments, as well as their crucial role in religious practices. The module highlights the pioneering knowledge and techniques developed by indigenous communities for harvesting and ingesting these compounds, underlining their deep understanding of psychedelics’ properties and applications.

Module 3 examines the history of scientific interest in psychedelics from 1900 to 1970, tracing the arc of scientific inquiry into these compounds and their therapeutic potential. The module discusses early research efforts, the cultural shifts of the 1960s that led to the association of psychedelics with countercultural movements, and the ultimate curtailment of research due to the enactment of the US Controlled Substances Act. This period witnessed a shift in societal perceptions of psychedelics, culminating in legal restrictions that significantly impacted the field.

Module 4 explores psychedelic research after the enactment of the US Controlled Substances Act of 1970, tracing its evolution to the present day. Despite the legal restrictions imposed by the CSA, research continued, laying the groundwork for the contemporary resurgence of interest in psychedelics. The module acknowledges the significant strides made in understanding the therapeutic potential of these compounds but also highlights the many unresolved questions that continue to drive research efforts.

Module 5 examines psychedelic-assisted therapy, a specialised therapeutic approach combining psychedelic compounds with psychotherapy to address a variety of conditions. The module emphasises the importance of a structured approach, typically involving three stages: preparation, administration of the psychedelic, and integration. While the administration of the psychedelic compound is a central element, all three stages are crucial for the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach.

Module 6 addresses psychedelics in the context of US law, focusing on the evolving legal landscape surrounding these substances. With recent legislative initiatives and voter-led reforms, access to psychedelic therapies is undergoing significant changes. The module explores various reform efforts, including decriminalisation, legalisation, and the establishment of regulated frameworks for psychedelic-assisted therapy. It also highlights the potential benefits and risks associated with these legal changes.

Module 7 discusses regulation, safety, and access in the context of the growing demand for psychedelic therapies in the US. It explores the need for careful regulation and the importance of balancing cost and accessibility with the maintenance of quality care. The module stresses the necessity of guidance from state and federal governments to ensure equitable distribution of these potentially life-changing treatments across the country.

Module 8 examines special populations and risk reduction in psychedelic therapy, focusing on the need for culturally sensitive care. This module explores mental health disparities among BIPOC populations and addresses their unique challenges in accessing and safely engaging with psychedelic treatments. The module advocates for harm reduction strategies to mitigate risks and promote safety for all individuals using psychedelics, regardless of their legal status.

Module 9 focuses on the regulatory challenges in psychedelic drug development, highlighting the complexities and potential solutions in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. It analyses the recent experience of a company seeking approval for MDMA-assisted therapy, drawing lessons from the challenges encountered. The module stresses the importance of collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and regulators to establish clear pathways for integrating psychedelic therapies into mainstream healthcare.

Module 10 serves as the conclusion of the course, offering a recap of the key insights from the previous modules. It reflects on the journey through the history, science, therapeutic applications, legal and regulatory considerations surrounding psychedelics. The module emphasises the transformative potential of psychedelic therapies, acknowledging the complexities of responsible development and integration.

FAQ

The course consists of 10 modules.
Each module features a video presentation approximately 20–30 minutes long.
A full transcript of each video is available.
Each module includes a further reading section with links to relevant academic articles to support your learning.
Each module has an optional quiz to test your knowledge.

The Psychedelics 101 course is self-paced, so you can start whenever you are ready.

You will have lifetime access to the course materials.
You will also receive all future updates to the course content.

The price for the course is $399.

The Psychedelics 101 course provides a comprehensive overview of the field of psychedelic medicine. Here are some of the key topics covered:

Module 1: Introduction to Psychedelics Provides a foundational understanding of what psychedelics are, including different terms used to describe them.
- Covers classic psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and mescaline.
Module 2: History of Psychedelics in Indigenous Communities Explores the long history of psychedelic use in ancient civilizations and Indigenous communities around the world.
Module 3: History of Psychedelics 1900–1970 Examines the evolution of scientific interest in psychedelics, including significant research and experiments that shaped the field.
- Covers the impact of social and political contexts on the development of psychedelic research.
- Includes discussion of the US Controlled Substances Act of 1970.
Module 4: Research After the Controlled Substances Act to the Present Day Traces the trajectory of psychedelic research from the 1970s to the present day, highlighting key studies and findings.
- Addresses the challenges and limitations faced by researchers during this period.
- Explores unanswered questions and areas for future research.
Module 5: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Focuses on the integration of psychedelic compounds with psychotherapy to treat various mental health conditions.
- Discusses the principles and stages of psychedelic-assisted therapy, including preparation, administration, and integration.
- Explores specific protocols like MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD.
- Examines training programs for facilitators.
Module 6: Psychedelics and US Law Examines the current legal status of psychedelics in the US, both at the federal and state levels.
- Discusses decriminalization and legalization efforts, along with their potential implications for access, research, and therapy.
- Analyzes specific state-level reforms, such as those in Oregon, Colorado, and Connecticut, highlighting both intended goals and potential risks.
Module 7: Regulation, Safety, and Access Addresses the crucial balance between expanding access to psychedelic treatments and ensuring safety and ethical guidelines.
- Discusses the challenges of integrating psychedelic therapies into existing healthcare systems and achieving equitable access for all communities.
- Considers the role of education, training, and certification for practitioners.
- Explores the potential risks and benefits of different regulatory approaches.
Module 8: Special Populations and Risk Reduction Focuses on the concerns surrounding vulnerable populations, particularly BIPOC and other minority groups, in accessing psychedelic therapies.
- Examines the social determinants of health that influence access to care.
- Discusses harm reduction strategies for mitigating risks associated with psychedelic use.
Module 9: FDA Regulatory Challenges Explores the specific regulatory challenges faced by developers of psychedelic medicines in the US, focusing on the FDA approval process.
- Covers issues such as drug-psychotherapy combinations, functional unblinding, expectation bias, adverse event reporting, and the durability of effects.
Module 10: Course Conclusion and Key Insights Offers a recap of the key insights from the previous modules.
- Reflects on the journey through the history, science, therapeutic applications, legal, and regulatory considerations surrounding psychedelics.
- Emphasizes the transformative potential of psychedelic therapies, acknowledging the complexities of responsible development and integration.

Upon completing the Psychedelics 101 course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted world of psychedelic medicine. You will be equipped to:

Make informed decisions about your own involvement in the psychedelic space.
Engage in informed discussions about the history, science, and therapeutic potential of psychedelics.
Critically evaluate legal and regulatory developments in the field.
Understand the ethical considerations and challenges associated with psychedelic therapy.

No, the Psychedelics 101 course is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice.

You can learn more about Delphi and our work on our homepage https://delphi-circle.com. Or contact us at info@delphi-circle.com