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Michael Pollan Speaks About Psychedelics And Mental Health

Bestselling author Michael Pollan speaks Monday night at the Aspen Institute. He’s known for writing books like "The Omnivore’s Dilemma" and "In Defense of Food," about how plants can benefit our bodies. His newest book explores how a specific kind of plant- those with psychedelic properties- can benefit our minds, too.  

Pollan’s new book, "How To Change Your Mind,"  discusses the use of psychedelic drugs to treat mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress. He also looks at their use to alleviate anxiety in people with serious physical ailments, such as cancer.

Cristal Logan, Director of Community Programs at the Aspen Institute, said that Pollan’s new research is a natural progression from his writing on plant-based solutions to physical illness.

 

"His book is certainly timely and important given that we also have a mental health crisis in our country,” said Logan.

For "How To Change Your Mind," Pollan not only looked at studies on how psychedelic drugs like psilocybin and LSD affect mental health. He also took psychedelics himself in a highly-controlled environment as part of his research.

 

 

 

Contributor Christin Kay is passionate about the rich variety of arts, cultural experiences and stories in the Roaring Fork Valley. She has been a devotee of public radio her whole life. Christin is a veteran of Aspen Public Radio, serving as producer, reporter and interim news director.