Focus on Clinical Research – Episode 1: The John Hopkins Story is a documentary series that explores the groundbreaking research being conducted at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine. The first episode of the series, released in 2019, focuses on the school’s research into the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms.
The episode features interviews with several researchers involved in the John Hopkins studies, including Dr. Roland Griffiths, a neuroscientist, and psychopharmacologist, and Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu, a clinical psychologist. The researchers discuss the history of psilocybin use, the challenges of conducting clinical trials with a controlled substance, and the potential applications of psilocybin in treating various mental health disorders.
The documentary also includes interviews with patients who have participated in the John Hopkins studies, describing their experiences with psilocybin and the positive impacts it has had on their mental health. The researchers emphasize the importance of conducting rigorous scientific studies to explore the potential benefits and risks of using psychedelic compounds in a therapeutic context.
Overall, the episode provides a compelling look at the cutting-edge research being conducted at John Hopkins and the potential role of psychedelic compounds in improving mental health outcomes.
Type: Documentary
Director(s): Kevin Balktick
Runtime: 41min
People
Manoj DossManoj Doss is a researcher at Johns Hopkins University where he studies the cognitive, emotional, and neural mechanisms of psychedelic drugs.
Tim Ferriss
Timothy (Tim) Ferriss is a well-known writer, investor, and podcaster. Tim has been involved with the renaissance of psychedelics research as a donor/philanthropist (to MAPS).
Roland Griffiths
Roland R. Griffiths is one of the strongest voices in psychedelics research. With over 400 journal articles under his belt and as one of the first researchers in the psychedelics renaissance, he has been a vital part of the research community.
Natalie Gukasyan
Dr. Natalie Gukasyan is a psychiatrist and post-doctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins University.
Bob Jesse
Robert 'Bob' Jesse is one of the hidden movers and shakers in the psychedelics renaissance. He founded the Council on Spiritual Practices. Together with Roland Griffiths (and many others), he led the new research into psychedelics, also with a focus beyond the ill, but too for people for spiritual and psychological benefits.
Matthew Johnson
Matthew Johnson is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. His research is concerned with addiction medicine, drug abuse, and drug dependence.
Katherine MacLean
Katherine Maclean is a researcher who's worked on the intersection between psychedelics and mindfulness meditation. She previously worked at Johns Hopkins and founded the Psychedelic Education and Continuing Care Program.
Bill Richards
William A. 'Bill' Richards is one of the pioneering psychedelic researchers (Johns Hopkins), a teacher at CIIS, and clinician in private practice.
Companies
Johns Hopkins UniversityJohns Hopkins University (Medicine) is host to the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, which is one of the leading research institutes into psychedelics. The center is led by Roland Griffiths and Matthew Johnson.
Horizons
Horizons, a non-profit, is one of the leading psychedelic conference organizers. Since 2007 they have been hosting conferences and classes. One needs to become a (yearly) member to attend events.