Exploring 5-MeO-DMT: Therapeutic Potential, Ethics and the Shadow with Dr Malin Uthaug, Christopher Timmermann, Rafael Lancelotta & Chad Charles

Nearly six times stronger than it's powerful hallucinogenic counterpart DMT, the famous psychedelic journalist Micheal Pollen described smoking toad as "ego-pulverizing." Although mainstream media often associates 5-MeO-DMT with powerful effects on the psyche, this fascinating molecule offers a much broader landscape of potentials, clinical redefining the Sonoran toad venom as a promising therapeutic. From ceremonies to the lab, why would this native desert amphibian possess a compound capable of inducing such profound experiences? A compound which can relieve trauma? A compound which even has the capacity to grow new nerve cells in the brain?

What makes 5-MeO-DMT so different from other classical psychedelics? What is the underlying neurobiology of 5-MeO-DMTs effect? And what scope of diseases could benefit from its impact on the brain and mind? We will explore the journey of 5-MeO-DMT, from its historical indigenous appearance in botanical mixes, forward to the present day with fascinating scientific research on the molecule amidst the global psychedelic renaissance. We will explore both the molecule's light and the shadow; it's transformative healing effects and the dangers faced by malpractice ceremonies, corruption and ethical issues surrounding toad endangerment. 

Traversing through culture, science and moral debate, join us as we dive into the known and the unknown of psychedelic toad venom and its mysterious psychoactive molecule, 5-MeO-DMT.

SPEAKERS

Dr Malin Vedoy Uthaug

Dr. Malin Vedøy Uthaug has a background in Health and Social Psychology as well as Psychopharmacology. She is currently working as a post-doctoral researcher at The Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London where she is investigating the effects of 5-MeO-DMT and Holotropic Breathwork on mental health related variables, embodiment, somatic processing, brain activity, and consciousness. 

As part of her PhD at Maastricht University in The Netherlands, Malin investigated the short-term and long-term effects of Ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT in naturalistic settings, while simultaneously initiating several other studies on the psychedelic substance Mescaline and the breathing practice known as Holotropic Breathwork (HB). 

Besides being a researcher, Malin is also a scientific advisor for Entheon Biomedical, an editor for the ‘Journal of Psychedelics Studies’, a board member of the American podcast-show known as Psychedelics Today, and the co-founder of the Norwegian Association for Psychedelic Science (Norsk Forening for Psykedelisk Vitenskap [NFPV]).

Christopher Timmermann

Christopher Timmermann PhD is based at the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, headed up by Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris. The research centre is at the forefront of developments with psychedelic drug treatment, and Chris himself was responsible for conducting the first neuroimaging research on the effects of DMT in the human brain and consciousness. Born in Chile, he studied Psychology in Santiago and joined ALIUS (a group focused on studying the diversity of consciousness), later becoming President of the Foundation for the Study of Human Consciousness. He obtained an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Bologna in Italy before coming to the UK to embark on his studies with DMT.

Rafael Lancelotta

Rafael Lancelotta is a somatic-focused, trauma-informed therapist who has supported clients' use of cannabis and ketamine to facilitate the therapeutic process. He has authored, co-authored, helped design, carried out and presented numerous published research studies on 5-MeO-DMT.

Rafael serves as a Founding Board Member and Secretary of the Source Research Foundation, a foundation which aims to connect, inspire, and support students who study all contexts of psychedelic use. He received his Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wyoming and is interested in the use of psychedelics towards greater levels of resiliency, mental health, and openness. He is also interested in the investigation of techniques used in the counseling relationship that may deepen and enhance the benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy and its integration. 

He is passionate about conversations about accessibility to psychedelic-assisted therapies to all people that may benefit as well as helping raise awareness  to the responsible clinical applications of psychedelics/entheogens. He hopes to continue working to help develop evidence-based practices for psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions and integration to empower individuals to make lasting positive change in their lives and in their communities. 

Chad Charles

Since 2016 Chad has been intensively immersed  in the world of therapy (psychedelic, somatic), neo-shamanism, psychonautism, naturalistic studies, conferences, congresses, trainings and retreats all related to bufo alvarius and/or 5-MeO-DMT. He has guided over 700 people on journeys with 5-MeO-DMT, and continues to do so.

Chad has a background in breath, primarily Conscious connected Breathwork and follows and practices non-dual teachings including transpersonal psychology, trauma release mechanisms, and mindfulness to bring about a holistic approach to the body, mind, and energy.

He has spoken at the World Bufo Alvarius Congress, participates in the Psychedelic Societies of Ottawa, Vancouver, and Toronto, as well as the Psychedelic Leadership Summit. He has also been featured on the Entheogenic Evolution and Adventures Through the Mind podcasts.

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