Welcome to Afterglow, a newsletter that will change your mind. My name is Charles Bliss and I'm a psychedelic journalist from Norwich, UK.
This week, discover the best psychedelic newsletters for a dose of mind-expansion delivered straight to your inbox.
In the ever-evolving landscape of psychedelics, staying informed is crucial. As the realms of psychedelic therapy, research, culture, business and politics intensify like a fractal pattern, it's essential to have reliable sources to navigate the vast sea of information.
To keep you up to speed with the latest news, research breakthroughs and community updates, I've curated a list of the top five newsletters that offer profound insights into the world of psychedelic journalism.
From cutting-edge research and professional interviews to personal narratives and cultural analysis, they offer a comprehensive understanding of the transformative power of these compounds, advocating for the safe and responsible use of psychedelics, while helping you understand the risks and rewards.
Whether you're a seasoned psychonaut or an inquisitive mind seeking knowledge, these newsletters will keep you engaged and informed. Here are the top five psychedelics newsletters you should subscribe to.
The Microdose
The Microdose is a cutting-edge newsletter produced by the UC Berkeley Centre for the Science of Psychedelics. The institution is at the forefront of psychedelic research and its free newsletter delivers thought-provoking content that bridges science, culture and spirituality.
The twice-weekly newsletter is published on Mondays and Fridays, including interviews with specialists in the field and a summary of breaking news from the previous seven days. Written by award-winning science journalist Jane C. Hu and edited by Malia Wollan, The Microdose helps readers navigate "the crosscurrents of the psychedelic renaissance" by exploring the latest studies, clinical trials and breakthroughs, shedding light on the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics.
It was launched in October 2021 by Michael Pollan, psychedelic journalist and author of How to Change Your Mind, who said:
"Psychedelics is not yet a full-blown journalistic beat, with deeply knowledgeable and dedicated reporters, but it deserves to be one, and Berkeley aims to help make that happen. The Microdose is our first step."
The Microdose
Ecstatic Integration
Ecstatic Integration is a newsletter from philosopher, researcher and author Jules Evans and The Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project dedicated to "improving Western culture’s ecstatic literacy".
Launched in September 2022, The Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project explores psychedelic and ecstatic ethics, integration and harm reduction. It produces academic research on adverse psychedelic experiences, enduring post-trip difficulties and how to deal with them.
Evans writes about under-reported aspects of the psychedelic field including harms and abuses, as well as how we encounter and make sense of ecstatic experiences and what effect journeys beyond the self have on our society. The newsletter also features other expert voices on psychedelic risks and harm reduction, such as Ed Prideaux from the Perception Restoration Foundation.
You can subscribe to Ecstatic Integration for free, although some content is behind a paywall. Paid subscribers get access to the full newsletter, podcast, community chat, online events and archive.
Jules Evans
Psych Global
For a worldwide perspective on the psychedelic renaissance, look no further than Psych Global. This comprehensive newsletter covers a wide range of topics, including scientific advancements, policy updates and cultural shifts surrounding psychedelics.
Written by a diverse team of experts, Psych Global aims to foster a broad dialogue on psychedelics, addressing their potential for healing, personal growth and societal change. With its engaging articles and in-depth interviews, this newsletter provides a well-rounded understanding of the current state and future direction of psychedelics across the globe.
The complimentary newsletter has more than 25,000 subscribers, including investors, academics and operators receiving the latest news on the psychedelic science and healthcare industry.
READ MORE
Discover the latest articles from Charles Bliss
- Oxford Psychedelic Society to protest for drug policy reform
- FDA releases first draft guidance for psychedelic research
- Psychedelics could be ‘master key’ for unlocking new skills and healing, study finds
The Trip Report by Beckley Waves
Beckley Waves is a venture studio that supports emerging leaders and companies actively building a global infrastructure to provide safe and legal access to new psychedelic medicines and mental health solutions.
With a focus on the intersection between psychedelic business and technology, The Trip Report by Beckley Waves explores the acceleration of psychedelic science, drug policy laws and the mechanisms underlying why psychedelics give rise to some of the most important and meaningful experiences of people’s lives.
Rather than a weekly publication, The Trip Report by Beckley Waves offers a deep dive into particular areas each month, attempting to understand the fascinating dynamics, complexities, challenges and opportunities of psychedelic experiences.
Written by journalist Zach Haigney, the newsletter also provides commentary and analysis for stakeholders in the emerging psychedelic science, medicine and policy landscape:
"The Trip Report by Beckley Waves is for people who are curious, fascinated, excited, concerned and hopeful about legal psychedelics in healthcare, spirituality and society."
Zach Haigney
Lucid News
My final recommendation is Lucid News, an enlightening newsletter that covers a broad spectrum of topics related to psychedelics.
Lucid News serves as a bridge between psychedelic enthusiasts, researchers and the broader public. Through thought-provoking articles and interviews, it offers a holistic view of the psychedelic landscape.
Lucid News also explores the intersection of psychedelics with art, culture, technology and philosophy, providing a rich tapestry of insights and inspiration.
And, of course, don't forget to subscribe to my psychedelic newsletter, Afterglow ✌️
🤯 Mind at Large
A breakdown of mind-blowing ideas I encountered this week:
📖 Article – Inaki Berazaluce reports on how Ukrainian citizens and its military are seeking psychedelic therapy for war trauma.
🎬 Video – Roland Griffiths and David Yaden | The Scientific Psychedelics Revolution and Embracing Mortality.
"In the last few years it has become quite clear that certain drugs called 'psychedelic', especially LSD and psilocybin, give us some possibility of control in this realm of peak-experiences. It looks as if these drugs often produce peak-experiences in the right people under the right circumstances, so that perhaps we needn’t wait for them to occur by good fortune."
Abraham Maslow
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