The Altered States of America: Psychedelic Movements - Robert Forte

Medicine for These Times with Beth Weinstein

Robert Forte is a scholar of the history and psychology of religion, with a special focus on the ancient and modern use—and misuse—of psychedelic plants and drugs. He has studied and collaborated with many of the most seminal figures who first brought these substances to public consciousness since the 1940s, including Albert Hofmann, Gordon Wasson, Timothy Leary, Alexander Shulgin, Stanislav Grof, and others.

His first book, Entheogens and the Future of Religion, was praised by Huston Smith as “the best single inquiry into the religious significance of psychedelics.” His second book, Outside Looking In: Appreciations, Castigations, Reminiscences of Timothy Leary, offers an intimate look at this controversial figure. In 1998, he republished an updated edition of The Road to Eleusis: Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries by Gordon Wasson, Albert Hofmann, and Carl Ruck—a seminal text that initiated the inquiry into the role of entheogens in Western religion and philosophy.

Over the years, Forte has manufactured MDMA before it was scheduled, conducted research into its clinical effects, and performed fieldwork in Peru studying the impact of ayahuasca on cancer patients. He has also maintained an underground practice utilizing various medicines for psychotherapy and spiritual exploration.

Around 20 years ago, his interests shifted toward the sociology of psychedelic experience, where he has developed a somewhat controversial perspective on how these substances entered modern consciousness. He argues that the history of psychedelics, much like the history of religion, contains both the best and worst of humanity. Without acknowledging and integrating its shadow aspects, he warns, we risk becoming victims of them.

Episode Highlights

▶ How early psychedelic experiences profoundly influenced individual perspectives.

▶ How the 1980s saw a resurgence in psychedelic research following prior suppression.

▶ MDMA's shift from therapeutic tool to illegal substance exemplifies drug policy complexities.

▶ Government drug policies and how they often prioritize control over public health.

▶ The psychedelic narratives that are often entangled with conspiracy theories and misinformation.

▶ How psychedelics offer potential for consciousness expansion, but require careful integration to avoid pitfalls like spiritual bypassing.

▶ The Controlled Substances Act and how it’s rationality is widely questioned.

▶ How despite illegality, MDMA's popularity grew, reflecting societal interest.

▶ The societal impact of psychedelics is multifaceted, demanding ethical consideration.

▶ Why meaningful change requires applying psychedelic insights to daily life, beyond mere experience.

Robert Forte's Links & Resources

▶ Website: alteredstatesofamerica.net

▶ Substack: alteredstatesofamerica.substack.com

▶ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/robert.forte.79

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