4. Psilocybin

Hallucinogenic drugs—popularly called psychedelics—have been used by human societies for thousands of years. Today, researchers and scientists all over the world are conducting clinical trials using many of these mind-altering substances and discovering they can have profoundly positive impacts, helping patients struggling with a range of issues from addiction, depression, trauma, PTSD, and end-of-life transition.

In December of 2022, we welcomed Dr. Anthony Bossis from New York University (NYU) & Johns Hopkins Research to St. James for a Faith Lab Speaker’s Forum presentation and dinner. Dr. Bossis discussed the healing power of psychedelic drugs and their mystical ability to heal. Our congregation was encouraged to pre-watch the documentary “Fantastic Fungi” on Netflix, with a cameo appearance by Dr. Bossis (watch the trailer here); he’s also given a TED Talk, as well. Dr. Bossis was also with us on Sunday morning, Dec. 4, 2022 at 10 a.m. for an Altarside Chat. 

Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, an adjunct professor of classics and religious studies at the University of Ottawa, and an Investigator at The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation. Since 2006, he has been conducting FDA-approved clinical research with the psychedelic compound psilocybin. His primary interests in psychedelic and mystical experience research are the treatment of end-of-life existential distress in palliative care, advancing our understanding of meaning and spirituality, and contributing to consciousness and religious studies.