About
Psychedelic therapies are becoming more visible in both clinical research and public discourse, and patients often look to cannabis clinicians for trustworthy, evidence-based insights. While cannabis and psychedelics are distinct modalities, they share overlapping patient populations, therapeutic goals, and sociopolitical challenges. As these treatments gain momentum, clinicians must be prepared to discuss them responsibly, dispel common myths, and stay informed about emerging evidence. In alignment with the SCC’s mission to share clinical knowledge and promote best practices in cannabinoid medicine, this session offers essential context to help clinicians navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Description:
There has been a significant resurgence in clinical and public interest in the ability of psychedelics to treat mental illness and generate meaningful personal experiences. However, there are still formidable barriers in public perception that could thwart progress in policy, research, and therapeutic uses. These barriers include people’s beliefs and (mis)understanding of psychedelics, persistent myths about them, and a lack of understanding of their uses and benefits. XandY, an independent research and strategy firm, conducted a nationally-representative study of the US public to understand how Americans think about psychedelics and which policies they support regarding their use. In this presentation, XandY co-founders will present those findings and discuss strategies for designing communication efforts that can cultivate public support for psychedelic research, therapies, and decriminalization in the United States.
Bios:
Matthew Goldberg, Ph.D.
Dr. Matthew Goldberg is one of the world’s leading scientific experts on persuasion, human behavior, and public opinion. He has developed custom research insights for tech companies, media companies, political figures, and nonprofits, and has published dozens of peer-reviewed scientific studies. He earned his Ph.D. in Social Psychology and is a faculty research scientist at Yale University.
Abel Gustafson, Ph.D.
Dr. Abel Gustafson is one of the world’s leading scientific experts on social psychology and communication strategy. He has provided research solutions and strategic consulting for multi-national corporations, tech startups, media networks, political figures, and NGOs, and has published dozens of peer-reviewed scientific studies. After earning his Ph.D., he joined Yale University to conduct research on communication strategies related to science, sustainability, and emerging tech. He is a professor of public relations at the University of Cincinnati.