Jonathan, Excellent reporting on a topic that could have easily slipped under the radar. These people really are idiots, Trump's no scientist, RFK's no scientist and Rogan's a self-promoting clown, if they're so concerned, let them be the guinea pigs, at least it will keep them from harming the millions that listen to them. Of course, we know what's really driving this gambit, they all want a piece of the kickbacks from the drug companies. Like these clowns care about people with PTSD, give me an f-ing break.
"WE HAVE A BIG OPIATE PROBLEM!" - Joe Rogan, 4/18/2026, behind seated President TRUMP.
Did you know that? Because, that's despite a 27% drop in 2024, the largest drop since the last: 4% (in 2018), in 45 years of tracking.
I do not think he is wrong though. Because, as a "low dose, long-term chronic pain patient" (2003), we've become very sensitive to changes (eg. 2016 CDC Guidelines). For the past year, the changes have been subtle, but sudden, and pernicious.
For example, since always/forever, pain is variable, early refills, by 3 days was allowed. In April 2025, the Pharmacist's corporate business daddy declared it 2 (DAY 28). I had to come back the next day.
Then, there was the appointment when the Doctor suddenly mumbled "hmm... I'm having a hard time finding the right ICD-10 so you can fill it."
Also, once in the waiting room a few months previous, a gentleman was complaining about the Walgreens having issues. I suggested a *small* Pharma not that farther away... he said, "they aren't taking new patients".
And finally, just last month, at my Pharmacy again, but this time (UHC) was now saying 1 (DAY 29), which he "didn't understand." When I got home and called, the UHC Lady had to put me on hold to ask further, and when she returned?.... "It was....weird, she was just like, well sometimes it day this and sometimes it day that..."
However, it would seem, that my "missing piece" was just discovered. Not to anyone's benefit... so, just one more for the list.
Ketamine saved my life. It’s fairly irresponsible for people to self treat, but it’s what a lot of people (I’m blessed to have an actual medical provider) with psychedelics.
The question aint wrong, there is obviously a room for treatment inside the "psychedelic" drug spehere. Its who runs it wich is the problem. Look, there is plenty of scientific proof that some drugs may help with both PTSD and clinical neural depression. Some of us have been saying this should be examined for years and years. Still yars me to see fkin JFK take the credit for that work.
Does this mean we can drop acid again? Better yet, how about a Bulwark Live event that is more like a rave, where everyone is taking X, including JVL and Sarah? If Bill Kristol is in, I’m paying top dollar for that ticket.
Psychedelics have been around for a long time. “Benefit” from taking the drugs can be highly subjective. Abuse and exacerbating underlying psychosis is well-documented.
Trump’s foray into the FDA process can have only 3 meanings: 1) Rogan’s hectoring pushed him into the decision; 2) someone in the Trump orbit is set to make a pile of $$ from the decision; 3) Trump (or family) is set to make a pike of $$ from the decision.
Private companies are doing the research. The FDA reviews the results and decides whether safety and efficacy criteria have been met. So they might speed them through without proper review, but the clinical trials companies are still going to be following the established process and regulations.
I'm a huge advocate for responsible psychedelic use. I got into them in my teens, for recreational purposes. But these substances do deserve more research.
That being said, as with Stand up Comedy, Joe Rogan is a late comer to the huge world of psychedelics. But he pushes them to people with little to no caution.
While I had fun times when I was younger, I think these substances are powerful and should be taken seriously. Not just consumed willy-nilly at concerts or parties. The tryptamines, psilocybin, dmt, in particular. These substances can be life changing for people. But anyone with a history of psychosis, or mental trauma should probably be careful before trying these.
Not to mention that online you see countless stories of people using too much, too often. And either losing touch with reality, or causing themselves mental anguish.
Despite being an advocate, Joe Rogan is the last person I want having any serious say on anything health related. The same way you can read a book by someone intelligent, but that doesn't mean you're all of a sudden as intelligent as the author.
Just because Joe has interviewed Dennis McKenna, doesn't make him as knowledgeable as Dennis McKenna.
Unfortunately like so many other Trump actions, it's optically spur of the moment, as he moves onto other things…..so this comes down to the issues you and Dr Cohn have raised, and how the experts address them.
I'll only add that depression is insidious to deal with, and difficult to cure/alleviate even with medical intervention. So while this certainly is something to be grateful for, it needs to be really managed well globally and for the individuals who participate. Hopefully it will be effective down the line.
The risk of drug impurities is higher now than in the past. Pills, powders, liquids, liquids dried on paper, etc, are all subject to the producer following strict synthesis procedures, along with supply chain integrity related to no downstream adulteration. I am certain the importance of quick tests for fentanyl has not fully reached the recreational consumer, to say nothing of the psychedelic analogs that can exist in the illicit marketplace. That said, the safest psychedelic of choice would probably be whole psilocybin containing mushrooms easy inspected (and weighed) prior to ingestion. Any marketplace associated with legal use needs proper regulation, patient, and consumer education.
I can't agree with you more. I will say that from what I've witnessed online, it's safer to purchase off the dark web than the street. That being said, more youngsters seem to employ testing kits and fent tests as a matter of course , which is great. But, like you point out, even clean substances can be overused, and there's a lack of broad education outside of the drug scene.
Also, I am mostly an advocate for psilocybin, above other things. DMT as well, but psilocybin in particular seems to have weight to the experience that things like LSD lack.
In my experience, and observing others, I find that MDMA, and Ketamine, seem much more possibly dangerous, and or easier to abuse. Granted, that's observation and not scientific. But all the more for research, but with caution, regulation, and education being imperative as part of any wide distribution.
Did I miss the Bulwark talking about Mahamaxxing…please tell me they talked about it!
Jonathan, Excellent reporting on a topic that could have easily slipped under the radar. These people really are idiots, Trump's no scientist, RFK's no scientist and Rogan's a self-promoting clown, if they're so concerned, let them be the guinea pigs, at least it will keep them from harming the millions that listen to them. Of course, we know what's really driving this gambit, they all want a piece of the kickbacks from the drug companies. Like these clowns care about people with PTSD, give me an f-ing break.
"WE HAVE A BIG OPIATE PROBLEM!" - Joe Rogan, 4/18/2026, behind seated President TRUMP.
Did you know that? Because, that's despite a 27% drop in 2024, the largest drop since the last: 4% (in 2018), in 45 years of tracking.
I do not think he is wrong though. Because, as a "low dose, long-term chronic pain patient" (2003), we've become very sensitive to changes (eg. 2016 CDC Guidelines). For the past year, the changes have been subtle, but sudden, and pernicious.
For example, since always/forever, pain is variable, early refills, by 3 days was allowed. In April 2025, the Pharmacist's corporate business daddy declared it 2 (DAY 28). I had to come back the next day.
Then, there was the appointment when the Doctor suddenly mumbled "hmm... I'm having a hard time finding the right ICD-10 so you can fill it."
Also, once in the waiting room a few months previous, a gentleman was complaining about the Walgreens having issues. I suggested a *small* Pharma not that farther away... he said, "they aren't taking new patients".
And finally, just last month, at my Pharmacy again, but this time (UHC) was now saying 1 (DAY 29), which he "didn't understand." When I got home and called, the UHC Lady had to put me on hold to ask further, and when she returned?.... "It was....weird, she was just like, well sometimes it day this and sometimes it day that..."
However, it would seem, that my "missing piece" was just discovered. Not to anyone's benefit... so, just one more for the list.
"Good luck everyone."
RAPH
( O'dose #s: https://apnews.com/article/us-overdose-deaths-opioids-1561a9f189255ad60c533462f10490a2 )
(ROGAN: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2026/apr/22/joe-rogan/ibogaine-opioid-addiction-psychedelic-withdrawal/)
Can barely tell the difference in age between all three dipshit participants in that header photo, tbh.
This is your body on drugs, kids!
Ketamine saved my life. It’s fairly irresponsible for people to self treat, but it’s what a lot of people (I’m blessed to have an actual medical provider) with psychedelics.
But when the system is failing to deliver…
Great write-up, thanks
I think Joe should suggest a single payor health care system.
That would save the Democrats a lot time in getting this passed so they can get after other priorities.
The question aint wrong, there is obviously a room for treatment inside the "psychedelic" drug spehere. Its who runs it wich is the problem. Look, there is plenty of scientific proof that some drugs may help with both PTSD and clinical neural depression. Some of us have been saying this should be examined for years and years. Still yars me to see fkin JFK take the credit for that work.
WHAT is with the fascination this administration has with wrestlers? Don't answer....I know....but it still just leaves me gobsmacked.
Does this mean we can drop acid again? Better yet, how about a Bulwark Live event that is more like a rave, where everyone is taking X, including JVL and Sarah? If Bill Kristol is in, I’m paying top dollar for that ticket.
Politics over science makes for bad healthcare.
Psychedelics have been around for a long time. “Benefit” from taking the drugs can be highly subjective. Abuse and exacerbating underlying psychosis is well-documented.
Trump’s foray into the FDA process can have only 3 meanings: 1) Rogan’s hectoring pushed him into the decision; 2) someone in the Trump orbit is set to make a pile of $$ from the decision; 3) Trump (or family) is set to make a pike of $$ from the decision.
Now that we're all gung-ho about further research regarding psychedelics, a question comes to mind:
Are there any scientists left in the government or at the FDA who can conduct this research?
Private companies are doing the research. The FDA reviews the results and decides whether safety and efficacy criteria have been met. So they might speed them through without proper review, but the clinical trials companies are still going to be following the established process and regulations.
I'm not sure I'd be excited to take psychedelics around anybody in this administration...
I'm a huge advocate for responsible psychedelic use. I got into them in my teens, for recreational purposes. But these substances do deserve more research.
That being said, as with Stand up Comedy, Joe Rogan is a late comer to the huge world of psychedelics. But he pushes them to people with little to no caution.
While I had fun times when I was younger, I think these substances are powerful and should be taken seriously. Not just consumed willy-nilly at concerts or parties. The tryptamines, psilocybin, dmt, in particular. These substances can be life changing for people. But anyone with a history of psychosis, or mental trauma should probably be careful before trying these.
Not to mention that online you see countless stories of people using too much, too often. And either losing touch with reality, or causing themselves mental anguish.
Despite being an advocate, Joe Rogan is the last person I want having any serious say on anything health related. The same way you can read a book by someone intelligent, but that doesn't mean you're all of a sudden as intelligent as the author.
Just because Joe has interviewed Dennis McKenna, doesn't make him as knowledgeable as Dennis McKenna.
Unfortunately like so many other Trump actions, it's optically spur of the moment, as he moves onto other things…..so this comes down to the issues you and Dr Cohn have raised, and how the experts address them.
I'll only add that depression is insidious to deal with, and difficult to cure/alleviate even with medical intervention. So while this certainly is something to be grateful for, it needs to be really managed well globally and for the individuals who participate. Hopefully it will be effective down the line.
The risk of drug impurities is higher now than in the past. Pills, powders, liquids, liquids dried on paper, etc, are all subject to the producer following strict synthesis procedures, along with supply chain integrity related to no downstream adulteration. I am certain the importance of quick tests for fentanyl has not fully reached the recreational consumer, to say nothing of the psychedelic analogs that can exist in the illicit marketplace. That said, the safest psychedelic of choice would probably be whole psilocybin containing mushrooms easy inspected (and weighed) prior to ingestion. Any marketplace associated with legal use needs proper regulation, patient, and consumer education.
I can't agree with you more. I will say that from what I've witnessed online, it's safer to purchase off the dark web than the street. That being said, more youngsters seem to employ testing kits and fent tests as a matter of course , which is great. But, like you point out, even clean substances can be overused, and there's a lack of broad education outside of the drug scene.
Also, I am mostly an advocate for psilocybin, above other things. DMT as well, but psilocybin in particular seems to have weight to the experience that things like LSD lack.
In my experience, and observing others, I find that MDMA, and Ketamine, seem much more possibly dangerous, and or easier to abuse. Granted, that's observation and not scientific. But all the more for research, but with caution, regulation, and education being imperative as part of any wide distribution.
I'd much rather have Joe Rogan in charge of our heath care than Bobby Kennedy.
I would much rather have neither man in charge of anything to do with health.
I’d rather have my friend’s cat in charge, than either of them.