Debate: Psychedelics (04:33)

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Sarah Rose Siskind provides commentary and jokes about psychedelic drugs. Moderator John Donvan defines psychedelics and the debate topic.

Debate "Housekeeping" (02:08)

Donvan instructs the audience to vote, provides the framework for the debate on psychedelic legalization, and introduces panelists.

Opening Statements For: Rick Doblin (04:12)

Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies Founder and Executive Director Doblin cites points of agreement on the legalization of psychedelic drugs. He explains the vision he has for legal use and regulation of these drugs including policies, education, and treatment.

Opening Statements Against: Jeffrey Lieberman (04:42)

Columbia University Department of Psychiatry Professor and Chair Lieberman advocates for the exploration of psychedelic substances as they apply to the usefulness of humankind but is against legalization. He cites aspects of the MAPS mission statement and reflects on the definition of psychedelics.

Opening Statements For: Bia Labate (04:33)

Anthropologist and Drug Policy Expert Labate states that two main reasons psychedelic drugs should be legalized are historical/cultural foundations and the failure of the drug war; she provides specific examples.

Opening Statements Against: Kevin Sabet (04:32)

Smart Approaches to Marijuana President and CEO Sabet states that the legalization of psychedelics will allow big companies to take control of the industry and corner the profit; he compares it to opioids and the tobacco industry. Sabet supports medical research and use of psychedelics.

Access to Psychedelics (09:40)

Donvan cites the panelists' common ground and the main point of difference. Doblin believes adults with a license should have access to psychedelics. Lieberman reflects on pharmacology. Labate argues there is significant use of sacred plants in the U.S. Sabet believes legalization will become about big business.

Lessons from Cannabis (06:48)

Doblin defends the medical research of psychedelic drugs and disputes the idea of "big psychedelics." He cites lies about drugs, examples of non-medical purposes, and evidence of personal growth.

Mistakes and Decriminalization (02:41)

Lieberman cites mistakes made with psychedelics. Panelists debate why decriminalization would not be enough. Donvan explains round three.

Closing Statements For: Doblin (02:14)

MDMA has helped Doblin's relationship with his wife. Psychedelics can benefit couple's therapy and personal growth. Decriminalization of drugs is usually associated with fines.

Closing Statements Against: Lieberman (02:23)

Psychedelic use became part of popular culture in the mid-20th century, resulting in government overreaction. Legalizing psychedelics is paramount to a dangerous social experiment.

Closing Statements For: Labate (02:14)

Labate has used ayahuasca in hundreds of rituals and it has helped her become a better person. Opposition to legalization is based on fear and scientific control.

Closing Statements Against: Sabet (02:42)

The outcome of legalization is shameful and hurts people. Legalizing psychedelics would result in a situation like "big tobacco."

Debate Voting (01:50)

Donvan instructs the audience to vote on legalizing psychedelics and thanks participants.

Credits: Legalize Psychedelics (00:11)

Credits: Legalize Psychedelics