Hamilton Morris: r/Psychonaut and the DEA
Divergent States
In this holiday episode of Divergent States, Hamilton Morris joins us for a raw and timely conversation on the unexpected role Reddit, Erowid, and online trip reports are now playing in DEA hearings. What happens when harm-reduction posts and half-baked comment threads are used as legal evidence to criminalize psychedelics?
We dig into the ethical tightrope between transparency and safety, the flawed logic of prohibition, and why silence isn’t a sustainable strategy. Hamilton breaks down his firsthand experience attending the DOI scheduling hearing, his efforts to build a scientifically vetted user-report journal, and how communities like r/Psychonaut are caught in the crosshairs of policy and paranoia.
Whether you’re a seasoned psychonaut or just exploring the space, this episode cuts through the hype and hysteria to ask the real questions: How do we speak honestly about altered states in a world that punishes honesty?
Topics include:
• The DEA’s use of Reddit as courtroom “evidence”
• Why trip reports matter and how they’re being misused
• The dangers of pharmacological elitism and spiritual gatekeeping
• The real meaning of harm reduction in an outlaw culture
• The future of psychedelic research, regulation, and responsibility
🎶 Featuring music by Flintwick | Support us on Patreon for exclusive episodes & bonus content.
💬 Reddit: r/Psychonaut | IG: @divergentstates | #SetSettingGuide
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context of the Episode
02:50 The Importance of Transparency in Psychedelic Discussions
06:04 Balancing Honesty and Safety in Sharing Experiences
10:33 Community Responsibility and the Impact of Online Discourse
15:54 The Role of Advocacy and Legal Support in Drug Policy Reform
20:08 Navigating the Challenges of Scientific Research and Public Perception
24:08 The Importance of Evidence in Psychedelic Communities
29:20 Navigating the Wild West of Online Drug Discussions
31:06 Spirituality vs. Scientific Analysis in Psychedelics
34:00 The Dangers of Pharmacological Elitism
37:04 Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis: A Call for Rational Drug Policy
44:06 The Future of Psychedelic Therapy and Accessibility
48:28 Integrating Cannabis into Society
50:13 Destigmatization and Education on Psychedelics
52:39 The Hype and Risks of Psychedelics
56:43 Understanding Challenging Experiences with Psychedelics
01:01:45 Cumulative Impact of Substance Use
01:07:34 Bringing Psychedelics into the Open
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