Digging Deeper

Time for some primary research!

To better understand the problem I’m designing for, I plan to interact directly with those closest to the issue. Through interviews, surveys, and potentially an observation or cultural probe method, speaking to those closest to the subject will be instrumental in the development of my proposed solution.

While advocating for acceptance isn’t the focus of my project, working with a substance that has been shamed for decades by society, I think it will be beneficial to understand the potential road to legality. For more information, I plan to speak with a local cannabis advocate about her advocacy for legalization over the years. I will be conducting this interview over a video call.

Questions I anticipate asking:

• Specifically, what do you do?
• What got you started with cannabis advocacy?
• What has been the most frustrating part of advocacy?
• What is the most challenging aspect of working with a stigmatized substance?
• What is the most important thing to keep in mind when fighting for legalization?
• What are your thoughts on psychedelics?
• Have you always thought this way about them?
• If you’ve changed your mind, what made you change it? (one way or another)
• Have you had experiences with psychedelics yourself?
• If so, do you care to share how those went?
• What is the general consensus about psychedelics in the area?
• Is the cannabis community accepting of them?

I also plan to interview local therapist Angie Leek. While Angie practices traditional forms of counseling, she has a passion for psychedelic integration. She is the founder of the Holos Foundation here in NWA. This organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with fiscal sponsorship through MAPS 501(c)3. They plan to provide therapeutic support for PTSD patients through MDMA integration. Having already spoken with Angie a few times, I know she will have great information to offer on the subject of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Questions I want to ask:

• Do pharmaceutical companies run long studies like what is required for MDMA and the like?
• Have you heard of SSRI use diminishing the effects of psychedelic and entheogenic drugs?
• Do you know where or who I could speak with that would be willing to do a journal study or something similar with me?
• Cultural probe involving a journal, camera, list of things to watch/do
• What goes into the sessions leading up to psychedelic-assisted sessions?
• What is beneficial for the therapist to know to properly assist in the experience?
• What stands out to you the most about psychedelic-assisted therapy?

Qualitative information is very insightful, but we can’t forget about quantitative, which can be just as beneficial to our research. With that in mind, I plan to build a survey that I will post in specific groups across social media platforms. The main focus of my project will be using a virtual experience to provide enhanced psychedelic-assisted healing. I think this approach will provide me with great insight into what the majority of participants are interested in experiencing.

Survey questions:

• Age
• Occupation
• Geographic location
• Have you attended therapy before?
• Do you regularly attend therapy?
• Do you take an SSRI or other antidepressant drug?
• If yes, how long have you been on this medication?
• Are you familiar with the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics?
• Have you ever had a psychedelic experience?
• If yes, did you feel this experience had a positive impact on your life?
• What did you do during your psychedelic experience?
• Does the music you’re listening to influence your mood?
• What is most important for you to have during a psychedelic experience?
• Have you ever had a bad psychedelic experience?
• If yes, do you know what caused this? What was it?
• What is most enjoyable to you while on psychedelics?
• Would you enjoy a virtual reality experience while on psychedelics?
• Would you be interested in being contacted for further information regarding your psychedelic experiences? If yes, please provide your email address.