Over the past few years, psychedelics have gone from taboo to trending. Podcasts, documentaries, headlines, and social media posts are everywhere — but with that surge of interest comes a big problem:
Misinformation.
Some voices frame psychedelics as miracle cures for everything under the sun. Others still paint them as reckless, dangerous substances with no real medical value. As usual, the truth lives somewhere in between — and it requires nuance, context, and real science.
That’s why we were genuinely excited to see researchers from the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research (CPCR) release a new online course designed specifically for the public.
A Course Built to Educate. Not Sell or Sensationalize
The course, “Psychedelic Science and Medicine,” is now available on Coursera, and it does something rare in today’s media landscape:
It slows things down.
Instead of hype or fear, the course focuses on evidence-based education, created by scientists who have spent decades studying psychedelics in controlled, clinical settings.
According to David Yaden, one of the course instructors and an associate professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins, the motivation was simple:
“Many people are curious and want to learn more about psychedelics beyond headlines, but don’t necessarily have the background to read academic research papers.”
This course bridges that gap.
Why Johns Hopkins Matters in Psychedelic Research
The CPCR is widely regarded as one of the most influential psychedelic research centers in the world. Their work helped restart modern psychedelic research in the early 2000s, a time when serious scientific study of these substances was nearly nonexistent due to stigma and regulation.
Led by Frederick Barrett, the center has published groundbreaking studies on psilocybin (the active compound in so-called “magic mushrooms”) and its effects on mental health, well-being, and consciousness.
Their findings show that psilocybin-assisted experiences can:
- Produce deeply meaningful, lasting psychological insights
- Help reduce symptoms of depression
- Support recovery from substance use disorders (including alcohol and smoking)
- Ease existential distress in people facing life-threatening illness
At the same time, the researchers are clear about limitations and risks, an honesty we deeply respect.
What the Course Covers
The course is divided into four modules, totaling about 10 hours of content. Each module includes short videos, quizzes, and reflective writing prompts.
1. History, Context & Definitions
Taught by Albert Garcia-Romeu, this section explores:
- Indigenous ceremonial use in Central and South America
- Early Western research in the 1950s and 1960s
- How modern science re-entered the field
2. Clinical Trials & Major Findings
Led by Sandeep Nayak, this module explains:
- What clinical trials actually look like
- What participation involves
- Where current research stands today
3. Neuroscience & Mechanisms
Taught by Barrett, this section dives into:
- How psychedelics interact with neurons
- How they temporarily alter brain networks
- Why these changes may support therapeutic outcomes
4. Ethics, Risks & the Future
In the final module, Yaden covers:
- Potential risks in both research and recreational settings
- Ethical concerns
- Public misconceptions
- The future of psychedelic science and policy
Addressing the Biggest Misconceptions
One of the strongest parts of the course is its refusal to take extreme positions.
The instructors directly challenge two common myths:
- ❌ Psychedelics are a cure-all for mental health
- ❌ Psychedelics are inherently dangerous and useless
Neither claim is supported by evidence.
As Yaden explains, the goal isn’t advocacy, it’s accuracy:
“As scientists who study psychedelics, we’re not for or against them. Our role is to produce knowledge and provide evidence-based information.”
That mindset aligns closely with our values at Mushmore.
Why This Matters to Our Community
At Mushmore, we believe that education is foundational.
Intentional use starts with understanding — not trends, not pressure, not promises of instant transformation. Psychedelics are powerful tools, but like any tool, they require respect, context, and responsibility.
Seeing major research institutions prioritize public education (instead of hype) is a sign that the conversation around psychedelics is maturing.
And that’s a future we’re excited to be part of.
If you’re curious to deepen your understanding of psychedelic science, mental health, and responsible use, this course is a solid place to start.
🍄 Knowledge first. Intention always.
