🫠 Psychonaut POV

Welcome to Tricycle Day. We’re the psychedelics newsletter that puts passion over profit. But the minute people start paying big bucks for dank memes, hmmm… 🤔

Patrick Moher believes business can be a force for good. But he doesn’t just talk the talk. Every one of his ventures, including Microdose Psychedelic Insights, has been built on a bigger and more selfless vision than profit.

We picked Patrick’s brain about prioritizing social impact, the psychedelic nonprofits he’s supporting, and what advice he’d offer to founders trying to break into the psychedelic industry.

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Take us back. What inspired you to pivot from a career in photography to working in cannabis and later psychedelics?

A series of fortunate events led me on a journey of identity exploration, partly inspired by psychedelics themselves.

After high school, I took time off and discovered my passion for photography. It eventually became my profession, but I felt the need for something more entrepreneurial. Through soul searching and some mystical experiences of my own, I realized I wanted to work in the cannabis industry, using my creativity to fuse passion, purpose, and profit.

It was around five or six years ago that my business partner Connor and I founded Ethical Image, a creative agency in the cannabis sector. For every job we took, whether it was photography, video, graphics, or web design, we planted 100 to 1,000 trees, ensuring an ongoing effort to give back and restore the planet.

Later, I saw a similar opportunity in the psychedelics space and decided to embrace it, knowing firsthand how they can transform lives. In April 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, we organized our first event under the banner of Microdose Psychedelic Insights. Recognizing the longing for community and gathering places, even in a socially-distanced world, we hosted our first virtual psychedelics conference over three years ago today.

Your company, Microdose Psychedelic Insights, is a media brand focused on the business side of psychedelics. What are some of the market trends you’re paying attention to right now?

I'm closely following the clinical trials, especially the data emerging from MAPS' Phase III trials and other real-time developments that are leading indicators for the industry as a whole. Just today, I came across significant news that COMPASS Pathways and MAPS collaborated to establish a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for psychedelic therapy, which means these treatments can eventually be insured. This is a major boost for the entire psychedelic space. [Editor’s note: this interview took place in May.]

When we first started covering the psychedelic industry with Microdose, we were mostly focused on biotechnology and drug development. That’s where most of the action was. But now, the industry is expanding into other areas like drug delivery technologies and even digital therapeutics. The latter is a particularly interesting space that is starting to solidify.

Lastly, delivery is going to be a critical pillar in integrating psychedelic medicine into mainstream society. Although there have been ups and downs in the clinical landscape over the past year, and some infamous explosions in both the clinic and retreat space, they will likely play pivotal roles in the broader deployment of psychedelic medicine. So, I'm closely monitoring these aspects as well.

As someone who's passionate about social impact, how do you see psychedelics playing a role in creating positive change in the world?

The classic adage holds true: one cannot change others or the world until they can change themselves. Besides the positive impact on the mental health crisis, I believe that psychedelic therapies can significantly reduce the burden of trauma on society, leading to incredible downstream effects. The consequences of the war on drugs, world wars, and increasing financial inequality have taken a toll on younger generations, affecting affordability, mental health, and body image. By embracing love, community, and connectivity instead of isolation and consumerism, we can create a fundamentally happier and more productive society.

These positive changes have far-reaching implications, influencing critical infrastructure like the healthcare, education, military, and prison systems. By guiding people toward better lives and refraining from criminalizing consciousness, we enable individuals to think their way into better actions. However, it's essential to understand that while psychedelics can help change thought patterns, they are not a cure-all. They won't do the work or change a person automatically. They can open a window or a door to new perspectives, but the individual must put in the effort to integrate these new thought processes and ways of living.

There's a powerful quote that comes to mind: “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” Psychedelics, with their etymological root in "psyche" (mind) and "deloun" (reveal or manifest), are substances that facilitate a profound shift in mindset. They can give a jolt or offer a new way of seeing things, but the real work lies in the integration and personal growth that follows.

You're involved with several nonprofits and charities, including Heroic Hearts Project and Psychedelic Medicine Coalition. Why did you choose to get behind these organizations?

The “why” is simple. I believe that both Heroic Hearts Project and the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition are doing fantastic and much-needed work in the psychedelic space. While there are similarities and differences between them, they are contributing to the advancement of psychedelic therapies in their own unique ways.

The Heroic Hearts Project focuses on providing access to psychedelic therapies for veterans dealing with PTSD and other mental health challenges. They are making a real impact by bringing these therapies to places like the Netherlands and establishing chapters in the United States, Canada, and the UK.

On the other hand, the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition is working on moving psychedelic medicine forward towards mainstream adoption. They are addressing the medical side of things and recently launched a Psychedelic Medicine Political Action Committee (PAC). They play an essential role in engaging with government officials to effect change at a national and international level.

Personally, I support the decriminalization of psychedelics. I acknowledge the ceremonial and medical aspects are important, but in my opinion, it’s the personal aspect that matters most. I believe in the cognitive liberty for individuals to explore their own minds as they see fit. However, I also recognize that different paths and approaches may be necessary, and there will likely be various emerging avenues and routes of administration for psychedelic therapies in the coming years. It's essential to fight for what you believe in and find the path that aligns with your values and goals.

What advice would you offer to other entrepreneurs or activists entering the psychedelics industry? What skills or qualities do you think are important for success in this space?

The advice I’d give is, buckle up. Be prepared for the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the field. For those looking to break into the industry and find their space or niche, building connections is paramount. No one can achieve success alone, and genuine relationships are the key to progress.

There’s no way that I or any of my teammates could have built Microdose or Wonderland alone. The same could be said for MAPS. Sure, Rick Doblin is the champion of that movement, but he certainly didn’t get this far by himself. So be supportive and helpful to others, build trust, and foster a strong network. Think of it as a trust account or favor bank, and always make deposits before expecting withdrawals.

Just like the mycelial network that connects and supports the natural world, human networks work in similar ways. While we may not fully understand everything about either of them, it's essential to recognize that we are all interconnected and part of the vast universe. Tuning into this understanding can help guide you on your journey and reveal new possibilities.

Remember, you are stardust—a part of the universe—so embrace your role in the bigger picture and you can uncover your purpose and place within it. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and be open to the wonders that await.

Want more from Patrick? Check out Microdose Psychedelic Insights for another news source we trust, and register for their next Wonderland conference, happening in Miami this November. Get 20% OFF your ticket with code TRICYCLEDAY20.

That’s all for today. Before you head off, don’t forget to share, rate, and review Tricycle Day below. Catch ya next time, Cyclists! ✌️

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DISCLAIMER: This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. The use, possession, and distribution of psychedelic drugs are illegal in most countries and may result in criminal prosecution.