From Placebo to Plasticity: What LSD Really Does – Conor Murray, Ph.D.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Conor H. Murray, a neuroscientist at UCLA whose research explores how psychedelics affect the brain. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-327/?ref=278  Conor shares insights from his placebo-controlled LSD microdosing study revealing measurable increases in neural complexity, suggesting unique neurological benefits even at sub-perceptual doses. He and Paul discuss what these findings mean for depression, addiction, and brain plasticity, as well as the future of citizen neuroscience through Conor's platform Psynautics. They also touch on his ongoing psilocybin study for cocaine use disorder and why low-dose research may hold keys to understanding consciousness itself. Interested in participating in Dr. Murray's Microdosing Study? Get 10% Off Your Enrollment! Use code WAVE3 to receive 10% off your study kit. https://www.psynautics.com/microdosing Conor Murray is a neuroscientist specializing in altered states of consciousness at UCLA. He is also the founder of Psynautics, the world's first citizen neuroscientist platform built for testing hypotheses related to altered states of mind and brain, from meditation to microdosing. His scientific expertise spans from the neurobiology of addiction to the effects of cannabis and psychedelics on the brain. Highlights How Dr. Murray entered psychedelic research by chance What LSD microdosing reveals about neural complexity The "sweet spot" around 13 micrograms for mental clarity Why placebo effects don't fully explain brain changes Microdosing vs macrodosing in neuroplastic outcomes BDNF, inflammation, and the mechanisms of healing Psilocybin's potential for cocaine use disorder How environment influences addiction and relapse The rise of citizen neuroscience and DIY EEG studies Where psychedelic science is headed next Episode Links Conor H. Murray, PhD Personal website Psynautics (Citizen Neuroscience Project) Psynautics Microdosing Study (Use code WAVE3 to receive 10% off your study kit) Episode Sponsors The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout