#2357 - Sarko Gergerian

Overview

This episode explores the intersection of law enforcement, mental health, and the transformative potential of psychedelics. Sarko Gergerian, a police lieutenant and trained psychedelic-assisted therapist, shares his journey from traditional policing to advocating for psychedelic therapies as tools for healing trauma, particularly among first responders. The conversation delves into systemic issues in law enforcement, the stigma surrounding psychedelics, and the broader societal implications of drug policy reform.

Notable Quotes

- Men and women are dying and suffering needlessly at the level of an epidemic, and we're upholding a lie. - Sarko Gergerian, on the stigma and prohibition of psychedelics.

- The most disciplined human beings on earth are seeking psychedelics for help, realizing there is strength in seeking healing. - Joe Rogan, on the shifting narrative around psychedelics.

- We built our laws out of concern for the 2% of people who are sociopathic, rather than celebrating the 98% who care and feel empathy. - Sarko Gergerian, on the fear-based foundation of societal systems.

🧠 The Transformative Power of Psychedelics

- Sarko shares his personal experiences with MDMA and ketamine, describing them as profound tools for accessing empathy, gratitude, and healing.

- He highlights the potential of psychedelics to treat PTSD, particularly among first responders, whose trauma exposure far exceeds that of civilians.

- Psychedelics, he argues, could shift therapy from symptom management to true healing, challenging pharmaceutical models reliant on daily medication.

🚨 Law Enforcement and Mental Health

- Sarko discusses the epidemic of suicide among police officers, driven by untreated trauma and systemic pressures.

- He advocates for a police-to-public-health pipeline, where officers connect individuals in crisis to resources rather than defaulting to punitive measures.

- His program, CLEAR (Community and Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery), demonstrates how law enforcement can play a compassionate role in addressing addiction and mental health challenges.

🌍 Drug Policy and the War on Drugs

- Both Sarko and Joe critique the prohibition of psychedelics and cannabis, labeling Schedule I drug classifications as unscientific and harmful.

- They explore the historical roots of drug criminalization, including its ties to corporate interests and systemic racism.

- Sarko emphasizes the need for safe supply and regulation, arguing that prohibition empowers dangerous cartels while criminalizing nonviolent users.

🛠️ Systemic Reform and Public Perception

- Sarko calls for a paradigm shift in law enforcement, blending traditional policing with community-oriented, trauma-informed approaches.

- He underscores the role of public perception in driving policy change, urging open conversations about psychedelics and their benefits.

- Joe highlights the role of podcasts and social media in reshaping narratives, making information about psychedelics more accessible.

🌌 Psychedelics, Spirituality, and Society

- The conversation touches on the spiritual dimensions of psychedelics, with Sarko suggesting they can reconnect individuals to a sense of purpose and divinity.

- They discuss the historical suppression of plant medicines and their potential to inspire creativity, community, and cultural transformation.

- Joe and Sarko imagine a world where psychedelics are integrated into society, fostering healing and reducing societal divisions.