Psychedelics —more commonly known as hallucinogens—are a group of drugs that have the potential to change a person's sense of reality. For a long time, this type of drug has been condemned as “harmful” and “highly addictive.” The stigma surrounding psychedelics persists even today, and they are not currently legal for medical purposes in many countries.

Yet as the research on psychedelics advances, the evidence of their therapeutic properties and potential benefits for people with mental- and physical-health issues is increasing.

We recently sat down with 2022–23 US Fulbright student Jesse Hudspeth to discuss the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and the insights he has gained through his research. During his program year, Jesse received a Fulbright-Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation Award and conducted research on psilocybin biosynthesis under the direction of Drs. Bernhard Rupp and Sebastiaan Werten at the Medical University of Innsbruck.

In this interview, Jesse reveals some fascinating details from his research as well as how his Fulbright experience has impacted his work and his career progression.

00:00 Intro
01:12 How did you become interested in researching the biosynthesis of psilocybin in magic mushrooms?
02:47 What made Austria the ideal location for your research?
05:07 What were the results of your research?
08:01 As perceptions of certain substances shift in the US, what impact do efforts to legalize psilocybin have on your research?
09:21 What are the next steps for your research and for your professional progression more broadly?
10:44 What advice would you give to future applicants and program participants?