In this exclusive interview, former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema joins Divergent States to discuss the future of psychedelic medicine in American healthcare. From Ibogaine and PTSD to policy reform and bipartisan collaboration, Sinema opens up about her firsthand exposure to the healing potential of psychedelics through veterans' experiences - and why the time to act is now.

We explore how veterans are pushing the policy frontier, what FDA and CMS approval would mean, and why even critics of the current political landscape may want to support this shift.

Whether you're skeptical of government or hopeful for reform, this conversation tackles the friction between institutions and innovation—and why psychedelics might be the most disruptive medicine in a generation.

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🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways:

• Sinema’s introduction to psychedelics through Ibogaine and a veteran’s recovery story
• The bipartisan support behind psychedelic research and its surprising origins
• Why psychedelic medicine challenges the pharmaceutical business model
• The risks of corporate monopolization and how small biotech firms can resist buyouts
• The path to FDA and CMS approval for Ibogaine, MDMA, and psilocybin
• Why the Trump administration’s staffing of “disruptors” may accelerate reform
• Access, affordability, and insurance coverage: what’s next
• Her vision for psychedelic medicine by 2030

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Politics, Power, and Psychedelics
01:41 – Why Interview Sinema? Pushback & Intentions
02:21 – First Sponsor Tease & PS25 Plans
03:56 – Sinema Joins the Interview
04:18 – How Ibogaine Changed Her Perspective
06:49 – Senate Colleagues' Reactions
07:44 – Policy Progress & Bipartisan Allies
09:43 – Pharma Capture & Psychedelic Industry Risks
12:02 – Can Psychedelics Avoid Biotech Monopoly?
13:40 – Cost, Access, and Equity Concerns
14:44 – Ensuring Access for the Most Vulnerable
15:56 – State vs. Federal Models
17:00 – Federal Role in Decriminalization & Reform
17:20 – Regrets or Missed Legislative Opportunities?
18:43 – Sinema’s Continued Involvement
20:06 – Political Alignment vs. Policy Goals
20:17 – Restoring Trust in Institutions
21:55 – Five-Year Outlook for Psychedelic Medicine
23:10 – Final Reflections & Outro
23:41 – Bonus: Sinema on Psychedelic Science 2025 Panels
25:17 – Collaboration with VETS Foundation
25:53 – Closing Thanks & Conference Plans
28:49 – Outro Recap & Reflections
31:19 – Sponsors, Shulgin Legacy, and Fireside Project
32:10 – Next Episode Tease: Dr. Anne Wagner

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