Out of Office: An ethical analysis of psychedelics in the workplace
Cynthia Forlini1, Emma Tumilty2, Deakin University Geelong2, Galveston Texas 1Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia2University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
Abstract
Psychedelics (e.g. LSD, psilocybin, ayahuasca, Ketamine, MDMA) are experiencing a renaissance focussed on treating a variety of mental illnesses, alongside other uses thought to enhance an individual’s authenticity and creativity. Much empirical uncertainty about the efficacy still exists regarding interventions such as ‘microdosing’ and psychedelic-assisted therapy due to significant methodological issues and very small sample sizes in many studies. The spectre of therapeutic or performance benefit appears to be encouraging workplace uses of psychedelics such as insurance coverage of regulated off-label Ketamine use in specialised clinics but also legally ambiguous activities such as psychedelic retreats and ‘microdosing’. In this presentation, we discuss safety and privacy issues particular to psychedelic interventions as the most pressing ethical issues arising from workplace uses of psychedelics that straddle medicine, illegal substance use, and spiritual practice. Workplace use of psychedelics may elicit a range of physical, psychological, reputational, and professional risks. Informed consent seems inadequate to deal with these in a setting with complex situational vulnerabilities. These practices may also blur the personal and professional boundaries employees are entitled to by requiring declarations about health status to promote ‘safety’ of workplace psychedelic use or encouraging certain behaviours or disclosures in altered states. We conclude that employers cannot meet their duty to provide workers with safe working environments and maintain worker privacy where psychedelics are used or encouraged, which presents a significant barrier to their use outside of putative therapeutic goals.
Biography
Dr Cynthia Forlini is Senior Lecturer in Health Ethics and Professionalism in the School of Medicine (Faculty of Health) at Deakin University. Her research explores the neuroethical issues that arise as we redefine the boundaries between treatment, maintenance, and enhancement of cognitive performance.