Michael Pollan, the celebrated food reform advocate, stirred controversy this week after sharing an article on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in The American Conservative. In a recent interview with Politico, Pollan discussed the nuances of his views on RFK Jr., especially when it comes to Kennedy's stance on vaccines and, crucially, his views on psychedelics.
Food Reform Only Common Ground
Pollan aligns with Kennedy on issues like eliminating ultra-processed foods from school lunches and challenging agricultural subsidies that promote unhealthy diets. "The way we're eating is the biggest threat to public health," Pollan said, acknowledging that Kennedy's criticisms echo his own long-standing arguments about diet-related diseases.
However, Pollan quickly clarified that he does not support Kennedy's nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), primarily due to Kennedy's stance on vaccines. "I think he's completely unfit," Pollan said, highlighting the risks posed by vaccine misinformation.
An Anti-Science Psychedelics Supporter?
Pollan, who helped bring psychedelics into the mainstream with his book How to Change Your Mind, expressed deep concern about Kennedy's potential influence on the psychedelic movement. While Kennedy has shown support for psychedelic-assisted therapy, Pollan fears that associating psychedelics with Kennedy's anti-science views on vaccines and fluoride could hurt the movement’s legitimacy.
"The fact that someone this high up in this administration is supportive of psychedelic-assisted therapy is encouraging in one way," Pollan explained. "But in another, I think it could be very dangerous to the movement, because if the science of psychedelics gets tangled up with the anti-science agenda around vaccines or fluoride, that could do long-term damage to psychedelics."
Pollan's main concern is that the connection could make psychedelics, which are a promising treatment for conditions like PTSD, seem "kooky" and undermine their scientific credibility. "Psychedelics should be approved because the science is good, not because they have a fan in the White House," Pollan emphasized. He also cautioned against hoping that figures like Kennedy would force the FDA to approve psychedelics before the science is fully established.
FDA And MDMA: A Delicate Situation
Pollan also addressed the FDA's decision to reject MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD earlier this year, calling it a "big hiccup." However, he remains optimistic that approval is forthcoming as more research is conducted. "If the science is as good as the promoters think it is, then it will be approved under its own steam, without forcing it down the throat of the FDA," Pollan said.
Political Realities And Future Reform
Although Pollan acknowledges Kennedy's role in raising important food system issues, he remains skeptical that he would be effective as HHS Secretary. "I don't see Trump getting behind such an agenda," Pollan said, noting that the deregulatory environment under the current administration would likely hinder any major food reform initiatives.
Despite his reservations, Pollan said he hopes that food reform will gain more attention in the future. He pointed to the growing concerns of parents about the food system, particularly in schools. "There's a lot of support for this issue, and hopefully, some of these ideas will take on a life of their own."
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