Dr Rick Strassman
Rick Strassman, born in 1952 in Los Angeles, graduated with honors in biological sciences from Stanford University in 1973 and earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1977. He completed his psychiatry residency at UC Davis, receiving the Sandoz Award in 1981. He conducted clinical psychopharmacology research and held academic positions at UC Davis and the University of New Mexico (UNM). At UNM, he pioneered research on melatonin and psychedelic drugs, including DMT, receiving NIH support and attaining tenure before leaving in 1995.
Strassman’s book DMT: The Spirit Molecule sold over 250,000 copies and inspired a documentary. He has authored multiple books and over 40 peer-reviewed papers. A consultant for federal agencies and psychedelic startups, he serves on scientific advisory boards and remains Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UNM. Since 2008, he has focused on writing and resides in Gallup, New Mexico.