Mike Zapolin, a bald, guru-like figure with a white beard and dark sunglasses, is sharing with me the story of a group of Silicon Valley tech executives who decided to try something different for their recent corporate retreat. Instead of typical team-building exercises, they chose to engage in a three-hour “ket-itation” session, combining ketamine and meditation led by a doctor who provided them with dosed lozenges. During their individual experiences, they sat together and listened to calming, spa-like music. Afterward, the team reported improved teamwork, increased empathy, and enhanced creativity.
Zapolin, also known as Zappy, played a key role in organizing the retreat. He refers to himself as a “psychedelic concierge,” which may sound like a glorified drug dealer, but he insists otherwise. According to Zapolin, his role is similar to that of a hotel concierge who makes reservations rather than providing the food itself. He advises based on best practices and protocols, leveraging his network to connect clients with doctors or experts.
As the business world and wealthy individuals explore the benefits of mind-altering drugs, a cottage industry of psychedelic concierges has emerged. Zapolin claims that the career can be highly lucrative. These concierges assist individuals in finding suitable ketamine clinics where they receive infusions from medical professionals. For those who prefer a more natural setting, they also have connections to scenic retreats where a shaman or guide administers the dose.
Zapolin, an investment banker and domain name entrepreneur who made significant profits from buying and reselling valuable domain names, positions himself as a concierge to the stars. His services can command fees of $10,000 or more, with some ultra-rich clients paying six figures for consultations. Zapolin has worked with Fortune 500 executives, former Bachelor contestants, and even royalty, particularly Middle Eastern royalty. He anticipates receiving a call from a former British prince who recently wrote about his experience tripping on mushrooms.
One of Zapolin’s clients is the former stockbroker and financial criminal, Jordan Belfort, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the film “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Belfort, despite his reputation for lavish parties and intense drug use, sought guidance on exploring psychedelics. After conducting his own research, he was referred to Zapolin and engaged in ketamine sessions to help him transition off opioid blockers, which he had been taking for a decade. Though Belfort initially held a negative attitude towards psychedelics, he found the experience spiritual and transformative.
Zapolin recommended that Belfort try ibogaine to address his opioid dependence. Nervous but willing, Belfort traveled to a clinic in Cancún where treatments can cost up to $15,500. Guided by the clinic staff, Belfort underwent an ibogaine ceremony, which he described as burning out the morphine from his body and leaving behind an old version of himself. Since then, he claims to have abstained from opioids.
Following each trip, concierges arrange therapy appointments, known as “integrations,” where clients can process their experiences. According to Kaia Roman, another concierge working with Zapolin, this inner work accounts for more than 50% of the overall process.
While psychedelic concierges play a significant role in guiding individuals through their experiences, ensuring safety and responsible practices is essential. Nicholas Levich, a concierge and co-founder of Psychedelic Passages, emphasizes the importance of trust and rigorously assessing guides. Levich believes in harm reduction and personally vets everyone he recommends to ensure they meet his standards.
Despite the varying qualifications among concierges, some of whom lack formal medical credentials, many provide their services voluntarily. Karl Goldfield, a former marketing consultant with a deep knowledge of inebrients and a penchant for assisting others, regularly consults people on microdosing. He does not charge for his work and dislikes the term “concierge,” but his decades of experience have contributed to his ability to help individuals make informed decisions.
Critics argue that the unregulated nature of these consultations raises concerns. Amy Lynn McGuire, a bioethicist studying psychedelics and substance policy issues, cautions that some psychedelic retreats may not provide a full understanding of the experience to prospective clients. She believes concierges could be helpful in informing consumers but emphasizes the importance of ensuring they have no conflicts of interest with the retreats they recommend.
In terms of credentials, McGuire suggests it is challenging to define exact requirements. She believes that physicians are not necessary for simply educating individuals about available options and acting as honest brokers. Lived experiences with psychedelics can be helpful but are not always essential.
Overall, psychedelic concierges play a vital role in assisting individuals who want to explore mind-altering substances in a safe and responsible manner. Ensuring proper guidance and integration can enhance the therapeutic benefits of these experiences and support individuals on their unique journeys.