The last few years have witnessed a significant shift in societal attitudes towards psychedelics. As the United States continues to grapple with a mental health crisis, an increasing number of people are advocating for the use of psychedelic substances in therapeutic settings. Legalization and regulation efforts have ramped up, and groundbreaking research is shining a light on these previously stigmatized substances’ potential healing properties.
For many years, the use of psychedelics such as psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms), LSD, and MDMA (also known as ecstacy) has been illegal and associated with countercultural movements. However, recent research is uncovering potential benefits associated with psychedelic use, particularly for mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. As a result, the decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics are being discussed on a national level, and significant strides are being made.
One notable example is the recent “decriminalization” of psilocybin in Oregon. In November 2020, a ballot initiative was approved, allowing the use of psilocybin, under the supervision of licensed therapists, for treating mental health disorders. Similar steps have been taken in cities like Denver, Colorado, and Oakland, California, which have decriminalized psilocybin possession through initiatives led by grassroots organizations Crusaders.
Meanwhile, research into the therapeutic use of psychedelics has continued to progress. Organizations like the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) have played a considerable role in pushing for legalization efforts and the implementation of scientific research protocols. MAPS has been working on FDA-approved research into psychedelics since the 1980s. Thanks to these efforts, psychedelics are being recognized as potentially valuable medical treatments, similar to the medical marijuana movement in recent decades.
In 2020, MAPS announced a significant milestone in their research into MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, with promising results. Participants in the study experienced significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, often with long-lasting effects. The study’s success has led to the FDA granting Breakthrough Therapy status for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, which will expedite the development of this potentially game-changing treatment.
In addition to MDMA, research into psilocybin’s therapeutic potential has also skyrocketed. Institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London have published promising results showing psilocybin’s efficacy in treating various mental disorders. The FDA has even granted FDA approval for clinical trials of psilocybin for depression, marking a significant step forward in moving these substances into mainstream medicine.
As the push for decriminalization and regulation advances, experts emphasize the importance of harm reduction practices. Harm reduction strategies aim to minimize the potential risks associated with drug use, such as overdose, addiction, and dangerous drug interactions. Advocates argue that regulation can provide users with a safe and controlled environment, reducing the potential for abuse and harm.
A prime example of harm reduction in action is the supervised injection facility model, which has saved countless lives by preventing overdoses and the spread of infectious diseases. Implementing similar strategies in the context of psychedelics would involve practices such as providing a controlled, therapeutic environment with trained professionals on hand to assist and offering guidelines for dosing and preparation.
Legalization and regulation can also benefit other areas beyond individual mental health, such as environmental conservation and anti-poaching efforts. For example, ibogaine, a psychedelic derived from the West African iboga plant, is increasingly being used to treat opiate and other addictions. However, the plant is now at risk of extinction due to the illegal trade. Regulation of ibogaine could help protect the plant while offering a potentially valuable tool for addiction treatment.
The path to widespread acceptance of psychedelics as medicinal substances will likely be a long and complicated journey, much like the one faced by medical marijuana. However, as research mounts and attitudes shift, it is becoming increasingly likely that psychedelics will play a crucial role in addressing mental health, addiction, and a variety of other issues in the near future. The legalization and regulation of these substances have the potential to revolutionize how we approach mental health care and countless other facets of human experience.
