What is standing in the way of widespread therapeutic use of psychedelic medicine in mental health?
Research on the use of psychedelic medicine came to a halt in the 1960s after prohibitive legislation like “the war on drugs” put a stop to research programs. Psychedelics, including MDMA and psilocybin, became classified as a schedule one drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This means that the drug has no currently accepted medical use and has a high potential for abuse.
Funding for psychedelic research resumed in the 1990s but is still limited due to their classification, legal status, and stigma around psychedelics. This area of research is currently underfunded and researchers continue to find that gaining approvals from regulators such as the FDA prove to be challenging.
As research continues, evidence supports the use of psychedelics in the treatment of mental health disorders. But the stigma surrounding the use of these drugs in American culture still exists. Psychedelics have a reputation of being associated with counterculture and recreational drug use dating back to the ‘60s and ‘70s. There has been a lot of misinformation spread about these drugs that have created a public perception that they are harmful and dangerous.
In order to break the stigma a few things need to happen. Ongoing research is vital to establish safety, efficacy, and therapeutic protocols for their use. There needs to be more “proof” that these drugs have medical use. It is important to educate the public regarding the benefits and risks of psychedelics, including harm reduction. People are generally fearful of things they do not know, so full transparency is needed to establish trust and foster openness and acceptance. Let’s keep raising questions and continue the conversation regarding this therapeutic innovation that can potentially transform the way we view and treat mental health.
Kimberlee Cook, Salt Lake City
