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Psychedelics are a broad class of drugs defined by their ability to induce an altered state of consciousness1,2. These drugs have been used for millennia in both spiritual and medicinal contexts, and a number of recent clinical successes have spurred a renewed interest in developing psychedelic therapies3,4,5,6,7,8,9. Nevertheless, a unifying mechanism that can account for […]

As of July 1, authorised psychiatrists have been allowed to prescribe MDMA (the chemical found in “ecstasy”) to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) to treat depression that hasn’t responded to other treatment. Psychedelic therapies have researchers excited because evidence suggests they might have lasting beneficial effects on factors that […]

Earlier this year, researchers raised eyebrows when Australia’s traditionally conservative medicines regulator approved the use of psychedelics to assist therapy sessions. The decision will see psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, used for treatment-resistant depression. It will also allow MDMA, known as ecstasy in tablet form, for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The changes come into effect […]

New FDA guidance on psychedelics changes little for researchers but could open minds and funding sources. This story was reprinted with permission from Crain’s New York and written by Amanda D’Ambrosio. Last month, federal regulators released research guidance for classic psychedelics, marking the first time the government has offered suggestions for studying medicines like LSD, MDMA and […]

Berkeley’s City Council effectively legalized a range of psychedelic substances within city limits Tuesday, unanimously voting to de-prioritize enforcement of state and federal laws against entheogenic and psychedelic plants and fungi. The measure was designed, in part, for users of certain psychedelics to be able to access health resources within the city without fear of […]