Researchers found a sharp rise in calls to US poison centers about magic mushrooms coincided with their decriminalization in several US cities and states.
Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, has shown promise in treating anorexia in early studies, mostly in rats. But more research is needed to test if it’s safe and effective in humans.
Cannabis – also known as marijuana – is an ancient medicinal plant with promising new medical applications.
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Cannabis and psilocybin – used under supervision – have the potential to work better than current pain treatments, but the research into both has long been hindered by federal legislation.
Considering how to reduce the impact of conflicts of interest on psychedelic studies is essential to avoid public health risks.
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Substantial economic growth in the psychedelic drugs market has drawn interest from corporations and start-ups. While this may accelerate research, it also sparks concerns about conflicts of interest.
Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs Chair Senator David Richards and Deputy Chair Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu at a news conference releasing the committee’s report on the need for psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans on Nov. 8, 2023 in Ottawa.
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Can psychedelics assist in recovery from eating disorders? The findings are promising, but patients and doctors need to proceed with caution until there is additional and extensive research.
A store selling psychedelics in Windsor, Ont. Recent police raids on psychedelics stores in Vancouver reflect misplaced attitudes toward drug regulation.
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Psychedelics are an opportunity to do better than our past drug control strategies. Adults should be trusted to make the right decisions, but policymakers should ensure they do so fully informed.
An ayahuasca ceremony at a Hummingbird Church in Hildale, Utah, in 2022.
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A scholar who studies alternative expressions of spirituality visited secular, atheist and psychedelic churches and interacted with attendees. Here is what he found.
New research hints at how psychedelics can trigger rapid, lasting change.
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Change in the brain usually comes with plenty of effort over time. Neuroscientists are working to understand how psychedelic drugs provide a shortcut that seems to rely on existing brain systems.
From July 1, authorised psychiatrists will be able to prescribe MDMA and psilocybin in some circumstances. Here’s what we’re excited and concerned about.
Fungal metabolites, such as psilocybin, may have therapeutic potential.
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Australia is the first country in the world to legalise the medical use of psychedelics. But without a public subsidy, few Australians will be able to afford them.
Psilocybin and other psychedelics could help patients process the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
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Receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing cancer treatment can be a traumatizing experience. Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin and MDMA could help alleviate symptoms from cancer-related PTSD.
In the HBO series ‘The Last of Us,’ the parasitic fungus cordyeps mutates, and jumps from insects to humans and quickly spreads around the world, rendering its victims helpless to control their thoughts and actions.
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While ‘The Last of Us’ is a dramatic projection of a deadly fungal outbreak, it is based, if not in reality, in logic. And it’s a reminder that fungal infections are growing more resistant.
There are some possible health issues with the drugs, including cardiovascular risks.
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From July this year, some psychiatrists will be able to prescribe psychedelics to some patients. Responses from experts working in the field are mixed.
Psychedelics are being held up as a potential solution to the growing need for mental health treatment. But, magic mushrooms are not magic bullets.
(AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Alberta’s new policy on psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental illness may set a precedent that moves Canadians one step closer to accepting psychedelics as medicinal substances.
Psychedelic experiences are deeply tied to mystical and counterculture ideas that are often at odds with science.
Daniel Merino, DeepDream
Today’s psychedelics researchers still have to deal with the fallout of the decadeslong freeze on research. Listen to ‘The Conversation Weekly’ podcast.
MDMA has therapeutic potential for the treatment of PTSD.
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