The War on Psychedelics: Why Psilocybin's "Medicinal" Status Isn't Enough
In a groundbreaking study, the Scottsdale Research Institute has announced its intention to use psilocybin mushrooms in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a move that highlights the growing body of research into the psychotherapeutic potential of a substance that has been federally prohibited since 1968. However, while this initiative may mark a step towards recognizing psilocybin's medicinal benefits, it falls short of addressing the glaring injustice of criminalizing people who use psychedelics for reasons deemed unworthy by the government.
The FDA has recognized psilocybin as a "breakthrough therapy" for treatment-resistant depression and has shown promise in treating cancer-related anxiety. However, the lengthy process of obtaining FDA approval remains expensive and time-consuming, with no new options emerging in years. In contrast, Oregon's 2018 ballot initiative authorized state-licensed "psilocybin service centers," allowing adults to use the substance under supervision, without requiring a medical or psychiatric diagnosis.
This more permissive approach has led to decriminalization initiatives in Colorado and local measures discouraging arrest and prosecution of psychedelic users. The language used by these campaigns – describing psilocybin as an "entheogen" that generates "the god within" – suggests that the substance's value extends beyond purely psychiatric applications.
Research has shown that people who have used psilocybin report a range of goals, including improved mental health, personal development, spiritual growth, and cognitive enhancement. While these motivations may not fit neatly into any FDA-approved application, they highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of psychedelic experiences.
The federal laws surrounding psilocybin are particularly egregious, with possession punishable by up to 20 years in prison. These harsh penalties serve no purpose other than to criminalize personal choices deemed "frivolous" by policymakers, rather than addressing any real or perceived harm caused by the substance.
Ultimately, the war on psychedelics must be reexamined. Rather than treating people's use of these substances as crimes, we should recognize their value in promoting mental health, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. By decriminalizing psilocybin and other natural psychedelics, we can begin to address the systemic injustices that have been imposed upon individuals seeking to harness its therapeutic potential.
In a groundbreaking study, the Scottsdale Research Institute has announced its intention to use psilocybin mushrooms in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a move that highlights the growing body of research into the psychotherapeutic potential of a substance that has been federally prohibited since 1968. However, while this initiative may mark a step towards recognizing psilocybin's medicinal benefits, it falls short of addressing the glaring injustice of criminalizing people who use psychedelics for reasons deemed unworthy by the government.
The FDA has recognized psilocybin as a "breakthrough therapy" for treatment-resistant depression and has shown promise in treating cancer-related anxiety. However, the lengthy process of obtaining FDA approval remains expensive and time-consuming, with no new options emerging in years. In contrast, Oregon's 2018 ballot initiative authorized state-licensed "psilocybin service centers," allowing adults to use the substance under supervision, without requiring a medical or psychiatric diagnosis.
This more permissive approach has led to decriminalization initiatives in Colorado and local measures discouraging arrest and prosecution of psychedelic users. The language used by these campaigns – describing psilocybin as an "entheogen" that generates "the god within" – suggests that the substance's value extends beyond purely psychiatric applications.
Research has shown that people who have used psilocybin report a range of goals, including improved mental health, personal development, spiritual growth, and cognitive enhancement. While these motivations may not fit neatly into any FDA-approved application, they highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of psychedelic experiences.
The federal laws surrounding psilocybin are particularly egregious, with possession punishable by up to 20 years in prison. These harsh penalties serve no purpose other than to criminalize personal choices deemed "frivolous" by policymakers, rather than addressing any real or perceived harm caused by the substance.
Ultimately, the war on psychedelics must be reexamined. Rather than treating people's use of these substances as crimes, we should recognize their value in promoting mental health, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. By decriminalizing psilocybin and other natural psychedelics, we can begin to address the systemic injustices that have been imposed upon individuals seeking to harness its therapeutic potential.
I'm so done with our gov's stance on psilocybin 
like what even is the point of having a "medicinal" status if it can't be used properly by people who actually need it? 
I mean, research shows ppl who use psychedelics have all sorts of goals - mental health, personal growth, spiritual stuff... it's not just about fixing one specific issue 
And meanwhile, we're still punishing people for using 'em with up to 20 yrs in prison 
it's straight up unjust 
I think it's crazy how our society views psychedelics like psilocybin as something that should be controlled and criminalized just because it doesn't fit into traditional medical channels 
. The problem is, humans are complex and our experiences with substances shouldn't be reduced to simple diagnoses or labels 
. We need to start thinking about the value of psychedelics in promoting mental health, personal growth, and spiritual exploration – not as a treatment for specific conditions, but as a way of life 
. And I love how some states like Oregon are taking steps towards decriminalization and recognition of its potential therapeutic benefits 
. It's time to rethink our approach to psychedelics and focus on promoting well-being and self-discovery rather than punishment and control 
.
. I mean, who are we to say what someone's motivations are or that their use is 'frivolous'? We should be supporting people in exploring their own potential, not punishing them for it 
. It's all about acceptance and compassion, you know? 
this is wild, like we're still living in the 60s with psilocybin being federally prohibited... meanwhile, our government is like "oh, it's medicinal now, let's approve it"... 
no thanks, when will we actually make a move to change the laws? I mean, if Oregon can do it without all the red tape, why can't other states follow suit? 
. And yeah, the fact that possession is punishable by 20 years in prison is just wild... it's like we're more afraid of people using these substances to help themselves than we are of actual harm 
they're just tryna make it safe 4 ppl to explore their own consciousness 
. And omg, 20 years in prison for possession is just... no 
it's just too easy for people to get caught up in this "medicinal" treatment nonsense and forget about the risks involved. I mean, have you seen all those hippie documentaries from the '60s? It's like everyone thought they were gonna find enlightenment with a few mushrooms and suddenly become enlightened 
. I think what really bothers me is that these substances can actually help people, not just in therapy, but in everyday life too 
. It's all about perspective and understanding the value of psychedelic experiences. We need to stop treating people like they're criminals for choosing to use psilocybin and start recognizing its potential as a tool for personal growth 
. I think we need to rethink our laws and let scientists do their thing without all the drama 
seriously though, psilocybin has shown some real promise in treating depression and anxiety, but its not like were talking about taking it on the streets here. people should be able to access this stuff if they need it, especially if it can help them work through trauma and find their own inner peace 