The Psychedelic Renaissance: Americans Embrace Psilocybin as a Promising Treatment Option
As the modern-day psychedelic renaissance continues to gain momentum, with numerous studies and personal experiences showcasing the potential of innovative treatments like psilocybin-assisted therapy, it’s hard to ignore the potential of this emerging solution.
But as psychedelic reform continues to spread across the nation, one question remains: what do Americans really think about this new therapeutic option?
A recent study published in the American Journal of Bioethics Neuroscience suggests that the majority of Americans are in favor of psilocybin. The study examined the “moral status” of psilocybin and found that nearly 9 in 10 Americans approve of its use in a controlled, licensed setting to treat specific conditions or promote general well-being.
Despite being classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which deems it to have no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, psilocybin is believed to be physiologically safer than many commonly prescribed drugs. It is also non-habit forming and has been shown to effectively treat a variety of psychiatric conditions when used in combination with psychotherapy.
The study also noted that psilocybin has been found to have positive neuropsychological effects, such as increasing prosocial attitudes, mindfulness, and overall improved psychosocial functioning.
With the recent FDA approval of psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy” for major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression, and more states introducing psychedelic reform measures, researchers wanted to delve deeper into the perceived morality surrounding the medicinal use of psilocybin.
The study surveyed 795 participants, ranging from 18 to 92 years old, who were representative of the American population. Participants were given information about psilocybin and the recent Oregon law that legalized its use for personal use in supervised settings. They were then asked to imagine a similar law being passed at the federal level.
Next, participants were given one of two scenarios about an individual using psilocybin under the supervision of a trained professional – one for treating treatment-resistant depression and the other for enhancing overall well-being. They were also provided with accurate information stating that psilocybin is safe and non-addictive when used in a controlled setting for both those with mental health disorders and healthy individuals.
Overall, the study found that there was “strong bipartisan support” for both treatment (89%) and enhancement (85%). This suggests that Americans are open to the idea of using psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, regardless of their political beliefs.
