Will Psychedelics Go Mainstream?
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Scientific investigation is laser focused on psychedelics to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ease end-of-life anxiety, and address mental health challenges, including addiction. The FDA has issued draft guidelines to drug sponsors studying psychedelic-assisted therapy as it considers an application for MDMA-assisted therapy for use in PTSD care. As regulators ponder, policymakers are talking about legalizing psychedelics, including LSD and mushrooms, and honoring longstanding indigenous traditions. The role of psychedelics in medicine is heightening public acceptance, but the emotional risks, abuse potential, and concern for patient safety underscore the imperative of a more cautious, evidence-based approach.
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