On Tuesday Oregon became the first state to legalize the psychedelic prodrug found in magic mushrooms. Measure 109 will give legal access to psilocybin for mental health treatment in supervised settings.
Having followed the research on psilocybin at Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research, I am aware of the growing body of research on this topic. Most of the results presented seem to indicate significant benefit with limited side effects. The research I reviewed involves the use of psilocybin for the treatment of substance use disorder. However, I am aware of positive results in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and to enhance the effects of psychotherapy. I am a believer that we need to look at all potential options for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. We know that our current medications only solve some of the problem’s patients are facing. Chronic disorders like substance use and depression remain major clinical challenges.
As a psychiatrist I’m conflicted about the decision to start offering this treatment even in supervised settings. Like Cannabis, we are only in the beginning stages of studying these drugs as medication. As a physician you remain a scientist first, and as a scientist you want to give the research time to develop. In the United States cannabis remains federally illegal (schedule I). This means funding for research is difficult to obtain. The same is true for psilocybin. We need increased ability to study these drugs as medications and determine the true risks and benefits. There are many anecdotal accounts of the benefits of both these drugs, but I do not believe this is enough to potentially risk your health on.
I believe research will elicit positive benefits for both cannabis and psilocybin. However, I urge caution when considering these options as potential treatment for mental health disorders.
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