Support Grows for Legalization of Psychedelics

Clinical psychedelic studies support improvements in mental health conditions including anxiety and PTSD

For nearly two years, the global pandemic has created a mental health crisis in the U.S., with millions suffering from anxiety, trauma and depression related to financial, emotional and job-related stress.  Those with pre-existing mental health issues have also been at higher risk of developing worsening symptoms as the pandemic wears on. With no end in sight, it’s clear that more effective treatment options are desperately needed. This is one reason why mental health experts and others are pressing for the legalization of some promising psychedelic drugs. 

Now, Dr. Bronner’s, a brand known for its soaps and bath essentials and unique, no-frills labels, has jumped on board, supporting psychedelics as a possible intervention for multiple conditions. CEO David Bronner explained to Adweek, “A lot of the population is suffering. A lot of the ones who can be most helped are veterans and first responders. They can really benefit from this medication.” The company has even created a headline-grabbing label that says, “Support Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies to Heal the Soul!” Bronner’s is planning to use some of the profits to urge the FDA to consider the legalization of medical psychedelics to aid in the treatment of mental health and trauma-induced conditions, including PTSD, depression and end-of-life anxiety. 

Dr. Bronner’s supports legalization of psychedelics with its unique Heal Soul label
Credit: drbronner.com

Legalization Supported by Research

Psilocybin, the ingredient in what are commonly known as magic mushrooms, has undergone clinical research and clinical testing for the treatment of various health conditions. Johns Hopkins Medicine found psilocybin to lower anxiety among those with terminal cancer or depression from a small, double-blind study published by Science Daily. The results found psilocybin to be effective in improving depressive and anxiety-related symptoms, with 83% of participants reporting increased well-being or life satisfaction after receiving treatment. 

Professor and researcher at John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Roland Griffiths, acknowledges “a life-threatening cancer diagnosis can be psychologically challenging, with anxiety and depression as very common symptoms. People with this kind of existential anxiety often feel hopeless and are worried about the meaning of life and what happens upon death.” Psilocybin has improved these symptoms among some individuals when other pharmaceutical treatments have been lacking. 

Wild mushrooms used in the manufacture of psilocybin, one of several psychedelics being researched for mental health

Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Charles Grob, interviewed with SevenPonds regarding psychedelic treatment to ease end-of-life anxiety, finding similar results. Dr. Grob participated in a pilot study published in JAMA Psychiatry assessing treatment with psilocybin among terminally-ill cancer patients. Findings indicated improved mood and reduced anxiety, even among those with extreme psychological ailments.  Dr. Grob has been researching treatment with psychedelics since the early 1970s, with an emphasis on improving end-of-life anxiety. 

Potential Profits Loom

Support has also grown among startup companies, with an eye on the clinical demand for additional treatment options as well as the potential for large profits within the psychedelic industry. Canadian startup company, Field Trip, has already opened several clinics offering ketamine psychotherapy treatment, only authorized when prescribed by a medical professional. Ketamine is known for treating pain but has more recently also been shown to significantly improve depression symptoms and suicidal thoughts. These treatments are currently listed in Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substance Act, rating them as having high potential for abuse with no medical value. However, research and evidence show psychedelic treatments are worth further consideration as effective medical interventions. With some cities in the United States already decriminalizing psilocybin, and the Food and Drug Administration performing clinical trials additional consideration and support of the legalization of psychedelics intensifies. 

One of the earliest researchers in the therapeutic use of psilocybin, Dr. Charles Grob supports legalization of psychedelics for medical use

Although the conversation regarding psychedelic usage for medical treatments is not new, the considerations are ramping up as more clinical studies are conducted confirming the efficacy of this available treatment. With clinical research confirming some of the positive findings, more companies are showing their support for psychedelic legalization when it comes to providing alternative treatment for serious mental health conditions including PTSD, depression, anxiety and more.