Summary: A new video from Quartz explores the therapeutic effects of psychedelics, highlighting clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. Throughout the video, Army SGT (R) Jon Lubecky shares his experience participating in a clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, author Michael Pollan shares his perspectives on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, and MAPS-sponsored researcher Ingmar Gorman, Ph.D., speaks about his experience as a psychedelic therapist.
Originally appearing here.
Psychedelics are having a moment—again.
The Oakland, California city council resolved to decriminalize magic mushrooms on June. 5, becoming the second US city to do so after Denver, Colorado. Though some argue this is not the best approach to increase access, decriminalizing these drugs makes them safer for people who take them for their potential health benefits.
Psychedelics have a long history in clinical research, where they’ve shown an impressive ability to treat addiction, depression, and other mental health issues. The US Food and Drug Administration has designated MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a breakthrough treatment for PTSD, expediting its approval process. (While it’s not a “classical” psychedelic, MDMA is often considered a psychedelic because of its mind-altering properties.)
Watch the video above for a look at how researchers are rediscovering the value of psychedelics in mental health treatment, and how the drugs are already improving lives.