Future Hi: Landmark Study: Magic Mushrooms Treat Depression, Give Mystical Effects

July 11, 2006

Landmark Study: Magic Mushrooms Treat Depression, Give Mystical Effects

This isn't news for all of his around here, but it is noteworthy that it's getting plenty of positive mainstream press coverage.

In a new study, researchers found people who took an illegal drug made from mushrooms reported “profound mystical experiences,” as part of an experiment to recall the psychedelic 60's.

Many of the 36 volunteers described their experience as life changing, with some comparing it o the birth of a child, or a death of a parent.

Roland Griffiths of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore said the study findings “just seemed unbelievable.” He added that people should not try this at home as many of the participants described their experience as frightening.

The study is only on of a few that examined the hallucinogenic effects of drugs. They hope that one day the the study can lead to treatment for depression and other illnesses.

Funded in part by the federal government, the research was published online on Monday by the journal Psychopharmacology.

Posted by paul at July 11, 2006 08:49 AM

Comments

As an addict I am thrilled to death. I think I may be ready to eat some shrooms though it's been nearly 16 years since I did last.

Posted by: Cap'n Marrrrk at July 11, 2006 11:30 AM

Does anyone know how I can get a copy of Psychopharmacology? I want to read the specifics of the study- doseage, etc.

Posted by: Ulysses Lazarus Benway at July 12, 2006 10:12 AM

You can find a copy and all back issues here:

http://jop.sagepub.com/

Posted by: Bennu at July 12, 2006 10:16 AM

This is indeed good news. It's high time (no pun intended--really) that psychedelics such as mushrooms were taken psychotheraputically serious after almost exactly a 44-year haitus. 'Shrooms are among the most benign of all the psychedelics, and certainly deserve to be systematically studied--as well as DECRIMINALIZED!!

Paul, give me a call and/or e-mail as soon as you (reasonably) can--I figure you're still movin'-in. Would love, however, to talk and strategize (on my dime, if need).

Ciao for now...

Posted by: MCP2012 at July 12, 2006 02:23 PM