In this module, we will focus on the clinical trial research that is currently happening around the world. Clinical trials focus on people with a diagnosed disease or disorder. Most psychedelic research in medicine has been in psychiatry, which focuses on mental disorders like depression, substance use disorder, OCD, PTSD, and others.  

We have now heard about the historic use of psychedelics among indigenous peoples, the start, pause, and re-start of scientific research on psychedelics, the clinical trial process and some preliminary findings on risks and benefits. But how do these molecules create these experiences that we’ve heard so much about? In this module, we will discuss the effects of psychedelics on the brain.

We have heard about histories of indigenous use of and scientific research on psychedelics, clinical trial results on risks and benefits, and some of how psychedelics impact the brain. In this module, we will tie these threads together and make some summarizing statements about risks of psychedelics in recreational and research settings. We will also discuss on-going bioethical issues such as informed consent, integration, and psychedelic exceptionalism. Lastly, what’s next for the field of psychedelics?