Lysergic acid diethylamide

Psychedelic drug users have a 21-fold higher risk of developing schizophrenia after ER visits, with a 3.5-fold increased risk even after controlling for existing substance use and mental health disorders, according to a Canadian study. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, highlights the potential risks of hallucinogen use outside clinical trial settings.

Miami University researcher Andrew Jones uses bioreactors to produce psilocybin and other psychedelics, attracting attention and funding. Despite FDA setbacks like rejecting Lykos Therapeutics' MDMA application, interest in psychedelics for treating PTSD, depression, and addiction remains high. Jones' lab synthesizes compounds for consistency and safety, and he collaborates on research into psilocybin's neuroplastic and anti-inflammatory effects. Public acceptance of psychedelics is growing, with legal psilocybin therapy available in Oregon, and ongoing research worldwide.

LSD, discovered by Albert Hofmann in 1938, was initially marketed by Sandoz for psychiatric use. Its recreational rise in the 1960s led to its 1968 Schedule I classification. By 2023, 9% of adults aged 19-30 had used hallucinogens. MindMed's LSD formulation, MM120, received FDA 'breakthrough therapy' status for treating generalized anxiety disorder, showing significant anxiety reduction post-dose. LSD use carries risks like psychosis and flashbacks, but current research and FDA approval of ketamine-related medications suggest potential for LSD in mental health treatment.

Psilocybin, the active ingredient in 'magic mushrooms,' is compared to the antidepressant escitalopram in a six-month trial for depression. Psilocybin showed greater flexibility in brain states and higher well-being scores, but both treatments had comparable depressive symptom improvements. Critics argue for more extensive trials and addressing issues like cost and patient selection before widespread use.

MindMed plans pivotal LSD study for generalized anxiety disorder, aiming to innovate stagnant anxiety treatment landscape with MM-120, a pharmacologically optimized form of LSD, which showed promising Phase 2b results. The company envisions a treatment model similar to Spravato but with potentially fewer restrictions, targeting a growing network of interventional psychiatry clinics.

New study in *Neuron* reveals DOI, a psychedelic drug, reduces anxiety by activating ventral hippocampus neurons in mice and rats, offering insights into potential future anxiety treatments.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) merges psychotherapy with psychedelic states, facilitated by substances like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, showing potential in treating PTSD, TRD, MDD, and other conditions. Despite being classified as Schedule I drugs, their therapeutic potential is increasingly recognized, leading to FDA Breakthrough Therapy designations for MDMA and psilocybin. Recent research suggests these substances reopen a 'critical period' in the brain, enhancing social reward learning and brain plasticity. Methodologically rigorous clinical research indicates substantial long-term symptom alleviation, with single sessions leading to significant symptom reduction and remission lasting up to twelve months. Despite regulatory challenges, ongoing research and clinical trials continue to explore and validate the therapeutic benefits of PAT.

Ibogaine induces intense hallucinations, while tabernanthalog, a non-hallucinogenic analogue, offers altered states without trips. The definition of a trip is evolving as researchers develop non-hallucinogenic psychedelics for medical use, raising questions about what constitutes a psychedelic experience.

A study estimates 24-62% of U.S. depression patients could qualify for psilocybin-assisted therapy if FDA approves, potentially helping millions. Factors influencing eligibility include comorbidities and insurance coverage. The study emphasizes the need for flexible healthcare planning and resource allocation.

The article discusses psilocybin's classification, therapeutic potential, and varying state laws. It highlights the growing interest in psychedelics for treating conditions like depression and PTSD. The article also addresses the legality of microdosing psilocybin, noting its federal illegality but varying state and local enforcement priorities. It provides examples of cities in California that have made psilocybin use a low enforcement priority. The article concludes with recommendations for employers dealing with employees microdosing at work, emphasizing the importance of clear policies and a safe workplace.