“I suddenly became strangely inebriated. The external world became changed as in a dream. Objects appeared to gain in relief; they assumed unusual dimensions; and colours became more glowing. Even self-perception and the sense of time were changed. When the eyes were closed, coloured pictures flashed past in a quickly changing kaleidoscope. After a few hours, the not unpleasant inebriation, which had been experienced whilst I was fully conscious, disappeared. What had caused this condition?” – Dr. Albert Hofmann – Laboratory Notes (1943)
In this post, I will share with you some of the hidden gems of my recent journey through the psychedelic digital jungle of interesting articles, podcast, and studies that I have found.
Efforts To Decriminalize Magic Mushrooms Beginning To Sprout Nationally
Denver and Oakland recently passed measures decriminalizing magic mushrooms, and it appears to be part of a larger, slow-moving movement to make psilocybin (the mushrooms’ psychedelic ingredient) available for treatments for depression and other medicinal purposes, and, of course, recreational purposes.
Movement To Decriminalize Psychedelics Spreads Nationally
According to Decriminalize Nature—the group behind the Oakland resolution to decriminalize not just psilocybin but other psychedelic substances including ayahuasca, mescaline and ibogaine that was unanimously approved earlier this month—activists from more than half of the states in the U.S. have already reached out expressing interest in pursuing a similar model in their own cities.
First controlled study of LSD microdosing finds few benefits — and some downsides
“I have studied effects of psychoactive drugs for many years, including drugs that have traditionally been considered recreational, but may also have therapeutic potential. Therefore, I became curious about the widespread claims that low doses of LSD might improve mood and cognition,” said study author Harriet de Wit, a professor at the University of Chicago.
Replication and extension of a model predicting response to psilocybin
Recent research demonstrated the potential of psychedelic drugs as treatment for depression and death-related anxiety and as an enhancement for well-being. While generally positive, responses to psychedelic drugs can vary according to traits, setting, and mental state (set) before and during ingestion. Most earlier models explain minimal response variation, primarily related to dosage and trust, but a recent study found that states of surrender and preoccupation at the time of ingestion explained substantial variance in mystical and adverse psilocybin experiences.
Can a psychedelic drug save the terminally ill from their deepest fears of death?
In a Melbourne hospital, specialists are set to investigate a new form of relief for those facing death who are struggling with severe depression: a drug linked with magic mushrooms.
How long is acid detectable in the body?
Researchers experience many challenges when detecting LSD in human tissue samples. People only ingest small amounts, so detection methods need to be very sensitive.
LSD is also unstable, and the liver breaks it down rapidly. The time that LSD is detectable in the tissues is restrictive, so doctors need to analyze the samples quickly.
AOC's Amendment to Expand Psychedelics Research Shot Down by House of Reps
“Sadly our drug research amendment failed today, but I’m undeterred,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted. “I’m proud we were even able to bring a vote on psychedelic research to the House floor."
Woody Harrelson to play LSD guru Timothy Leary, a Springfield native and Holy Cross alum
Woody Harrelson, who gained fame playing a Boston bartender on Cheers, will portray Springfield native and LSD guru Timothy Leary in a new series.