The legalization of psychedelics in DC
Washington, DC, is an enigma—ostensibly a city of order and sobriety, yet beneath the surface, it thrives on chaos. Its meticulously planned streets, designed in a systematic grid, ironically contribute to some of the worst traffic jams in the nation, rivaling even Los Angeles in vehicular dysfunction. For pedestrians, the confusion is no less palpable.
A walk from The American Conservative’s offices to the White House involves navigating a stretch of Connecticut Avenue adorned with saplings intended to soften the harsh expanse of concrete. These young sweet gum trees will eventually mature and scatter spiky fruits along the walkway, turning an otherwise pleasant route into a treacherous path for those in formal attire.
In this city where decisions often seem detached from their consequences, it's somewhat expected that the local government has chosen to decriminalize psychedelics. Just a short stroll from the TAC offices, one can encounter a townhouse turned dispensary where an array of entheogenic plants and chemicals are sold openly. This new normal comes courtesy of the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020, passed by a significant majority of DC voters, directing police to prioritize other crimes over the enforcement against psychedelics.
The aesthetic of these dispensaries, such as the "Wellness Dreams Weed Dispensary LLC," mimics modern retail spaces—white, sleek, adorned with faux greenery, but with a twist of corporate psychedelic flair. Transactions are conducted on iPads, set against a backdrop of minimalistic displays and a distinct scent of cannabis.
However, the veneer of trendy retail does little to mask the underlying issues. The staff, including our guide during one visit, still embody the pre-regulation era—a stark reminder of the complexities of drug use. Conversations about product choices and effects, like those surrounding the infamous Albino Penis Envy mushroom, are casual yet lack thorough guidance. This casual approach extends to customer interactions, where advice on managing potential side effects seems more anecdotal than informed.
The legalization of psychedelics in DC represents a broader debate about drug policy
juxtaposing recreational use against medicinal claims. The case for legalization often blurs these lines without adequately addressing the inherent risks associated with substances that alter perception and cognitive functions. The lack of structured responsibility in both selling and consuming these substances points to a potential oversight in policy implementation.
Despite the prevailing enthusiasm for deregulation, real-world observations suggest a disconnect between the liberties granted and the maturity needed to handle them responsibly. As for your correspondent, faced with the realities of family life and financial responsibilities, the allure of exploring psychedelics at this stage remains a mere curiosity, best left to others more willing to navigate its uncertainties.
In recent years, therapies incorporating psychedelics such as ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin
—the active ingredient in magic mushrooms—have shifted from the fringes to gaining broader acceptance in the medical community. Research indicates these substances can be especially beneficial for individuals suffering from depression and PTSD, often outperforming traditional medications. A critical factor for the success of such treatments, particularly with psilocybin, appears to be the quality of the patient-therapist relationship, according to a new study.
Interest in psychedelic therapies has sparked a growing industry
with over 50 public companies now involved, primarily offering ketamine-based treatments and psychedelic retreats, according to Psilocybin Alpha. The administration methods vary significantly; some treatments are clinic-based under professional supervision, while others utilize relaxed regulations to allow at-home consumption, which has raised safety concerns. Notably, the FDA has received reports of adverse effects from unsupervised, at-home use of ketamine, though no legal home-use options for psilocybin exist, despite its availability without a prescription in Oregon since last year.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE emphasizes that a strong therapeutic alliance may be essential for the effectiveness of psilocybin in treating severe depression. This study analyzed a 2021 clinical trial where 24 patients undergoing psilocybin therapy reported a correlation between their bond with their therapists and a reduction in depression symptoms over time. The therapists not only prepared the patients but also guided them through the psychedelic experiences and the subsequent processing phases.
The findings suggest that deeper patient-clinician connections enhance the long-term benefits of psilocybin treatments
These relationships were crucial in contributing to significant mental health improvements, as evidenced by lower depression scores reported by patients one year after treatment. The study aligns with existing research that highlights the importance of the therapeutic alliance in achieving successful outcomes across various types of therapy, now extending to psychedelic-assisted treatments.
The study's senior author, Alan Davis of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, pointed out the novelty of applying this well-established concept to psychedelic therapies, underscoring the importance of a supportive environment and mindset, often referred to as "set and setting." This preparation and support during the psychedelic experience are key factors in the therapy's success.
The implications of this research are significant at a time when psychedelic-assisted therapy
is at a potential turning point in the U.S. Despite its Schedule 1 status, psilocybin decriminalization is advancing in several cities, and the FDA's recent openness to psychedelic clinical trials—including potential approval for an MDMA-based therapy—indicates a growing acceptance of these treatments.
Adam Levin, the study's lead author and a resident at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of maintaining robust patient-physician connections to prevent adverse events and optimize therapeutic outcomes. His remarks highlight concerns about the risks of reducing therapeutic support in an effort to expedite access to these powerful drugs.
The FDA is expected to weigh in soon on an application for MDMA — also called ecstasy or Molly — combined with therapy, as a treatment for post traumatic stress disorder. In anticipation of approval, proponents of psychedelic-assisted therapy are training clinicians and creating guidelines for the drug's use.
The FDA also has granted breakthrough therapy designations for psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms, as a potential treatment for depression, and has issued draft guidelines for clinical trials of psychedelic drugs.
The use of psychoactive substances has a long history in the spiritual and healing practices of indigenous communities across the globe . Scientific studies have found evidence that psilocybin may help alleviate the fear of death experienced by people with terminal illnesses. Research also suggests it may help treat severe depression for patients who haven't responded to other therapies.
Massachusetts lawmakers heard testimony last month on the proposed ballot question to regulate some psychedelics.