Psychedelics, substances known for their mind-altering properties, have fascinated humanity for millennia. While modern societies often associate them with counterculture movements and recreational use, the history of psychedelics stretches far back into the annals of human civilization. From ancient rituals to spiritual practices, psychedelics have played a significant role in shaping cultural, religious, and medicinal traditions across various civilizations.
Modern science is finally catching up to the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, but scientific censorship still plays a significant role in hindering progress and limiting our understanding of these substances. While psychedelics have shown promise in treating conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety, scientific research has been stilted by historical stigma, political agendas, and legal restrictions. Well, at DeSci Hub, we believe it’s time to grow up. The therapeutic potential of psychedelics far outweighs the whiskers of scaredy cats and dead-for-decades dogma.
Ancient Roots of Psychedelics
The use of psychedelics dates back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting their use in ancient cultures around the globe. Archaeological findings reveal artifacts and artworks depicting hallucinogenic plants, indicating their ritualistic and ceremonial use. For instance, in pre-Columbian America, indigenous cultures such as the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas utilized substances like peyote, psilocybin mushrooms, and ayahuasca in spiritual ceremonies to commune with the divine and gain insights into the nature of existence.
Similarly, in ancient civilizations of the Old World, including Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia, references to psychedelic substances abound in religious texts, artwork, and archaeological remains. The Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece, for example, involved the consumption of a mysterious psychoactive beverage called kykeon, believed to induce profound spiritual experiences and visions. In Egypt, the blue lotus flower (Nymphaea caerulea) was revered for its psychoactive properties, often associated with religious rituals and divine revelation.
Spiritual and Shamanic Practices
Many indigenous cultures viewed psychedelics as sacred tools for accessing the realms of the divine and communicating with spiritual entities. Shamans, and other types of healers in traditional societies, often employed psychedelic plants in their rituals to facilitate healing, divination, and soul journeys. The Amazonian shamans, for instance, have long used ayahuasca — a powerful psychedelic brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves — for spiritual purification, healing, and communion with the spirit world.
In addition to their role in spiritual practices, psychedelics were also utilized for therapeutic purposes in ancient societies. The ancient Greeks recognized the medicinal properties of opium and cannabis for alleviating pain and inducing altered states of consciousness, while ancient Chinese societies utilized mandrake and cannabis for their analgesic and psychoactive effects.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The widespread use of psychedelics in the ancient world left an indelible mark on human culture, influencing art, mythology, religion, and philosophy. Ancient myths and legends often feature motifs related to psychedelic experiences, reflecting humanity’s fascination with altered states of consciousness and the mysteries of the mind. Artworks from ancient civilizations frequently depict psychedelic plants and rituals, attesting to their cultural significance and spiritual symbolism.
Despite the profound impact of psychedelics on ancient societies, their use declined over time due to various factors, including cultural shifts and religious persecution. However, the legacy of psychedelics endured through esoteric traditions, mystical practices, and underground subcultures, resurfacing in the modern era with the advent of a U.S.-based psychedelic renaissance in the 1950s and 60s.
The History of Censorship in Psychedelic Research
The modern story of psychedelic research begins in the mid-20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, substances like LSD, psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms), and mescaline were investigated for their potential therapeutic effects, especially in treating mental health conditions. Pioneering researchers, including psychiatrist Stanislav Grof and psychologist Timothy Leary, conducted studies that suggested psychedelics could offer profound insights into consciousness and serve as effective treatments for a range of psychological disorders.
However, the 1960s also saw the rise of the counterculture movement, which adopted psychedelics as part of its broader social and political agenda. This period of widespread psychedelic use triggered a backlash from governments and conservative groups with their own political ideology, who viewed these substances as threats to social order.
In 1970, the United States passed the Controlled Substances Act, classifying many psychedelics, including LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, as Schedule I drugs. This classification effectively made it illegal to study them, labeling them as having “no accepted medical use” and a “high potential for abuse.” In other words, “controversial research” turned into illegal research, as many scientific institutions and scholars studying these substances lost their intellectual freedom to continue.
These legal restrictions kiboshed psychedelic research for several decades. The political climate of the time, fueled by fears of social unrest, helped to cement a narrative of the potential harms of psychedelics rather than their potential benefits, pushing psychedelic research into the shadows for years.
Psychedelics and the Ongoing Battle Against Censorship in Research
Beginning in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a new wave of scientific interest in psychedelics emerged. Researchers like Roland Griffiths at Johns Hopkins University and Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), spearheaded efforts to reintroduce the academic freedom to research psychedelics. Their studies, particularly in the areas of mental health, addiction treatment, and end-of-life care, demonstrated that psychedelics like psilocybin could have significant therapeutic potential.
Despite this resurgence, the shadow of censorship has continued to loom over psychedelic research. While regulatory agencies like the FDA and the European Medicines Agency have shown some openness to the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, the process of obtaining approval for clinical trials remains arduous and expensive. Researchers must navigate complex regulatory frameworks, secure significant research funding, and contend with institutional resistance.
The Stigma of Psychedelics
The stigma surrounding psychedelics still persists, whether due to conservative-driven moral concerns or ill-perceived potential harms, often affecting the reputation of the people and institutions involved in psychedelic research. For example, prominent researchers like Leary, who became an icon of the 1960s counterculture, became discredited figures. (To be fair, Leary began to prioritize “turning on, tuning in, and dropping out” over academic progress and intellectual rigor.) Regardless, this cultural baggage can create barriers to funding and institutional support, even as recent public opinion has shifted in favor of psychedelics’ therapeutic potential.
The political climate in various countries also continues to influence the direction of psychedelic research. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been slow to adapt to the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic use of psychedelics. While the FDA has granted “breakthrough therapy” designation to psilocybin for depression, the process of expanding access to psychedelics for medical use remains slow and cumbersome.
Bureaucratic Pushback and the Constructs of Social Psychology
Researchers also face challenges when seeking approval for studies involving psychedelics, often having to justify their work in the face of significant bureaucratic hurdles. Even when evidence indicates positive results, the research may still be considered inadequate for medical approval. For example, the FDA recently rejected MDMA-assisted therapy to treat posttraumatic stress disorder in 2024, a disappointing blow to veteran groups and patient advocates.
Although there were reported discrepancies in the MDMA-assisted therapy study, leading to questions about the efficacy of the findings, the bias against the controversial research was also palpable. There may have been legitimate reasons to discredit some aspects of this particular MDMA study, which was conducted by Lykos Therapeutics, but do you think other drugs go under as much scrutiny before they hit shelves?
Recalls, lawsuits-a-plenty, and lists of legal disclaimers are the accepted practice for many new-to-market drugs. While this may be best practice for big pharma, it’s obvious that a drug’s legal status as a controlled substance has a chilling effect on the perceived efficacy of certain drugs. Whether it’s the scientific community’s perception, a governing body’s, or society writ large, the perceived harm and stigma associated with a drug’s illegal status can overshadow compelling evidence, limit academic freedom, and impede scientific progress. In other words, the social psychology of stigma often results in scientific censorship.
The Role of Advocacy and Public Opinion
One of the most powerful tools for challenging the censorship of research in pharmacology has been advocacy. Organizations like MAPS, the Beckley Foundation, and the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research have played critical roles in shifting public opinion. The work of these scientific institutions has helped to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, while also emphasizing the importance of conducting scientific research within safe, regulated environments.
Public opinion has also shifted significantly in recent years. Surveys show that increasing numbers of people view psychedelics as potentially beneficial for mental health. As public support grows, there’s hope that governments, academic institutes, and regulatory agencies will reconsider their stance on psychedelics, leading to more research funding and fewer barriers for researchers.
The role of media coverage cannot be overstated in this shift. As documentaries, books, podcasts, and even social media personalities explore the scientific breakthroughs and therapeutic applications of psychedelics, the media can help dismantle the stigma that has long surrounded these substances. This broader cultural acceptance is crucial for creating the space necessary for rigorous scientific research, and DeSci Hub is committed to covering the projects and people pushing scientific progress forward in the field of therapeutic psychedelics.
Microdosing: More (well, less) Than a Trip
In recent years, microdosing has emerged as a fascinating and somewhat controversial practice, capturing the attention of individuals seeking alternative ways to enhance various aspects of their lives. From productivity and creativity to mental well-being, proponents of microdosing tout its potential benefits. So, what exactly is microdosing and what are its purported advantages?
Microdosing involves the consumption of tiny, sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms), or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Unlike full doses that induce profound alterations in perception and cognition, microdoses are typically a 10th to 20th of a standard recreational dose (everyone’s different). Users often follow a regimen of periodic dosing, with intervals ranging from every few days to once a week. Clinically recorded benefits of microdosing include:
Enhanced Creativity
One of the most celebrated benefits of microdosing is its potential to amplify creativity. Many users report experiencing heightened levels of creativity, lateral thinking, and problem-solving abilities while microdosing psychedelics. This enhanced cognitive flexibility may stem from alterations in neural connectivity (neuroplasticity) and increased serotonin levels, which promote novel insights and perspectives.
Improved Mood and Well-being
Microdosing has been associated with mood enhancement and an overall sense of well-being. Research suggests that sub-threshold doses of psychedelics may modulate mood-regulating neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and dopamine, leading to a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Users often describe feeling more optimistic, present, and emotionally resilient after incorporating microdosing into their routines.
Heightened Focus and Productivity
Another purported benefit of microdosing is its ability to sharpen focus and enhance productivity. Advocates suggest that microdosing can promote sustained attention, mental clarity, and task engagement, making it particularly appealing to individuals seeking cognitive enhancement without the side effects associated with traditional stimulants like caffeine or prescription medications.
Increased Energy and Physical Performance
Some users report experiencing heightened energy levels and improved physical performance when microdosing psychedelics. While the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood, as censorship in research has stifled progress, anecdotal evidence suggests that microdosing may enhance motivation, endurance, and sensory perception, making it potentially beneficial for activities ranging from exercise to physically creative endeavors.
Mindfulness and Spiritual Growth
While macrodosing (larger quantities of mushrooms) is often associated with spiritual experiences among users, microdosing participants also report spiritual experiences and personal growth. Many users describe a heightened sense of interconnectedness, introspection, and spiritual insight while microdosing psychedelics. These experiences may facilitate self-discovery, emotional healing, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human experience.
Although research on microdosing is still in its early stages, as most scientific and academic journals have focused on the effects and neuroplasticity of macrodosing, preliminary findings suggest that lower dosages may also hold promise as a tool for enhancing various aspects of cognitive function, mood, and well-being.
As interest in psychedelics continues to grow, further research is required to understand better the mechanisms of action, long-term effects, and optimal dosing protocols. By approaching the field scientifically and with an open mind — outside of scientific censorship in research, stigma, and societal biases — we can continue to explore the potential mood-, mind-, and medical-altering benefits of psychedelics.
