Scientists are again looking into the transformative effects of taking hallucinogens such as psilocybin, to deal with certain psychological illnesses including depression caused by cancer, end-of-life anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The study of psychodelic medications gained notoriety during the 1960s when certain researchers like Timothy Leary “dropped out” of society after extensive LSD use. The federal government had shied away from funding any research on the benefits of certain hallucinogens but has begun to grant approval for controlled experiments.

Prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Harvard, New York University and the University of California, Los Angeles have been quietly studying the similarities between  hallucinogenic experiences and life-altering revelations often reported by religious mystics and long-time meditators.

One patient who was dealing with cancer-related depression had tried anti-depressants and counseling to no avail. After taking part in an experiment conducted by Johns Hopkins Medical School, the patient reported a year later that the experience transformed his relationship with his family stating it was one of the most meaningful events in his life.

Medical researchers from around the world are gathering this week in San Jose, California to discuss the studies on hallucinogens in the treatment of PTSD, depression, OCD and anxiety.

I have witnessed first hand the devastating psychological effects associated with some of these mental  health issues. Alleviating the distress caused by these illness would be a true blessing for some people. To read more about this research and about the patient who was treated for cancer-related depression, follow this link.

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