The relationship between the placebo and psychedelic research is complicated by the psychological aspects of psychedelic therapy. Looking specifically at MDMA trials, Katherine Hendy outlines the history of double-blind studies, how MAPS used placebos in their MDMA trials, and the problems associated with this research methodology.

In 2017 Chacruna was invited to make a selection of ‘state of the art’ social science references on ayahuasca and other plant medicines. We...

On August 14, 2020, the world bid farewell to scientific pioneer, Dr. Jordi Riba. The untimely death of the Catalan ayahuasca researcher has come...

The labeling of the psychedelic experience as ‘mystical’ may do little to improve public opinion about psychedelics, especially among those with traditional, conservative values. While it is no surprise that psychedelics can induce deep spiritual experiences, there is no scientific evidence that psychedelics can change one’s political or religious beliefs.

Can AI and psychedelics co-exist together in a way that is ethical and supports data justice? Celina Strzelecka suggests it may be possible and this fusion could promise to not only enhance our understanding of mental health disorders but also to offer more personalized and humane treatments.

Clinical trials of MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ayahuasca are offering a glimpse that the future may hold psychiatric treatments far different from daily drug...

The core therapeutic issue for most of us is that we yearn to be loved and accepted for who we are. Ideally, this need...

There is an alarming global decline in lncilus alvarius toad populations, the toads who secrete 5-MeO-DMT, because of multiple ecological reasons and the increased interest in toad ‘milking’ for psychedelic experiences. Anya Ermakova, Ph.D. educates the reader on the ecological impacts of these toad populations and provides alternative, synthetic options for psychonauts who would like to use 5-MeO-DMT.

The rise in popularity of peyote has unfortunately led to overharvesting which consequently poses a great risk for the future of the species. With the increasing need to protect peyote, synthetic mescaline may offer an alternative gateway into this experience that is bereft of issues regarding sustainability. This article summarizes the chemical composition and production of synthetic mescaline.

Does ayahuasca have an effect on one's personality? Researchers have discovered that it may increase openness and decrease neuroticism.