Drugs in therapy. LSD, MDMA, marijuana, psilocybin, designer drugs and its potential in modern medicine.
Agata Tadeja
Farmacja Polska September 28, 2020 DOI: 10.32383/farmpol/127922 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | LSD MDMA Psilocybin Cannabis |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Designer drug Pharmacology |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and cannabis show potential in treating various psychiatric and medical conditions, but further research is needed to establish safety and efficacy. |
Abstract
Research on using drugs in medicine was almost completely stopped and delegalized in 1971, by Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Most of studies carried out before 1971 were methodologically inappropriate according to current research methodologies, yet it was proven that there is some potential in using substances like lysergic acid diethylamide, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, marihuana or psilocybin in treating some disorders, especially psychiatric disorders. Currently, there are being performed studies on influence of using drugs in many health problems. Therapy with psilocybin, seems perspective on people with anxiety, depression or other drugs abuse. This kind of therapy (psilocybin therapy) is always parallel to psychotherapeutic sessions. Similar results are observed in therapies using lysergic acid diethylamide on patients with terminal cancer stadium or drug addicts. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine could have a positive effect on people with post-traumatic stress disorder or social fears linked with adult autism in situation there is no effect after using classical therapies. Using of Cannabis sativa L. in different forms has a proven and broad positive effect in medical treatment of: post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, neurological pain and many cutaneous conditions. A very wide source of potential new medicines could be a psychoactive substance group called designer drugs (or legal highs), which mimic effects of using well known classical drugs. Currently, new psychoactive substances are being developed in a very fast and massive way with biological impact very hard to predict and estimate. Basing on structural studies and effects described by people using them, some of those new designer drugs can have interesting positive properties like: weight reduction or reducing anxiety. The biggest challenge it is to properly verify and test, if drug therapy (lysergic acid diethylamide, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, marihuana, psilocybin or designer drugs) can be safe for patients and as effective as standard therapies. Testing and estimating proper safe dosage and effective for the patient will be the most challenging. Further research and analysis should be taken on wider group of patients to expand the knowledge of this field of medical science.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: examination of the evidence | 2004 | Review | |
| Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history. General (historical and pharmacological review) | 2018 | Review | |
| Psychiatric effects of cannabis | 2001 | Review | |
| Beyond THC: The New Generation of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs | 2011 | Review | |
| Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug | 2006 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 17
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Safety and Efficacy of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-Assisted Psychotherapy for Anxiety Associated With Life-threatening Diseases The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease March 4, 2014
- Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-facilitated smoking cessation The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse July 21, 2016
and 12 more in the library