Light Shining within the "Dark" Classics: A Perspective on Entheogenic Compounds.
Khalyd J Clay, Ava E Axelrod, Christina M MacLaughlin, Jacob M Hooker
ACS Chemical Neuroscience May 17, 2023 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00227 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ketamine LSD |
| Keywords | Dark classics Psychedelics Entheogens Traditional medicine Mental health treatment Drug research |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that the label "DARK" for entheogens perpetuates harmful stigma and that these compounds should be reframed in light of their positive cultural and historical contexts. |
Abstract
Several naturally occurring molecules exhibit unique potential in treating certain elements of psychiatric illnesses and are being actively pursued in therapeutic development. Among these are molecules termed entheogens, a preferred name for plant-derived compounds that alter human consciousness for religious or spiritual purposes, which are especially important to various Indigenous groups, and their use within these cultures precedes that of the contemporary medicalized use. Here, we acknowledge that some entheogens were included in the DARK Classics issues of ACS Chemical Neuroscience and that the label of "DARK" may perpetuate harmful and misguided labels and stigmas. We acknowledge that these compounds should really be framed in the light and beauty of their histories and uses culturally. Thus, in this Viewpoint, we consider the language used surrounding entheogens specifically and psychedelics more broadly and attempt to reframe the way we describe psychoactive, especially entheogenic, compounds in ACS Chemical Neuroscience.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on LSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Experimental Use of Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy | 1970 | Historical analysis | |
| LSD: My Problem Child | 1981 | Historical analysis | |
| On the Use and Abuse of LSD | 1968 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Use of Music in Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy | 1972 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Flashbacks: Recurrent Intrusive Images After the Use of LSD | 1969 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Nature Medicine June 1, 2021
- Ketamine: 50 Years of Modulating the Mind Frontiers in Human Neuroscience November 29, 2016
- From Underground to Mainstream: Establishing a Medical Lexicon for Psychedelic Therapy Frontiers in Psychiatry June 17, 2022
- DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Phencyclidine (PCP). ACS Chemical Neuroscience October 17, 2018
- Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Ketamine. ACS Chemical Neuroscience June 21, 2017