Research into the possible benefits of using psychedelic-related therapy to treat depression, PTSD, and substance abuse, as well as other mental health conditions, is growing at a rapid pace. Not surprisingly, cash-rich investors are pouring into the field with great expectations, even though studies about the impact of psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and Ecstasy are only in their early, but promising stages and the drugs are still illegal on the federal level (although that is changing as many cities and states consider legalization). Many of the corporate newcomers to psychedelics are vying for a financial edge through a blizzard of patent claims, the New York Times reports. One seeks a monopoly on nearly all methods of delivering the drug to patients, while another asserts that its treatment rooms were unique because they feature “muted” colors and cozy furniture. The claims have alarmed many scientists and patient advocates, who warn that a corporate takeover of the fledgling sector could make the new therapies prohibitively expensive, or fail to place enough emphasis on the psychotherapy component of treatment, which is critical. While it’s possible that hallucinogens could eventually revolutionize the treatment of many conditions, for-profit companies are moving much faster than the science. There have been a number of promising studies in the field, and the National Institutes of Health has begun funding research, but the money rush could take nascent psychedelic therapy into potentially troubling directions.
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Rosenthal Center for AddictIon Studies