Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, might just revolutionize how depression and anxiety are treated in cancer patients. In a groundbreaking trial, a single dose combined with therapy significantly reduced emotional suffering, and these effects often lasted over two years. As follow-up studies expand the research to multiple doses and larger samples, scientists are eyeing a possible new standard of care that merges psychedelics with psychological support.
I’d like to offer the counterpoint that someone once advised me not to try weed until after I’d tried LSD, I followed that advice and I think it turned out for the better. There isn’t exactly a benefit to being very impressed by the intensity of other drug experiences, and psychedelics can give you a sense of perspective about what you want out of life that’s useful for navigating choices. They also tend to be self-deterring; you likely will feel more satisfied and grateful to have your feet on solid ground again after a trip, as opposed to immediately craving more, even if it was wonderful, which is a very convenient property many other drugs lack.