Companies like Compass Pathways, which uses psilocybin for depression, and Atai Life Sciences, are researching a variety of ways to treat mental health with alternative and psychedelic therapies. On top of that, the decriminalization and legalization of drugs like magic mushrooms in certain places may also lead to broader public acceptance.
New results from a clinical trial using MDMA to treat post-traumatic stress disorder showed the promise of a stigmatized drug to treat mental illness at a time when Covid-19 has raised global awareness of the toll of mental health conditions.
Companies like Compass Pathways, which uses psilocybin for depression, and Atai Life Sciences, backed by Peter Thiel, are researching a variety of ways to treat mental health with alternative and psychedelic therapies.
Decriminalization and legalization of drugs like “magic” mushrooms in places including Denver and Oregon may lead to broader public acceptance, but the emerging alternative drug industry is focused on patients most in need and where current psychiatric medications have failed.