It’s hard to imagine the benefits of this unusual source.
For some individuals, the era of Woodstock might be a distant memory, while others may have only heard tales from their parents or hippie elders. Alongside the music, the use of prohibited substances was prevalent during Woodstock. Surprisingly, these same banned drugs are now being scrutinized by scientists, researchers, and the public for their potential medical advantages.
In the early 2000s, California emerged as a pioneer, advocating for the legalization of recreational and medicinal uses of cannabis, a schedule I controlled substance federally, yet regarded as a life-changing, natural remedy by many patients in the state. Today, over half of U.S. states have embraced cannabis for its medicinal properties, with ongoing research unveiling new therapeutic qualities of the plant. Post cannabis, researchers are now exploring the positive impact psychedelic drugs can have on mental health and therapy.
At the time of their federal prohibition, psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin were thought to induce suicidal tendencies and other mental health issues. Nevertheless, a 2015 study on more than 100,000 American adults comparing psychedelic users to non-users failed to establish any connection between the use of these substances and abnormal mental behavior. Could our prior beliefs regarding illegal drugs have been flawed? While uncertainties remain, answers may emerge in the near future.