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Second thoughts on psychedelic drugs
1City of Hope National Medical Center/Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA.
Endeavour
|May 20, 1998
Summary
Early psychedelic research in the 1950s, including mescaline and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), faced serious medical concerns. These issues emerged before the public backlash, highlighting complications in human drug trials.
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Medical History
Background:
- The 1950s saw extensive medical research into psychedelic substances like mescaline and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
- Proponents cite this era as evidence of psychedelic safety and efficacy.
Discussion:
- A review of Sidney Cohen's work reveals significant medical concerns with psychedelics during the 1950s.
- These concerns predated the public's negative reaction to these drugs in the 1960s.
Key Insights:
- Early psychedelic drug research encountered serious medical issues.
- Historical analysis of early psychedelic studies is crucial for understanding their risks.
Outlook:
- The history of psychedelic research underscores the inherent complexities of human drug testing.
- Further investigation into historical medical data is essential for current psychedelic research.
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