Psychedelics

Peace, love and happiness....such are the key goals of the 1960s Hippies, and psychedelics helped achieve this in many ways, when used right. Science has evolved since then, and we now know the actual pharmacological properties of different psychedelics, and how they help people recover from a number of serious mental health conditions. Psychedelics are very important medications in the treatment of a number of mental health conditions. Psychedelics are recognized as an effective treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, and End of Life processing, among others. Ketamine therapy is already recognized as a legitimate, mainstream treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, and there are a number of clinical trials happening throughout the world to examine the use of psilocybin for the treatment of a number of mental health conditions. LSD is also being investigated as a legitimate therapy, and the use of mescaline is similarly of interest to researchers. 

At present, though, psychedelics as a treatment modality is not legal in the United States. The few experimental programs tasked with looking at the effectiveness of psychedelics are mostly being done in other countries. Israel is, of course, one of the leading countries examining the use of psychedelics. If you are interested, here is a link that looks at the 5 most important organizations examining psychedelics as a treatment modality:  https://psytechglobal.com/5-medical-organizations-leading-the-psychedelic-research-revolution/

Several areas in the US have legalized the recreational use of psychedelics, also known as hallucinogens. This move is the opposite of how the legalization of Cannabis occurred: Medical use first, recreational use second. In the case of psychedelics or hallucinogens, given that recreational use is being approved first, there is the task of medical professionals to "catch up" with the market and get medical use of psychedelics approved as soon as possible. 

It is my professional opinion that the legalization wave of psychedelics will inspire a mass-acceptance of the use of hallucinogens, such that the chore of mental health professionals will be to safeguard the use of recreational use of hallucinogens, such that the use is within the parameters of safety, efficacy, and pleasure when used recreationally. This chore shall be achieved through the use of education, primarily. 

At this time, though, researchers continue the arduous tasks of documenting effectiveness of psychedelics, and obtaining approval to engage in larger-scale human trials. 

Many people in countries that do not allow for the use of psychedelics in a legal and protected way choose to travel to other countries to engage in specific ceremonies to achieve peace, tranquility, clarity of purpose, and movement forward on their spiritual path. These individuals choose DMT as the psychedelic of choice, though some people also atend ceremonies that use mescaline or psilocybin. 

I am very interested in the use of psychedelics, and intend to create a coalition of healthcare providers, university researchers, and others to assist the creation of laws in Hawaii that are favorable to the creation of psychedelic treatment facilities here in Hawaii. 

There is a lot coming in the area of psychedelics. Stay tuned for exciting news!