Recent years have seen a revolution in approaches to mental health and addiction treatment. Once demonized and marginalized, psychedelics are gaining prominence as potential therapeutic tools that could change the face of psychiatry. Combined with the growing popularity of CBD, the natural active compound found in hemp, a new era of possibilities is opening up for the treatment of emotional and mental disorders.
These two seemingly disparate substances, rooted in human history, are now joining forces to combat problems such as depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Could it be that a new therapeutic era has dawned in our society, in which plants, previously considered controversial, are becoming the key to mental and emotional health? Prepare to discover a fascinating world where science is merging with nature, and the boundaries between medicine and spirituality are beginning to blur.
Holistic approach
In recent years, there has been growing interest in natural plant substances in the context of mental therapy. Two in particular – CBD, an active compound found in hemp, and psilocybin, a psychoactive component of hallucinogenic mushrooms – have gained prominence. Both substances are attracting growing interest not only from scientists, but also from therapists and patients. Many countries are beginning to recognize the therapeutic potential of both CBD and psilocybin, leading to regulatory changes and an increase in clinical trials. In many countries, such as Canada, Australia and some US states, regulatory changes are being made to allow the use of these substances in therapy. The increased interest is also resulting in more research to understand the mechanisms of action and potential side effects of these substances.
Psychotherapy with psychedelic substances, such as MDMA, LSD or psilocybin, is gaining more and more attention in the world of medicine and psychology. In recent years, there has been significant progress in research on these substances and their potential use in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. At the same time, cannabidiol – CBD is becoming increasingly popular as a partner in psychedelic therapy.
Both CBD and psilocybin are being studied in a variety of therapeutic contexts, often in combination with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy. Their potential to support the psyche makes them suitable for use as a complement to traditional treatments.
CBD and psilocybin
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in hemp. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have psychoactive properties, making it an interesting candidate for medical use. Research suggests that CBD affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating many functions, such as mood, pain, sleep and appetite.
For several years, CBD has been intensively studied for its therapeutic potential, showing anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Such effects of CBD make it an attractive addition to psychedelic therapies, which often involve intense and emotional experiences.
A broader discussion of CBD and its therapeutic potential can be found here
Psylocybin is a psychoactive substance found in some species of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Once ingested, it is metabolized in the body to psilocin, a compound that affects serotonin receptors in the brain.
Research on psilocybin has yielded promising results in the context of treating mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. In recent years, there have been a number of clinical studies indicating that psilocybin can help alleviate the symptoms of these disorders, especially in the context of other therapeutic approaches, such as psychological therapy.
Psilocybin shows great therapeutic potential because it affects neurochemical mechanisms in the brain, which can lead to deep psychological experiences that promote introspection. It can also help overcome negative thinking patterns and promote mental health. In clinical studies, patients often report deep, transformative experiences that can lead to increased self-acceptance and a better understanding of their own emotions and relationships with others.
If you would like to learn more about current research on psilocybin, I recommend visiting the website of the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research, a leader in discovering innovative treatments using psilocybin.
CBD-assisted psychedelic therapy
Psychedelic therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses psychedelic substances to treat various mental and emotional problems. These substances are used in controlled clinical settings, under the supervision of qualified therapists. The goal of psychedelic therapy is to increase mental stability and help patients cope with various mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, emotional problems and trauma.
Traditional psychedelic therapy can be shocking and frightening for many patients. The use of substances that cause hallucinations and intense emotional experiences can lead to unbearable experiences. For this reason, combination therapy with CBD is increasingly being used.
One of the most important aspects in which CBD may play a key role is its potential to alleviate the unpleasant side effects associated with psychedelics. Studies suggest that CBD can reduce the anxiety and restlessness that can occur during a psychedelic experience. Psychedelic therapy often requires deep work on inner experiences. Integrating the psychedelic experience after the session is a key part of the therapeutic process. CBD can support this process by helping patients better understand and process experiences and emotions. Its effects can promote clarity of thought and improve the ability to reflect on the emotions experienced.
There are currently a number of clinical studies on combining CBD with psychedelic therapy. Preliminary results indicate that this combination may surpass the effectiveness of traditional therapies, both in terms of symptom improvement and patients’ overall quality of life. However, more research is still needed to understand the mechanisms of action and long-term effects of CBD use in the company of psychedelics.
New horizons in the treatment of mental disorders
The integration of CBD into psychedelic therapy may represent a promising new direction in the treatment of mental disorders. As a substance that can reduce anxiety and support the therapeutic process, cannabidiol has the potential to become an important component of future therapeutic strategies.
Both CBD and psilocybin present new possibilities in mental therapy, offering hope for many people struggling with mental problems. While research is still ongoing, and the legality of these substances varies from place to place, their role in the future of mental therapy is becoming increasingly legitimate. As society begins to recognize the potential of psychedelics in therapy, the discovery of a synergy between CBD and psychedelic substances could open the door to a new era in the treatment of mental problems.
Further research and the creation of an appropriate legal and ethical framework for their use will be key. As the world of medicine changes and evolves, these substances could become an important element in the fight against the mental health crisis.
Hopes and challenges
A growing body of evidence points to the safety and acceptability of cannabis-derived drugs and psychedelic substances as promising new therapeutic options in psychiatry, as well as in the treatment of pain and sleep problems. Debates about the efficacy of these substances in therapy are ongoing, although in some cases there are promising preliminary results. For example, CBD has been approved as a treatment for refractory epilepsy, while MDMA and psilocybin are being tested in phase III clinical trials as therapies for people with PTSD and drug-resistant depression (MDD).
Recently, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally rejected an application by Lykos Therapeutics, which originated from the MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) community initiative, to approve the MDMA drug as a manual therapy support for treating post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result of the decision, the company had to lay off 75 percent of its staff, and David Hough, a specialist with experience in the pharmaceutical industry, emerged as the new director. Rick Doblin, the founder of MAPS, resigned from his seat on the board. This situation is alarming in the context of the so-called psychedelic renaissance, as it marks the failure of Rick Doblin’s nearly forty-year effort to legalize psychedelics by proving their positive effects on mental health. There is a high probability that this strategy could now be taken over by powerful corporations, and if psychedelic therapy eventually gains legal status, it could be very costly and time-consuming. Such developments could lead to the failure of the medicalization strategy as a route to legalizing psychedelics, fitting into a broader social context in which profit dominates the common good.
