Psilocybin was one of three psychedelic compounds found to reduce symptoms of racial trauma in a recent study.
The data for this report was distilled from the comments of 313 black, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and indigenous participants in an online survey.
Subjects indicated that during the 30-day period following a psychedelic session, they experienced relief from PTSD, depression, stress, and anxiety caused by racially based discrimination and attacks ranging from microaggressions to physical violence. The study determined that even a single positive psychedelic experience may be helpful in these areas.
“What this analysis showed is that a more intense mystical experience and insightful experience, and a less intense challenging experience, is what was related to mental health benefits,” co-lead author of the study Alan Davis told Ohio State News.
Lead researcher Monnica Williams, who serves as Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Disparities at the University of Ottawa, explained to Lucid News, “Many people of color suffer from trauma and need healing from traumatic experiences of racism. Unfortunately, black Americans and other people of color are being left out of psychedelics research. And if white folks are benefiting from this treatment, surely people of color should, too.”
Damon Orion is a writer, journalist, musician, artist and teacher living in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California. More of his work can be found at DamonOrion.com.
Leave a Reply