How Should We Expand Access to Psychedelics While Maintaining an Environment of Peace and Safety?

Abstract

Psychedelics have long been used by individuals seeking peace and a sense of wellness. This article examines widespread adoption of ketamine as a proxy for psychedelics. For ketamine, there is a need to protect vulnerable persons from exploitation that should be balanced against risks of hypermedicalization. This article suggests strategies for striking such a balance, including by carefully differentiating between persons with psychiatric illnesses, such as treatment-resistant depression, who could benefit from psychedelics, and persons using psychedelics for peace and wellness under careful guidance.