health
The New Science of Psychedelic Drugs
University researchers are looking for ways to engineer better mind-altering therapeutic experiences
TL;DR
- Nature provides compounds with specific mind-altering effects, like a mushroom causing 'lilliputian hallucinations'.
- Scientists are investigating synthetic chemistry to create improved psychedelic drugs for therapeutic purposes.
- Naturally occurring psychedelics like ibogaine and psilocybin have benefits but also risks and unpleasant side effects.
- Companies are developing milder, shorter-acting versions of psychedelics, such as psilocybin analogues.
- Mindstate Design Labs uses AI and a database of trip reports to discover new psychedelic compounds for specific mental states.
- Skepticism exists regarding AI-driven drug discovery for psychedelics, with some experts prioritizing the context of care and pre/post-trip experiences.
- The 'perfect trip' may be unattainable through engineering, with subjective experiences potentially remaining beyond scientific measurement.