This is the million dollar question in psychedelic research today: Are the serotonergic effects of the psychedelic tryptamines primarily responsible for the therapeutic effects, or is the profound religious-mystical component indistinguishable from the positive changes observed?
If pharmaceutical companies can deliver a pill that cures depression and gives life meaning without forcing users to face their angels and demons, then the FDA would give approval before the ink on the submission form had dried.
As it stands, it would seem the predominant opinion in the community of psychedelic researchers is that the religious-mystical effects are the primary therapeutic vector. It is very difficult to meet God and walk away cynical and melancholy.
https://ucsf.edu/news/2022/09/423891/lsd-molecules-counter-depression-without-trip
If pharmaceutical companies can deliver a pill that cures depression and gives life meaning without forcing users to face their angels and demons, then the FDA would give approval before the ink on the submission form had dried.
As it stands, it would seem the predominant opinion in the community of psychedelic researchers is that the religious-mystical effects are the primary therapeutic vector. It is very difficult to meet God and walk away cynical and melancholy.
https://ucsf.edu/news/2022/09/423891/lsd-molecules-counter-depression-without-trip
UCSF
LSD-Like Molecules Counter Depression Without the Trip
Designer Molecules Activate Select Pathway of the Psychedelic Receptor 5HT2a
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