07 Oct Wisconsin is on the front lines of psychedelic research that could reach millions

By Anna Marie Yanny, Wisconsin Public Radio

Researchers say people with clinical depression could be helped by a treatment involving psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms. Wisconsin scientists are among those conducting dozens of clinical trials worldwide on the use of the drug in treating depression. They say the evidence shows that, in combination with therapy, it shows great promise.

“It works,” said psychiatrist Charles Raison, a professor of human ecology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “How far (psychedelics) get into the culture, how far they get into the clinical space? That’s a mystery.”

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. And for some, available treatments don’t work. Read more …