Psychedelics are hallucinogenic drugs that affect a person’s mental state and can temporarily change their perceptions, sensory experiences, mood, and thought processes. There are different types of psychedelics, including psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), dimethyltryptamine (DMT), ibogaine, and mescaline. People who consume psilocybin-containing mushrooms can have surreal, mind-altering experiences(ABF,2024)

Psychedelics work by disrupting the communication between networks within the brain. Some interfere with specific brain chemicals or neurotransmitters that control different functions.

The therapeutic effects of psilocybin appear to last long after the drug wears off and brain activity returns to “normal.” While most brain networks returned to normal within days of taking psilocybin, the reduction in functional connectivity between the default mode network and the hippocampus lasted for at least three weeks. 

These small, persistent changes to the brain circuits may mean the drug has a longer-lasting effect on a person’s perception of self in relation to the world. It could help the brain adapt and potentially reorganize into a healthier state(ABF, 2024).

Ketamine, a drug available in intravenous (IV) and nasal spray (esketamine) forms, is being actively studied for TRD treatment. Both ketamine and esketamine are given in a doctor’s office or a clinic, and each is typically used alongside another antidepressant

On November 8, 2022, Colorado passed the Natural Medicine Act which legalized the use of five psychedelic substances including psilocybin, ibogaine (a psychedelic derived from the root bark of the iboga tree), mescaline (peyote), and ayahuasca for individuals aged 21 and older.

The Act will also allow healing centers that are regulated by the state to access and administer the drug. The passage makes Colorado the second state to legalize the use of any psychedelics; Oregon was the first in 2020.

Other states have started by decriminalizing certain psychedelics—mainly in select cities. That means while the drugs are still technically illegal, they are the lowest priority for law enforcement and criminal charges don’t apply if a person has a small amount of the substance.

Besides ketamine, psilocybin is the only psychedelic substance that has received full legality in any US state.

Where it's legal for therapeutic use

Colorado

Michigan (Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County)

Oregon 

-Ayahuasca and DMT are technically illegal in all states except for Colorado.

-Ketamine is the only psychedelic substance currently legal across the board.

(VeryWellMind, 2024)

This is intended for educational purposes and does not replace legal advice.