Date of Publication
2023
Abstract
Background: Psychedelics, such as MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and psilocybin, are defined as mind-manifesting substances. While Indigenous communities have used psychedelics for millennia, scientific research in the United States began in the 1940s. Following a rise in recreational psychedelic use during the Counterculture Movement of the 1960s, many psychedelics were issued Schedule I status. In the past fifteen years, research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics has emerged as a burgeoning field. The objective of this study was to assess opinions towards psychedelics in Vermont.
Methods: Using a literature review on psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and ayahuasca, an interview guide was designed to explore current attitudes on the state of psychedelics, policy surrounding psychedelics, and ongoing training and treatment practices. A convenience sample of 16 healthcare providers, legislators, investors, advocates, and law enforcement officers was interviewed.
Results: Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts indicated a need for superior pharmacologic treatment to address the growing mental health crisis and expressed cautious optimism with regards to the promise of psychedelics. Interviewees emphasized the importance of further research on efficacy and safety and expressed concerns for current models of legalized psilocybin. Counselor training and education emerged as crucial considerations for psychedelic treatment. Other barriers included cost, scalability, and equitable access.
Conclusion: While the growing body of research on psychedelics indicates promise in addressing intractable mental health disorders, voices from all sides advise the field to exercise caution. Further research is needed to ensure equitable access, establish safe treatment procedures, and enact responsible policies.
Advisor(s)
Charles MacLean, MD
Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont
Elizabeth Cote, MHA
UVM OPC/AHEC Program
Subjects
Community, Drug and Alcohol Use, Health Care, Health Communication, Health Policy, Health-Related Quality of Life & Well-Being, Medical Product Safety, Social and Community Context, Substance Abuse
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License
Recommended Citation
Zweber, Cole; Yalovitser, Josephine; Tran, Sarah; Tien, Lauren; Stultz, Mallory; Siegel, Ava; Mitchell, Henry M.; and Levine, Jonah, "Vermont Stakeholder Views Regarding Psychedelics in 2023" (2023). Public Health Projects, 2008-present. 347.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/347
