Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Explorations in Consciousness: Psychedelic Research


Explorations in Consciousness: Psychedelic Research 
~ Gwilda Wiyaka ~
After the drug frenzy and purported resulting mental instability of the 60s and the 70s, marijuana and psychedelics were regarded with a jaundice eye – their benefits overlooked.  Now, after the turn of the century, we find ourselves faced with an opioid epidemic. Some sources say that, in 2019, over 20 million Americans will suffer from addiction to prescription or illicit opioids. That makes the 60s look like a walk in the park!
On the forefront of options to the massive overuse of opioids is medical marijuana. Once outlawed in the US, its many benefits have since been researched and now marijuana is currently legal in 29 states.
Presently, in addition to marijuana, scientists are taking another look at psilocybin. Human usage of psilocybin mushrooms predates recorded history. In Mesoamerica, these mushrooms had long been consumed in spiritual and divination ceremonies. Psilocybin is clearly a consciousness altering substance with many benefits and disadvantages.
It’s darn hard to evolve when one is in chronic pain. It is equally difficult to evolve when in the throes of addiction.
Do psychedelics offer a viable alternative to more addictive substances? Can they aid evolution of consciousness or do they induce delusion? And what about our children? Is making these substances more available putting them at risk? Is revisiting the usefulness of psychedelics providing viable alternatives, or reopening a can of worms that is best left firmly sealed?

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