Magic mushrooms, MDMA, and Ketamine. These psychedelic drugs, once a taboo, might not be as harmful as we thought. Some scientific studies have shown evidence that psychedelic drugs, when used in controlled therapeutic settings, may help patients with anxiety, PTSD, and depression. While states like Oregon have legalized psilocybin therapy, the FDA recently decided in a high-profile case not to approve MDMA therapy. Should doctors still consider its use, or is it overhyped? Those who advocate for psychedelic treatments argue it could be a welcome relief for patients who don’t respond to traditional medications and therapies and help fill a critical gap in the therapeutic landscape. However, those against recommending psychedelics are concerned about its risks, including the possibility of worsening certain mental health conditions, and we don’t yet understand the long-term effects of psychedelic use.

Now with this background, we debate the question: Psychedelics for Mental Health: Help or Hype?