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dwpineal
Psychedelic Artist



Registered: 07/20/06
Posts: 4,667
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Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation 1
#13356107 - 10/19/10 08:21 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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http://wildcat.arizona.edu/perspectives/psilocybin-s-legality-deserves-evaluation-1.1714793
Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation
Forget about medical marijuana for a second; after all, if marijuana - once considered a terrible drug - is now perceived to have medical value, surely it isn't alone.
Another overlooked and benign substance is psilocybin, the psychoactive chemical in "magic mushrooms." Psilocybin is a tryptamine, meaning it resembles serotonin, which plays a part in body temperature, mood, sensory perception and pain in humans. Humans have been eating psilocybin-containing mushrooms for more than 10,000 years - so there is no denying that it has had an effect on our culture - and it's now making a comeback in the field of psychopharmacology.
Hippies aren't the only ones who know about psilocybin; researchers have shown that it is a very useful tool. A University of California, Los Angeles, study showed that psilocybin produces profound spiritual experiences and improvements in behavior in cancer patients; it helps them deal with their anxiety about death. Other studies concluded that psilocybin is effective against Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, cluster headaches, depression and end-of-life anxiety.
Yet psilocybin remains a Schedule I narcotic, along with drugs like cocaine, meth and heroin. Why deny effective treatment to people suffering from such horrible conditions? What's the problem?
Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, stated in a post on the NIDA website that psilocybin is not addictive but can cause psychosis in "susceptible individuals." This is misleading. The effect of psilocybin almost entirely relies on the preconceptions of an individual about the experience (set) and the environment which the person is in for the duration of the experience (setting). When the set and setting are right, psilocybin is a great treatment for the conditions previously mentioned.
Physiological effects actually caused by the drug include increase in body temperature, dilated pupils and increased heart rate, and it can sometimes induce vomiting. The chemical itself does not damage the user in any way.
There is no reason for psilocybin to remain a Schedule I narcotic; it doesn't even qualify as one, considering that it is not addictive and yields minimal health risks. When I emailed State Senator Linda Lopez to ask her opinion on psilocybin research, she responded, "I'm very much opposed to classifying psilocybin as a Schedule I, especially since it can preclude research. Research on this hallucinogen is important for all of us."
And indeed it is. If we can improve the quality of life for people through psychedelic therapy and do so effectively, what are we waiting for? There are no valid reasons for the current drug laws regarding psilocybin.
Bad policies like our drug laws should not get in the way of good science. And if words like "psychedelic" or "hallucinogen" scare you, I beg you to look at something beyond bad '90s pamphlets and lava lamps. Try reading some of the studies on the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies website, or look at some of the publications in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Unlike "Above the Influence," those sources will actually give you good data to look at and evidence for their claims.
Consider the end of your own life - will you be calm at the moment of your death? If psilocybin effectively treats our anxieties about death, everyone should have interest in this drug.
However, I do not think that we have done enough research to have psychologists handing out psilocybin pills or bags of mushrooms to patients; let's stop arguing like children, look at the big picture and actually get some research done.
- Gregory Gonzales is a sophomore majoring in journalism and philosophy. He can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.
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billybobjoedon
Stranger


Registered: 07/07/09
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: dwpineal]
#13356204 - 10/19/10 08:51 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Yet psilocybin remains a Schedule I narcotic, along with drugs like cocaine, meth and heroin.
If I'm not mistaken heroin is the only schedule 1 out of those three. Coke and meth are schedule 2 which means they have "some medicinal value." Still doesn't make much sense to me why psilocybin is a schedule 1.. Seems a little absurd if you ask me
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paulioni613
Stranger

Registered: 07/11/10
Posts: 122
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: billybobjoedon] 1
#13356301 - 10/19/10 09:20 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
billybobjoedon said:
Quote:
Yet psilocybin remains a Schedule I narcotic, along with drugs like cocaine, meth and heroin.
If I'm not mistaken heroin is the only schedule 1 out of those three. Coke and meth are schedule 2 which means they have "some medicinal value." Still doesn't make much sense to me why psilocybin is a schedule 1.. Seems a little absurd if you ask me
not absurd to the U.S. Gov..why would they want the public to know psilocybin can be helpful and for mushrooms to give me a great profound spiritual and self evaluating lesson..it would not be in the interests of the U.S.A as a whole if is citizens became aware of such awesomeness in their own ability's as humans. It is not a drug of any kind..thats just what humans..bad humans who are holding you back from information of your wildest dreams..make up the word drug so it sounds bad to the masses and if your a "drug" user is just sounds bad really..in the end your living a lie..i consider shrooms and anything natural from the planet to be a blessing not a drug.
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PsilocybinMike
T.F.Y.Q.A


Registered: 02/18/08
Posts: 2,602
Last seen: 8 years, 2 months
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: dwpineal]
#13357289 - 10/19/10 12:49 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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They forgot to mention the fact mushrooms have been used religiously for thousands of years, both in and outside of this country. Native Americans have been using mushrooms and peyote for that purpose longer than America has been a country, before the bible was written etc.
Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence that Psilocybin clearly does have medicinal value I don't see why it shouldn't be recognized for religious use as well for those who use it for that purpose. In Arizona use of Peyote is exempt for religious use, based on the thousands of years of documented use I don't see why mushrooms should be treated any differently.
That is what this country was founded on after all isn't it, religious freedom? I'm sure our forefathers would be rolling over in their graves if they saw the amount of bullshit and propaganda that our government throws at us year after year while slowly destroying everything this country was built on.
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baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVZBTAYm3rw
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uber_aj
Goodbye Shroomery!


Registered: 11/13/05
Posts: 4,486
Loc: Much love to you all
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: dwpineal]
#13357347 - 10/19/10 01:01 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
] When I emailed State Senator Linda Lopez to ask her opinion on psilocybin research, she responded, "I'm very much opposed to classifying psilocybin as a Schedule I, especially since it can preclude research. Research on this hallucinogen is important for all of us."
That's nice to hear, I expected the usual anti-drug rhetoric
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realfuzzhead



Registered: 03/03/10
Posts: 10,783
Loc: above the smog layer
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: uber_aj]
#13357469 - 10/19/10 01:34 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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guys, do i smell change? CNN is started to write articles on legalizing marijuana, and they actually mentioned the fact that it should be a civil liberty to put in my body what i want, I thought we were years away from this..
and now this? I smell change people,and its coming on strong from the general public, lawyers, scentist, not us druggies.
hold on to your pants cause were in for a fucking ride
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Odd_Nonposter
Unrecognizable



Registered: 06/26/10
Posts: 430
Loc: Ohio
Last seen: 2 years, 6 months
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: uber_aj]
#13357565 - 10/19/10 01:56 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
When I emailed State Senator Linda Lopez to ask her opinion on psilocybin research, she responded, "I'm very much opposed to classifying psilocybin as a Schedule I, especially since it can preclude research. Research on this hallucinogen is important for all of us."
Is it just me, or was her response completely irrelevant to the question?
I'm getting really tired of the "not enough research has been done" argument from prohibitionists. We have done the research, and we have had enough user anecdotes for the past ten thousand years to back that research up. Some 20,000 studies have been conducted on marijuana alone. We know more about it than most common foodstuffs. The FDA approves of prescription drugs after a handful of them.
All of their arguments no longer hold water. The only one left is "because I say so."
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Green_T


Registered: 10/02/08
Posts: 4,042
Loc: UK
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: Odd_Nonposter]
#13357706 - 10/19/10 02:31 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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^ I don't think the Senator is suggesting more research needs to be done to prove they're safe. I think she's saying that research needs to be done because these drugs have great potential for humanity, and if the drugs stay in schedule 1, that research cannot be done.
For schedule 1 substances, it is very difficult to obtain the permits in order to research them. Case in point, many researchers are opposed to Salvia being scheduled for that very reason. MDMA is being tested for PTSD now, but it was discovered a long time ago: lots of people have missed out on its potential benefit because the research was not done.
In DMT: The spirit molecule , Strassman discusses how it is easy to obtain the permits if one wants to prove a drug is bad, but not if it is beneficial. If you want to do a study to see if marijuana causes schizophrenia, you can get the funding and permits at the drop of a hat. If you want to see if it can be used as an antidepressant, it will be a battle.
Fucked up, but its true.
Also, new things are being discovered about cannabis and other drugs all the time, so research should still be done. I agree with you on the point that in terms of safety and efficacy, time has tested these substances and they have passed with flying colors!
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"I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man" - Thomas Jefferson Legalize Meth | Drug War Victims
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Arden
לנשום

Registered: 09/01/08
Posts: 7,666
Loc: Α & Ω
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: Odd_Nonposter]
#13357716 - 10/19/10 02:32 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Fungi: friends not foes.
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Led Zeppelin
Tripper


Registered: 05/17/10
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: Odd_Nonposter]
#13358230 - 10/19/10 04:29 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Odd_Nonposter said:
Quote:
When I emailed State Senator Linda Lopez to ask her opinion on psilocybin research, she responded, "I'm very much opposed to classifying psilocybin as a Schedule I, especially since it can preclude research. Research on this hallucinogen is important for all of us."
Is it just me, or was her response completely irrelevant to the question?
Thats common among politicians.
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badchad
Mad Scientist

Registered: 03/02/05
Posts: 13,379
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: Led Zeppelin]
#13358282 - 10/19/10 04:42 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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The problem with the current research is that it's not really relevant to scheduling and regulatory decisions.
-------------------- ...the whole experience is (and is as) a profound piece of knowledge. It is an indellible experience; it is forever known. I have known myself in a way I doubt I would have ever occurred except as it did. Smith, P. Bull. Menninger Clinic (1959) 23:20-27; p. 27. ...most subjects find the experience valuable, some find it frightening, and many say that is it uniquely lovely. Osmond, H. Annals, NY Acad Science (1957) 66:418-434; p.436
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uber_aj
Goodbye Shroomery!


Registered: 11/13/05
Posts: 4,486
Loc: Much love to you all
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: Odd_Nonposter]
#13358355 - 10/19/10 04:58 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Odd_Nonposter said:
Quote:
When I emailed State Senator Linda Lopez to ask her opinion on psilocybin research, she responded, "I'm very much opposed to classifying psilocybin as a Schedule I, especially since it can preclude research. Research on this hallucinogen is important for all of us."
Is it just me, or was her response completely irrelevant to the question
It might just be you. Here's what I see:
Quote:
When I emailed State Senator Linda Lopez to ask her opinion on psilocybin research, she responded, "I'm very much opposed to classifying psilocybin as a Schedule I, especially since it can preclude research. Research on this hallucinogen is important for all of us."
That's the best answer I've ever seen a state senator give when asked about a substance like psilocybin. The fact that she acknowledged what it is, that it might have benefits for us all, and that it shouldn't be Schedule 1 are refreshing to hear from any politician.
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FleshCap
FleshCap



Registered: 11/10/08
Posts: 685
Loc: Cali Underground
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: uber_aj]
#13358547 - 10/19/10 05:44 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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I'm appreciative of the efforts people are putting forth regarding the legalization of psilocybin in the lab, but we cannot wait for our secular culture to accept the spiritual wisdom of the mushrooms. Our spirits are starving... We will do what we need to do...and risk our freedom doing so. That's how much it means to us.
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stedenko
Stranger

Registered: 10/13/08
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: FleshCap]
#13358636 - 10/19/10 06:01 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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The state of new mexico has already found in a court case that growing mushrooms is not considered manufacturing.
http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/4301044
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dokunai
Cactus, Cannabis, Cubensis

Registered: 01/31/10
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: uber_aj]
#13358730 - 10/19/10 06:25 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
uber_aj said: That's the best answer I've ever seen a state senator give when asked about a substance like psilocybin. The fact that she acknowledged what it is, that it might have benefits for us all, and that it shouldn't be Schedule 1 are refreshing to hear from any politician. 
I was satisfied, if not impressed with her answer too. That's the type of dialogue that will get hallucinogens moving off of sched 1.
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Odd_Nonposter
Unrecognizable



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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: stedenko]
#13358883 - 10/19/10 07:02 PM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Wait...ah, I misread what she was saying. My bad. I'm just stuck in the whole politicians=drug haters mindset.
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SirNoseDvoidoFungi
Stranger


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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: Green_T]
#13360603 - 10/20/10 02:26 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Green_T said:
In DMT: The spirit molecule , Strassman discusses how it is easy to obtain the permits if one wants to prove a drug is bad, but not if it is beneficial. If you want to do a study to see if marijuana causes schizophrenia, you can get the funding and permits at the drop of a hat. If you want to see if it can be used as an antidepressant, it will be a battle.
Fucked up, but its true.
Things like this really make me question whether any actual research is being done, or if this "research" is just a series of smear campaigns from either side. You would think that no matter what the reason you begin the research, you should come to the same conclusion either way. So even if you begin a study to "prove that marijuana causes schizophrenia", you should still be able to walk away from said research saying that you noticed it had X effects, positive or negative. It seems that this system REQUIRES the researchers to come up with the negative effects if that is the nature of the study.
Research is to be scientific and neutral in nature. Starting a study looking for something in particular(especially when there's no proof of it to begin with) is, simply put, BAD SCIENCE.
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auronlives69
psychedelic monk


Registered: 04/19/09
Posts: 655
Last seen: 4 years, 10 months
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theres way too menny people out there twisting the truth about psychedelics, first hand experience is the best way to really understand something, hoffman woulda never known lsd unlocks an infinate ocean of human consciousness if he spent his life reaserching the chemical properties and testing it out on animals or some shit
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The past is dead. It was all just a dream...
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HybridprX
Biodegrader of coir



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Posts: 2,588
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: auronlives69]
#13361096 - 10/20/10 08:44 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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This article is funny.
Psilocybin is the best way to treat bi-polar depression, hands down and I know this for a fact.
I once attempted suicide and survived mostly due to the EMT's.... For years I struggled with suicidal thoughts and extreme depression, went as far as putting a shotgun under my chin, had I had a few more drinks that night that would have been the end of me...
Anyways, being a avid cultivator a few years back I ate 3.5g's of some mushrooms I grew and spent 8 hours in absolute hell. I fully expected to die that night, I cant remember when I fell asleep but when I woke up I was thankful to be alive and have lived everyday since that night completely free of suicidal thoughts and extreme depression....I still get depressed but everyone does once and awhile.
So yes, evaluate? fuck it, just legalize them. Asshat politions.
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curenado
73rd Man



Registered: 04/01/03
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Re: Psilocybin’s legality deserves evaluation [Re: HybridprX]
#13361147 - 10/20/10 09:02 AM (13 years, 6 months ago) |
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<<theres way too menny people out there twisting the truth about psychedelics>>
This is what causes bog downs IMO. Legislators and the rest of the medical community are not as dumb as some think (about psybes either) and pat and current efforts go about this "ass backwards" which just keeps it spinning in idle, no matter how many positive studies (or whatever...) get printed.
Mental health may get benefits, but it is not the way to go about it if you ask me. Just makes a shipwreck of the whole thing. Did last time too.
At least we have scientifically learned in 50 years of studies the answer is not "But we should get it because we are doctors and they are just...hippies and partyers!"
-------------------- Yours in the Natural State Land of Enchantment! "The woods are lovely, dark and deep; but I have patches to keep, and jars to sterilize before I sleep...." "When psychotomimetics become cultural, so does cultural psychosis"
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