Frequently Asked Questions

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The term psychedelic comes from the Greek psyche (mind or soul) and delos (to reveal.) Thus, the term psychedelic means “mind manifesting.” Psychedelics can be divided structurally into two classes of alkaloids: the tryptamines, including psilocybin, LSD and DMT; and the phenethylamines, including mescaline (principle active constituent of peyote) and certain synthetic compounds. Other classes of substances have sometimes been identified as psychedelics, including MDMA (perhaps more appropriately labeled an entactogen or empathogen) and the dissociative anesthetic ketamine. 

Psilocybin, a psychoactive compound found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, exerts effects through agonist activity at the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR). Research indicates psilocybin is effective in alleviating distress at the end-of-life, reducing depressive symptoms, and treating addictive disorders such as smoking and alcohol abuse. Ongoing research is targeting psilocybin’s effects with obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, cocaine use disorder, body dysmorphic disorder and migraine headaches. 

MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxy methamphetamine), commonly known as ecstasy or molly, is not a classic psychedelic, but what is known as an empathogen or entactogen. The beneficial pharmacological effects include altered sensations, increased energy, empathy, and pleasure. 

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic which, when used in smaller dosages, results in psychedelic-like effects.  It is, at this time, the only legal medication available for use in the United States.
 

Psychedelics have been used by indigenous cultures for millennia, restricting their use to highly ritualized, sacred ceremonies such as those designed to serve as rites of passage, or to set the occasion for divination and spiritual or physical healing.

From a physiologic standpoint, psychedelics are among the safest of drugs. They do not cause addiction, and no overdose deaths have occurred after ingestion of typical doses of LSD, psilocybin, or mescaline. (See chart on our Resources page)

From 1950 to the mid-1960s, there were more than 1,000 clinical papers published about the therapeutic use of psychedelics with some 40,000 patients. Many studies showed promising results in the treatment of some mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders. 

Escalation in recreational psychedelic use, primarily LSD, in the 1960s, led to considerable sensationalism concerning these drugs in media coverage. The negative publicity also resulted in withdrawal of federal research funds. With the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, most psychedelic compounds were classified as Schedule I drugs (assigned to drugs with high potential for abuse and no medical value).

Research has accelerated significantly over the past 25 years, and today, a body of clinical outcomes points to effective applications for conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression (TRD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders (SUD.)

Since the late 50s, more than 36,000 total research papers have been published on psychedelics.

With mental health conditions at crisis levels even before the pandemic, people are eager for approaches that work. Pivotal publications such as Michael Pollan’s book, How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence, and endorsements of psychedelics by thought leaders have propelled interest in both the clinical and self-development use of these compounds for mental health and human flourishing. The amount of public interest in psychedelics should not be underestimated. A 2017 YouGov survey showed that close to two thirds of adults in the U.S. would be “open to medical treatment” with psychedelic interventions if these substances were proven safe. 

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) involves the use of a psychedelic compound (usually ketamine, psilocybin, or MDMA) in the context of a short-term sequence of therapy sessions, which includes preparatory, medication, and integration sessions. Clients are initially screened and fully assessed by a mental health professional. Practitioners who practice PAT must complete rigorous training and be licensed in their state. 

PAT is a three-part process including preparation, medication dosing sessions and integration.  

PREPARATION:  

The preparatory phase involves establishing the therapeutic alliance and client psychoeducation. The therapist established a foundation of trust with the client, answers any questions, and educates the client regarding the psychedelic substance—its mechanism of action and the physical and psychological experiences associated with use—and best practices in navigating the medication session. 

MEDICINE DOSING SESSION:  

This session lasts from 2-8 hours depending on the psychedelic medicine. A psychedelic session is conducted with eye shades and music to foster introspection. The client is instructed to relax and open to the experience. The therapist or guide acts to provide support and direction if the client encounters challenges during the session. 

INTEGRATION: 

Integrating a psychedelic session involves translating the client’s experiences into long-term change. Through a process of non-directive inquiry and exploration, the therapist assists the client in understanding the cognitive insights, emotional breakthroughs, and mystical experiences from their session. The work of operationalizing these changes into everyday life can unfold for weeks, months, and even years following the medication session. 

In June of 2022, President of the New Jersey Senate, Nicholas Scutari (D) introduced S2283, the Psilocybin Behavioral Access and Services Act. This bill authorizes the production and use of psilocybin to promote health and wellness; decriminalizes and expunges past offenses involving psilocybin production, possession, use, and distribution. The bill authorizes the establishment of psilocybin service centers staffed by trained facilitators to provide supported experiences to alleviate distress, provide preventative behavioral health care, and foster wellness for personal growth. 

A similar bill—A3852—was introduced to the New Jersey Assembly in December 2022.

We urge you to contact your local representative and the sponsors and cosponsors of this bill to pledge your support: 

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S2283-- Primary Sponsor in the Senate: 

Nicholas Scutari (D) Senate President, District 22 

67 Walnut Ave.
Clark, NJ 07066

(732) 827-7482

Co-Sponsors: 

Holly Schepisi (R) Conference Leader, District 39

287 Kinderkamack Rd.
Westwood, NJ 07675

(201) 666-0881

Andrew Zwicker (D) District 16

2 Clerico Lane, Building 1
Hillsborough, NJ 08844

(908) 308-8672

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A3852-- Primary Sponsor in the Assembly: 

Raj Mukherji (D) District 33 (U.S. Marine Corps, Reserve) 

433 Palisade Ave.
Jersey City, NJ 07307

(201) 626-4000

Herb Conaway, Jr. (D) District 7 (U.S. Air Force Medical Corps, 1992-1996, Captain ) 

Delran Professional Center,

8008 Rt. 130 North, Bldg. C, Suite 450
Delran, NJ 08075

(856) 461-3997

James J. Kennedy (D) District 22

1445 Main St.
Rahway, NJ 07065

(732) 943-2660

Co-Sponsors: 

Clinton Calabrese (D) District 36

613 Bergen Boulevard
Ridgefield, NJ 07657

(201) 943-0615

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Sample Letters:  **Please use these letters as guideposts. Personalize your letters for maximum impact.**

From Constituent: 

S 2283 Sample Letter - Constituent - Google Docs

From Therapist: 

S 2283 Sample Letter - Therapist - Google Docs