Ending the stigma around psychedelics: Educating the public on the uses within modern medicine and the highlighting of research around mental health uses

Introduction

When presenting the idea of distancing from pharmaceuticals and opening the door

to more natural methods, the focus shifts to how effective, how safe and how they

could be ethically used. ChirutaMind Medicine (2020) questions the use of modern

medicine and how safe it could be to the public:

“Current controlled medicines buprenorphine, methadone, fentanyl, cannabis,

ketamine, amphetamine; prescription medicines, anabolic steroids,

benzodiazepines; and unscheduled drugs tobacco and alcohol, all ranked as

causing more harm to the user and more harm to others when compared to

psilocybin-containing magic mushrooms.” (ChirutaMind Medicine, V. (2020)

Absorbing the reference above begins to change the perspective on natural

medicines and opens the conversation to other forms of aid.

The largest issue found when searching for help with mental illness is finding the

right medication, using trial and error to find relief and remaining to struggle with

their health.

There is outstanding stigma around those with mental illness, many find themselves

staying quiet and suffering alone. There could be a way to aid those dealing with

everyday demons.

The concept of using natural medicines like psilocybin, a hallucinogenic drug found

in nature, is an option, only explored in medicinal research, which unfortunately has

its own stigma created from the 1960 s due to social movements that will later be

discussed.

However, there are scientific trials beginning to be conducted across the world that

are focused on helping those suffering with mental illnesses such as: PTSD,

depression, anxiety and various personality disorders.

These treatments could end the suffering of many of those with mental illnesses

where treatments would be conducted under supervision, and consistent

monitoring. These treatment’s also have the luxury of time between each session to

process, rather than taking a pill every day, which many find more harmful than good.

The concept of this proposal would be a social campaign at the forefront in which is

ending the stigma around mental health and natural medicines.

Focusing on changing the public’s opinions on natural medicine and normalising the

natural method movement so that future scientific experiments can flourish in this

field.

Furthermore, showing the help that natural medicines bring in help the worldwide;

and fuelling this movement further into the public eye could be beneficial.

Background and context

The opportunity that this proposal brings is the positive change that could be made

within western society, focusing around caring for the body and mind.

While those who suffer with mental health often rely on the consistent dosage of anti-

depressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, NASSAs, TCAs, etc.) and other anti-anxiety

medications/suppressors. Rucker, J. (2020) details how mental illness effects the

United Kingdom.

“Depression and other mental illness remain among the most significant social,

economic, and medical challenges of the modern world. Mental illnesses, including

substance misuse, account for over 22% of disability in the UK – the largest of any

medical illness category – with the leading cause being depression and anxiety.”

(Rucker, J. (2020)

The theory that is consistently talked about in natural medicines that often have

longer lasting periods in between doses as well as having reduced side-effects and

lasting negative symptoms.

Subsequently, this proposal focuses around changing the opinions of the use of

natural medicines that gained negative traction during the 1960s’ war on drugs

movement that left a lasting impact on psychedelics use.

The focus around changing this stigma would highlight the importance for trials and

monitored dosage, ensuring the safety of those testing medications, therefore

allowing the best outcomes.

For example, in the case of major depressive disorder, Rucker J.J. and Young A.H.

(2021) suggest that psilocybin when given and monitored could be harmless and

with impressive outcomes.

As shown above, there is hope that, in reference to medicinal trials with psilocybin,

MDMA, LSD and magic mushrooms, there is a world of exploration untouched. This

proposal will focus on the positives of psilocybin accompanied by its uses in modern

medicine.

With assuredness, it could open the western world to more effective and less

harmful treatments. Showing there is aid in mental health relief as there are many

who feel out of options and alone in their journey of feeling better and prepared for

their everyday lives.

The secondary focus is the ethical side of this social campaign, with the consistent

criminalisation of drugs worldwide following the lead of the United States in the

1960s.

The unfortunate outcome of the criminalisation was the separation from these

restorative substances, which continue to be frowned upon. This blocks medicinal

use regardless of how beneficial these substances may be. Hans, A. (2021) in his

dissertation investigates similar topics and points out that the decriminalisation of

these substances and mental health aid goes hand in hand, and what is yet to be

explored shows potential.

“Decriminalisation, which is distinct from reclassification, means that individuals

should not be incarcerated for the use of such plant medicines. This must happen first

to stop racial and societal injustices from continuing as there are no inherently ‘good’

or ‘bad’ drugs. Rather, these substances are simply chemicals that humans have

developed relationships with. As is shown in this thesis, the ethical implications and

risks of psychedelic medicine can be adequately addressed and balanced, and the

benefits of Psilocybin as a healing tool far outweigh the risks. For these reasons, we

are scientifically and ethically obligated to reschedule Psilocybin for therapeutic

purposes.” (Hans, A. (2021)

While decriminalisation is important when moving towards a naturally medicated

future the focus must first break down the walls of societal stigma left in the minds

of the public since 1960. This will be the focus of this campaign; however, it will also

consider the various cultural signifiers of these hallucinogenic substances alongside

the fear that has been instilled, allowing for the groundwork of the next generation

of mental health care.

Literature Review

When exploring the concept of the use of natural medicines such as psilocybin there

must be trials, research and transparency with the outcomes being made public

allowing for knowledge of these experimental substances to grow.

Furthermore, the normalisation of these substances could be the answer to many

mental health issues. That those who are suffering the importance of scientific

monitoring while testing could be at the source of moving the field of medicine

forward regarding mental illness.

The main issue is the public’s preconceived negative opinions on the use of

psychedelics instead of the opinion that these are natural medicines that are

surrounded by stigma due to their misuse and negative social attention.

Unfortunately, this clouds the opinion of the public and the medical field which has

impacted the experiments that have taken place that would benefit the field and the

possibilities for medicinal use.

According to ChirutaMind Medicine (2020) the stigma around the safety of

psilocybin is unwarranted and in a controlled setting its use is widely shown to be

safe for use and to have many positive effects.

“There is no scientific or medical evidence to suggest that psilocybin nor

MDMA when administered in a controlled clinical setting is linked to either

mental illness or negative health outcomes. On the contrary, MDMA and

psilocybin have been shown to be safe, non-toxic, and non-addictive when

administered in a medically-controlled clinical environment.” (ChirutaMind

Medicine (2020)

It is important that medical professionals observe the entire process thus creating a

safe environment for volunteers in these trials. They are taking due to the variety of

psychedelics with their various outcomes.

​

These substances have a vast number of origins, many naturally occurring or

synthesised from natural sources, for example psilocybin found in mushrooms

worldwide, LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide), which is made from a substance found

in fungus in infected rye plants.

The last of this list that is found naturally is peyote, this substance is found in a small

spineless cactus and was used by Native Americans in traditional rituals and had

been used for upwards of 5000 years.

The other half of the list above includes more modern psychedelics that are synthetic.

These being DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), which has a similar structure to psilocybin,

this drug is synthesised from the alkaloid found in mushrooms. Other synthetic drugs

are 2C-B (4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine), which was first synthesised in

1974 – this is referred to by medical professionals as MDMA and similar substances.

Although many of the substances listed above sound worrying and have many

negative stories attached, which will be explained later in this proposal, these7

substances in a medical setting are known to be helpful and aid in the treatment of

mental illnesses. This is highlighted by Daniel, J. and Haberman, M. (2017) in their

article Mental Health Clinician.

“Patients were with staff for the entire 6-hour session, and vital signs were monitored.

Several rating scales were used the day before, day of, and day after each session

along with 2 weeks, monthly, and 6 months post session. Anxiety significantly

decreased as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at 1 and 3 months post-

treatment in the psilocybin group compared to niacin. Mood improved for 2 weeks

after treatment and reached statistical significance on the Beck Depression Inventory

at the 6-month point with the same comparison. In terms of safety data, the psilocybin

group did have a modest increase in heart rate and blood pressure at 2 hours after

ingestion. Holter monitoring did not show any increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias

in the psilocybin group compared to the niacin group. This small study of a relatively

low dose of psilocybin supports further research on whether psilocybin could be used

as a medication for the management of anxiety disorders.” (Daniel, .J and Haberman,

M. (2017).

As shown above there have been many trials on multiple substances while

monitored using many methods to keep track of patients.

As stated above, after six months, those who participated in the fourteen-day trial

felt relief from the various anxiety disorders the group suffered. The anxiety

medications that were made available after the trials were untouched and this

resulted in the conclusion that psilocybin in low doses could be a successful

medication for the management of anxiety disorders.

Furthermore, on the use of psilocybin for treatment of anxiety-based disorders a

trial that had taken place with a male who had many failed attempts to

conventionally treat his OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) had found that using

psychedelics had helped him significantly, as shown by Daniel, J. and Haberman, M.

(2017).

“A case report published in 2014 describes a 38-year-old male who had multiple

medication failures in the treatment of his OCD. He consumed magic mushrooms given

to him by a friend and immediately had an increase in anxiety but noticed his

intrusive thoughts were significantly reduced the next day. He determined that every

time he ingested approximately 2 g of psilocybin mushrooms, his OCD symptoms

would be reduced for the following 3 weeks. It should be noted that the level of

evidence in the case report is low as use of the specific agent and symptom

improvement are all patient reported.

” (Daniel, J and Haberman, M (2017.

Although a self-reported outcome, further in this article the researchers support

this form of treatment via conducted studies that included groups that had been

medically reviewed as having positive outcomes while experimenting with dosage

in treating OCD. Also reported by Daniel, J. and Haberman, M. (2017).:

“However, 1 other study has reviewed potential benefit for OCD.

Moreno and colleagues conducted a study involving 9 patients with OCD as defined by

the DSM-IV and at least 1 treatment failure (adequate treatment of at least 12 weeks

with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor). They hypothesized that administration of

psilocybin orally may be helpful in reducing OCD symptoms based on its serotonergic

mechanism. The 9 patients each received up to 4 different doses (25 mcg/kg, 100

mcg/kg, 200 mcg/kg, and 300 mcg/kg) at least 1 week apart, and 88.9% of patients

showed a greater than or equal to 25% decrease in symptoms per the Yale-Brown

Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) at the 24-hour mark” (Daniel, .J and Haberman,

M. (2017).

This further supports medicinal use and observation of psilocybin as an aid with

mental health disorders and allows a start to positively viewing natural medication

to treat mental illnesses, supporting the need to end the stigma of natural drug use.

In every situation where there are negative experiences with psychedelics there is

always the fear of negative trips and bad experiences; this section will explore these

negatives and comment on whether the risk of negative side-effects of9

hallucinogenics is worth the risk when benefitting from the overwhelming

positives.

Much of the stigma surrounding psilocybin comes from the experiences with

negative trips during the 1960 s. The anti-drug movement at the time moved the

negatives to the forefront.

This is where scientific research and analysis is most important, one source

(Carbonaro, T. (2016) references trials conducted in 1993:

“Acute and enduring adverse effects of psilocybin have been reported anecdotally, but

have not been well characterized. For this study, 1993 individuals (mean age 30 yrs;

78% male) completed an online survey about their single most psychologically

difficult or challenging experience (worst “bad trip”) after consuming psilocybin

mushrooms. Thirty-nine percent rated it among the top five most challenging

experiences of his/her lifetime. Eleven percent put self or others at risk of physical

harm; factors increasing the likelihood of risk included estimated dose, duration and

difficulty of the experience, and absence of physical comfort and social support. Of the

respondents, 2.6% behaved in a physically aggressive or violent manner and 2.7%

received medical help. Of those whose experience occurred >1 year before, 7.6%

sought treatment for enduring psychological symptoms. Three cases appeared

associated with onset of enduring psychotic symptoms and three cases with attempted

suicide. Multiple regression analysis showed degree of difficulty was positively

associated, and duration was negatively associated, with enduring increases in well-

being.” (Carbonaro, T. (2016)

This source states that 78% of the participants reported having negative side

effects and claimed to have had a “bad trip”.

Many found the experience one of the most tasking and challenging experiences

they had, with smaller percentages having episodes of negative and violent

behaviours putting themselves or others at risk or needing medical attention. This

further backed by the suicidal attempts made by three of the participants that had

taken part in this experiment.10

Although there had been many negative outcomes of this trial, particularly those

who partook and were observed, up to 84% recommended taking part and were

found to benefit from the study. It was found that those who had been prepared and

given the correct support found the chance of negative side-effects very low. When

those partaking were prepared and screened beforehand and supported

throughout the process.

This report further supports the use of psilocybin for medical treatment regarding

mental health with the right preparation and care. This is shown more so in the

journal by Carbonaro, T. (2016):

“Difficulty of experience was positively associated with dose. Despite difficulties, 84%

endorsed benefiting from the experience. The incidence of risky behaviour or enduring

psychological distress is extremely low when psilocybin is given in laboratory studies

to screened, prepared, and supported participants.” (Carbonaro, T. (2016)

With more modern trials beginning to take place within the scene of medical

treatments the stigma from the war on drugs movement from the 1960 s begins to

rear its head and could be the main blocker in moving forward in treatments for

mental illnesses.

The beginning of the war on drugs movement began in America, believed to have

targeted lower-class neighbourhoods and people of colour. It was created as a way

of control; to police areas that had suspicions of drug usage allowing police

brutality to target black and coloured communities as a way of control.

While segregation began to change and focus on equality in communities this is

where control and propaganda had come into play.

With the change of laws and the push for protest, the voices of equality had begun

to reign over America. Those in power such as Presidents Nixon and Reagan had

shifted their focus to targeting neighbourhoods of colour and deeming the

residents’ criminals. The power of the police was increased with the use of stop and

frisk and of SWAT teams.11

This was all due to the failure to reduce domestic street level drug activity and the

cruelty led by the American leadership. This is supported by the article by Cooper,

H. (2015) detailing the connection between the war on drugs and police brutality.

“War on Drugs policing has failed to reduce domestic street-level drug activity: the

cost of drugs remains low and drugs remain widely available. Objectives: In light of

growing attention to police brutality in the United States, this paper explores

interconnections between specific War on Drugs policing strategies and police-related

violence against Black adolescents and adults in the United States. Methods: This

paper reviews literature about (1) historical connections between race/ethnicity and

policing in the United States; (2) the ways that the War on Drugs eroded specific legal

protections originally designed to curtail police powers; and (3) the implications of

these erosions for police brutality targeting Black communities. Results: Policing and

racism have been mutually constitutive in the United States. Erosions to the 4th

Amendment to the Constitution and to the Posse Comitatus Act set the foundations for

two War on Drugs policing strategies: stop and frisk and Special Weapons and Tactics

(SWAT) teams. These strategies have created specific conditions conducive to police

brutality targeting Black communities.” (Cooper, H. (2015)

The majority of the western world followed the influential leadership of the States

that fostered.

beliefs from the 1960 s that harboured hate of those using psychedelics in aid of

mental health or cultural significance. Native America tribes, for example, use them

in spiritual and religious ceremonies; the drug peyote is used to tap into their

culture. These substances continue to be deemed illegal with the western world

following the same methods of illegalisation.

The western world turns its head to the use of natural medicines and being

centralised around pharmaceuticals, there are many parts of the world opening up

to using these substances once seen as criminal or dangerous with the legalisation

of cannabis throughout states of America.

The movement of legalisation throughout Europe (Holland, Poland, Germany,

Malta) is the first step in legalising plant medicines and will allow us to begin to12

study the benefits and how to adapt them into society safely. The main drive is to

decriminalise plant medicines and move away from the racial poverty targeting and

begin to open the world to the idea of not having good and bad drugs but safe

consumption instead. This may be the next step in healing for those who suffer with

mental illnesses.

This is further explained by Hans, A. (2021) as he details the benefits of

decriminalising natural plant medicines in a medicinal setting under legitimate

health care.

"Decriminalization, which is distinct from reclassification, means that individuals

should not be incarcerated for the use of such plant medicines. This must happen first

to stop racial and societal injustices from continuing as there are no inherently ‘good’

or ‘bad’ drugs. Rather, these substances are simply chemicals that humans have

developed relationships with. As is shown in this thesis, the ethical implications and

risks of psychedelic medicine can be adequately addressed and balanced, and the

benefits of Psilocybin as a healing tool far outweigh the risks. For these reasons, we

are scientifically and ethically obligated to reschedule Psilocybin for therapeutic

purposes. While the true potential of psychedelics may lie outside the medical context,

in order to harness the healing power that is within us through the use of plant

medicines, we need a medically-sound and clinically competent model of mental

health care that provides public legitimacy.”

However, with the movement of legalising natural medicine there will be many

elements that will need to be discussed and taken into consideration.

Firstly, where and how these substances will be administered. Then, having well-

versed staff within the field allowing safety of patients to be the backbone. As

discussed in the sections above, issues could arise in terms of violence or negative

outbursts; allowing the spaces that will be set up to feel safe and comfortable will

be a priority for patients.

The main fear after legalisation would be addiction, this however is not something

that needs to be of concern. ChirutaMind Medicine (2020) addresses this issue:13

“There is no scientific or medical evidence to suggest that psilocybin nor MDMA when

administered in a controlled clinical setting is linked to either mental illness or

negative health outcomes. On the contrary, MDMA and psilocybin have been shown to

be safe, non-toxic, and non-addictive when administered in a medically-controlled

clinical environment.

” ChirutaMind Medicine (2020)

​

The aim of this proposal is to end the stigma around plant medicines in the western

world with the goal of aiding in the mental health crisis. This will be followed by14

moving towards a medicine that has had a negative association due to

criminalisation, police brutality, the war on drugs movement and unsupervised

trials. Educating the public is a priority, allowing the next steps of health care to

evolve away from addictive substances such as relying on opioids as treatment.

Initial thoughts on methodology/methods/process

The first approach, considered the most appropriate, would be to start a social

campaign pushing for change in a non-linear way. Using the example given by the

Interactive Design Foundation (2024) using empathy to find the problem that needs

solving, then adapting to testing and learning about the audience through

experimentation and trials, leading to creative solutions, adapting and learning

through creation, which will spark new ideas and solutions via prototyping, creation

or finding new issues that will redefine the problem.

Further going over the issue and redefining creation through this process allowing

new ideas and solutions to come to light. Using the 5-stage process: Empathise,

define, ideate, prototype and then test.

This is displayed by Always in 2014 with the “Like A Girl" campaign showing the

opinions of others when asked to do certain tasks like a girl such as hit, run, fight.

People who were asked first exhibited actions of weakness and athleticism.

Furthermore, asking young girls pre-aged 12 to do the same tasks displayed

confidence showing the influence that public opinion has on women.

It uses the process shown in Figure 3. Design thinking: a non-linear process by the

Interactive Design Foundation (Dam, R. Friss, 2024) targeting an issue with empathy,

using trial and error to find the best solution to the problem creatively and

innovatively.

This emotional awareness can be used in the social campaign, It will needed to

change to opinions of psychedelics using empathy to find the core problem. Which is

the mental health crisis then defining the issue which is aiding in new treatments that

are more reliable and natural solutions.

Then collecting research, brainstorming ideas of what would work to alter public

opinion. Creating prototypes of social campaigns, testing on the public, learning more

to find the final solution.

Ethical considerations

The ethical considerations surrounding this campaign will be cultural and focus

around being empathetic to communities that have been marginalised and targeted

– people of colour have been targeted due to the hate crimes and police brutality that

had taken place during the war on drugs movement that continues into modern

society with police brutality taking place across the world daily surrounding black

and coloured neighbourhoods.

Secondly, the use of psychedelics without crossing the boundaries of cultural

significance, allowing the practices of Native tribes to remain amongst themselves.

Being aware of appropriation of culture and being appreciative of the practices while

partaking in medicinal trials for everyone and not appropriating rituals and cultural

practices of cultures that are dying due to colonisation and the murder of native

people.

Thirdly, being aware of mental illness and the stigma that surround diagnoses.

Being aware that many who may be willing to partake and push for social change

will come when they are ready. To aid those with mental health issues is the focus

of this campaign, pushing for new and alternative ways to cope and medicate.

Taking each of these ethical considerations while moving forward will be the most

important parts in the journey of this campaign, being aware of appropriation and

appreciation that allows education of traditions to go untainted. Having empathy

for those who have and will continue to suffer at the hands of police due to the war

on movement. Each of these considerations will garner support for social change.17

Timeline

January-

Begin research on the topic of psychedelics and the use of psilocybin in mental

health treatments. Research all aspects of this topic and become well versed in this

area.

February –

Create and complete campaign proposal and begin to create social media

campaigns using the non-linear design process.

Begin reaching out to charities and begin contacting private researchers and

medical treatment scientists that may want to advise on information and areas to

push for.

Reach out and set up a meeting with Psychedelic Health UK.

March- June-

Begin the creation process of a social campaign under Psychedelic Health UK using

the non-linear design process to create the best outcomes possible and release to

the public.

July- Early August

Pre-release to the public the social campaign and collect feedback allowing for

adaptation and further creation to ensure the best outcomes.

Late August

Circle back to where the project is at and then discuss next steps via multiple other

campaigns or create an appeal to a governmental audience for future adaptation of

the campaign.