BMC Psychology
January 21, 2026
Christina Chwyl, Angelica Spata, Will Lucas et al.
Psychological context, or 'set,' is more strongly linked to the outcomes of psychedelic experiences than the specific substance used, suggesting a 'mindset-over-molecule' pattern. The findings indicate that the mental state and expectations of the user play a more influential role than the chemical properties of the drug alone.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
January 19, 2026
Gülay Ateş, Patrick Welsch, Petra Klose et al.
5 citations
Chronic pain with a nerve-damage component affects 6–10% of the population, and current drugs help only a minority. Cannabis is widely promoted as a treatment. This updated Cochrane review analyzed 21 randomized, double-blind trials with 2,187 adults suffering from chronic neuropathic pain. For THC-dominant cannabis, there was no clear evidence of at least 50% pain relief or meaningful improvement on a global scale, though nervous system side effects (e.g., dizziness, drowsiness) were increased. Balanced THC/CBD medicines may slightly increase global improvement ratings and pain relief of at least 30%, but these effects were not clinically meaningful and also raised the risk of side effects.
Psychopharmakotherapie
January 1, 2026
Antonia Bendau, Felix Betzler, Twyla Michnevich et al.
1 citation
Party drugs are a diverse group of legal and illegal psychoactive substances used in social settings like clubs and festivals to alter mood, perception, and social interaction. Alcohol and cannabis are most common, followed by amphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine. These drugs act through various pharmacological mechanisms: alcohol affects GABAergic, glutamatergic, and dopaminergic systems; cannabis acts on the endocannabinoid system; stimulants increase monoaminergic neurotransmitters; MDMA has a strong serotonergic component; ketamine produces dissociative effects via glutamatergic mechanisms; and psychedelics alter sensory processing through serotonergic modulation. Polydrug use is frequent. Acute risks include cardiovascular strain, hyperthermia, and anxiety, while long-term consequences can involve cognitive impairments, dependence, and social complications.
Global advances in integrative medicine and health
January 1, 2026
Haley D M Schuman, Raèf Mina, Sofia Barkova et al.
Healthcare providers in Canada hold cautious to supportive views on psychedelic-assisted therapy, with ketamine pragmatically accepted for its rapid effects but raising concerns about commercialization, psilocybin seen as promising for end-of-life existential distress yet viewed with mixed feelings, and MDMA considered useful for trauma but constrained by neurotoxicity worries and regulatory barriers. An ethical tension emerged between access to medical assistance in dying and restrictions on psychedelic-assisted therapy in end-of-life care, highlighting policy inconsistencies. Providers emphasized the need for substance-specific guidelines, interdisciplinary education, and evidence-informed regulatory reform.
The Journal of law, medicine & ethics : a journal of the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics
January 1, 2026
Holly Fernandez Lynch, Xinping Hu, Alison Bateman-House
2 citations
Psychedelic medicines show potential for treating serious mental health conditions, creating demand before FDA approval. Policymakers should balance evidence, patient safety, and speed by increasing research support, avoiding barriers to research, improving FDA's pre-approval access, and preventing politically driven approvals.