Personal use of psychedelics by researchers may threaten objectivity and ethical conduct in psychedelic science. The paper explores whether such use can make investigators overly enthusiastic about psychedelics, potentially biasing study design, results reporting, and treatment of participants. Critiques of the MAPS MDMA-Assisted Therapy trials for PTSD have raised similar concerns. The authors elaborate on these risks and discuss practical strategies to reduce perceived conflicts of interest, aiming to inform policy for psychedelic research and clinical use.
A consensus statement from a 2023 meeting of 27 experts identifies 20 points of consensus across five ethical issues for integrating psychedelic medicines into mainstream medical practice: reparations and reciprocity, equity, and respect; informed consent; professional boundaries and physical touch; personal experience; and gatekeeping. The meeting included clinicians, researchers, Indigenous groups, industry, philanthropy, veterans, retreat facilitators, training programs, and bioethicists. The statement focuses on government-approved medical use in the US and abroad, emphasizing that policymakers must address challenges ahead while acknowledging the hopeful moment.