Light Shining within the "Dark" Classics: A Perspective on Entheogenic Compounds.

Several naturally occurring molecules, including entheogens—plant-derived compounds used by Indigenous groups for religious or spiritual purposes—show unique potential for treating psychiatric illnesses and are being pursued in therapeutic development. This viewpoint argues that labeling such compounds as "DARK" in ACS Chemical Neuroscience issues perpetuates harmful stigmas. The authors propose reframing these substances in the light and beauty of their cultural and historical contexts, urging a shift in language surrounding entheogens and psychedelics more broadly.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Several naturally occurring molecules exhibit unique potential in treating certain elements of psychiatric illnesses and are being actively pursued in therapeutic development. Among these are molecules termed entheogens, a preferred name for plant-derived compounds that alter human consciousness for religious or spiritual purposes, which are especially important to various Indigenous groups, and their use within these cultures precedes that of the contemporary medicalized use. Here, we acknowledge that some entheogens were included in the DARK Classics issues of ACS Chemical Neuroscience and that the label of "DARK" may perpetuate harmful and misguided labels and stigmas. We acknowledge that these compounds should really be framed in the light and beauty of their histories and uses culturally. Thus, in this Viewpoint, we consider the language used surrounding entheogens specifically and psychedelics more broadly and attempt to reframe the way we describe psychoactive, especially entheogenic, compounds in ACS Chemical Neuroscience.