Current U.S. Approaches to Studying Psychedelic Medicines Compared to Psychedelics Use Among Indigenous Groups: What Are We Missing?

Western, FDA-regulated psychedelic research and Indigenous traditional uses differ substantially. The evidence-based approach prioritizes safety and efficacy for specific conditions, but risks overlooking knowledge accumulated over thousands of years in cultures where psychedelics have long been used. Carefully reviewing traditional benefits can inform culturally sensitive integration into Western practices. Proper acknowledgment of Indigenous contributions, inclusion in decision-making, and equitable reimbursement for guides are essential. This paper reviews current medical and traditional Indigenous psychedelic use to suggest incorporating beneficial practices from both approaches.

Study at a glance

Abstract

There are substantial differences between the current FDA and research-driven approach to psychedelic use in Western cultures and traditional uses among Indigenous peoples. While the research-driven, evidence-based approach to identifying risks and benefits for particular conditions used in the United States and elsewhere helps ensure safety and efficacy, there is a risk of failing to incorporate useful knowledge accumulated in other cultures where psychedelics in some cases have been used for thousands of years. By carefully reviewing those benefits we can incorporate them in a culturally sensitive way into our own developing ideas about how best to utilize these medicines. We can also properly acknowledge the contributions of practitioners from other places, cultures, and times, provide proper credit to Indigenous groups, include them in discussions and decision-making when using any of their practices and if they are serving as guides during retreats or other sessions, make sure they are being reimbursed equitably. The current paper will review psychedelic utilization in the current evidence-based medical approaches versus traditional uses by Indigenous groups. The goal will be to provide fruitful ideas for incorporating the most beneficial practices from each approach.