Psychedelic Research and Therapeutic Practices: Embracing Communities, Groups, and Traditional Knowledge

A special issue presents six articles that argue for expanding psychedelic research beyond conventional biomedical models. The articles emphasize collaborating with indigenous communities and incorporating traditional knowledge systems. They call for innovative, multidisciplinary research methods with culturally relevant outcome measures. The authors advocate shifting from punitive drug policies to public-health and human-rights approaches, enabling multi-country studies and evidence-based community mental health care. Integrating traditional knowledge and community-based methodologies is presented as vital for evolving psychedelic science to improve health outcomes and promote human flourishing.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The global prevalence of substance abuse and mental disorders continues to challenge healthcare systems, with one in eight individuals affected. The therapeutic potential of psychedelics is recognized not only for treating mental disorders but also for enhancing well-being and promoting pro-social behaviors. Conventional biomedical research models fall short in addressing the broader health needs of populations and poorly suited for overcoming barriers to service delivery. This special issue includes six articles that explore alternative approaches to psychedelic research and practice, emphasizing collaboration with diverse actors, including indigenous communities, and incorporating traditional knowledge systems into contemporary psychedelic research. They underscore the need for innovative research methods that engage multidisciplinary approaches while promoting culturally relevant outcome measures. They emphasize the importance of shifting from punitive drug policies to those grounded in public health and human rights, allowing for multi-country studies and the development of evidence-based care models for community mental health. Incorporating traditional knowledge and community-based methodologies into psychedelic science is vital for its evolution beyond biomedical research for widespread dissemination, offering new avenues for improved health outcomes and promotion of human flourishing.