The news that research into psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, at Imperial College London commences in April, is once again making headlines. The research is due to look at the effectiveness of the drug to combat anxiety, depression and addiction. Boffins are also hoping to look into LSD, which they hope may aid cancer sufferers. The active ingredient in LSD is ergot, another fungus no less.
There’s even research out there that dinosaurs may have grazed on a prehistoric version of LSD, according to findings published in the journal Palaeodiversity.
We may be entering a new phase on bio-medicinal studies where the therapeutic value of hallucinogenic compounds becomes much more understood, and hopefully harnessed for the good of humankind. “Turn on, tune in, drop out” may yet be a slogan at the Pharmacy counter of the future.
