Can Cannabis Induce a Psychedelic State? Learn What Researchers Discovered

A team of researchers studied cannabis with the aim of discovering if it has the ability to generate psychedelic effects. Although the debate on whether marijuana can induce this state does not have a definitive answer, these scientists revealed relevant information to question the psychedelic nature of the plant.

The study, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, examines whether cannabis can be considered a psychedelic substance. This uncertainty arises amidst the psychedelic renaissance, where there is increasing talk about the growing therapeutic use of substances like psilocybin and MDMA.

'The Psychedelic Effects of Cannabis: A Literature Review' is the name of the research. This review examines studies suggesting that cannabis can induce perceptual alterations similar to those of classic psychedelics, such as dissociative states and auditory and visual hallucinations. It also includes a survey, with a sample indicating that 88% of users experienced diminished perceptual effects.

Although contemporary literature does not commonly consider cannabis as psychedelic, the scientists gathered information from different texts and explained the relevance of exploring its therapeutic potential, especially as a more legally accessible option for psychedelic therapy.

Psychedelic States Due to the Use of Cannabis with High THC Content

The researchers were able to reveal that: “Available evidence suggests that cannabis with high THC content can cause psychedelic effects, but it is possible that these effects have not been observed in recent controlled research studies due to the doses and settings typically used,” reported according to High Times.

The theory behind the findings is that there is inconsistency in the psychedelic effects of cannabis, which may be due to the interaction of THC and CBD on serotonin receptors. Additionally, the amount of THC needed to have “mystical” experiences may be higher than what is typically used in casual settings.

The development of randomized clinical trials in psychedelic support environments exists, but is lacking. To explore the therapeutic potential of cannabis with high THC content and determine effective doses for treatment, it is necessary to surpass the threshold of uncertainty and obtain more and better evidence of its clinical application and its impact on the psychedelic experience.