My research question for my argumentative essay is: "Should psychedelics be legal to use in therapeutic settings?"
Currently my answer to this question is yes, because so far in my research it appears that using psychedelics in a controlled setting with a trained professional can have lasting benefits for persons suffering from P.T.S.D, mental illness and addiction. And, so far I have not come across anything that proves that psychedelics use is addictive or harmful when used at proper dosages or when they are not mixed with other substances. I think that a lot of information that the general public is subjected to regarding these substances is often negative in nature and places a lot of fear into people about their use. I'm not arguing for complete legalization to the general public as I think that each person will react to these substances differently and some people may not be mentally stable enough to handle how their body/mind reacts, but for the legalization for use in controlled settings.
I think people with other viewpoints may be against the legal use of psychedelics in therapy because there have been documented cases of persons committing crimes as well as harming themselves and others while under the influence of psychedelic substances. I think people would also argue against the legal use of psychedelics in therapy because of the nature of psychedelics altering one's perception to the point that they may behave irrationally leading to harmful behaviors. This is a point of view that confuses me a little and I feel that it doesn't really make a lot of sense because alcohol is legal and also causes an altering of perception leading to irrational and potentially harmful behaviors with significant, well documented health risks.
I want to learn more about legislation on psychedelics and the history behind the laws created against them. I am also interested to delve into and learn what other people's opinions are on the subject. I am excited to start reading studies that have been conducted on the subject and learn more about the history of psychedelics in therapy, why research in this area seemed to die down for a long time and why it is gaining more momentum currently. I also want to learn more about why the research in this area that was being done in the 1960's went awry and what led to it's downfall then. I'm also really interested in finding out what, if any, are the possible physical and mental side effects and dangers to psychedelic therapy.
I have not heard of psychedelics being used in therapy. That is a very interesting topic. I like that track that you are on about what you will need to research. One way to go about it could be start with the Government website to look up the laws. There should be some things in there that can lead you to other ideas you may need look up. The APA.org website also may be a good place to look to see if you can find any of the research that has been done previously. I would also suggest that you look up more about the opposing side. Great topic, can't wait to read more.
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DeleteI as well as yourself and many others out there have always been fascinated with the medical and experimental aspects of psychedelics. While i wont say I have done my own experiments I shall not deny it either. The government cut off the research of these drugs after some misinformation, while some are harmful there are others such as LSD that is not addictive and wont really kill you but may alter your state of mind perminently. I dont know if your interested but this is something I have come across in my own curiousity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_MKULTRA
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great topic, as it truly is a constant debate, that seems to be up to peoples personal views. Laws would defiantly be a good place to start, maybe even specifically talking about Colorado's, then the national laws. I have also read about things such as therapeutically using MDMA and drugs like that. Looking into the history of how this started, and where it is going would also be fascinating to read, as being a pioneer in this feild must have been a bit rough.
ReplyDeleteI have an article from one of my science magazines that is actually about LSD potentially curing Parkinson's if you'd like me to scan it and send you a copy.
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