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Australian psychiatrists may in the future prescribe magic mushrooms or MDMA (ecstasy) in the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress. The move follows a Therapeutic Goods Administration report that found enough evidence of the potential benefits of these drugs to allow their use on patients, for a medical reason of course.

Described as “relatively safe” when used as part of a supervised treatment programme, molly and shrooms can create an “altered state of consciousness” that often helps in treating mental health issues.

The Aussies are joining a growing number of governments that have relaxed laws dealing with some psychoactive ‘party drugs’. Initial research into the medicinal benefits of these drugs was promising until governments around the world jumped on the ‘war on drugs’ bandwagon, leaving studies into the possible benefits very difficult and often frowned upon. Many psychiatrists welcome the approval for medicinal purposes but pharmaceutical companies that make huge profits from mental health will not be so happy.

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But it’s not a free-for-all yet. Experts agree that the announcement might have been a bit premature as there are still regulations to be decided and laws to pass.

‘The path for a psychiatrist to get the all-clear to dole out the drugs could be lengthy and twisted.

Canada also recently decriminalised small amounts of hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine. In the State of British Columbia, users caught in possession of these drugs are now offered counselling and support instead of arrest. It’s a first step in finding alternative treatments that cure patients rather than make them lifelong prescription slaves.

‘It’s a monumental shift in drug policy that favours fostering trusting and supportive relationships in health and social services over further criminalisation.’

It would seem the hippies were right after all.

[source:ewn&bbc]