Treating Psychiatric Disorders with Psychedelics: A Case Series Review at Cannabis Science Conference East 2022

On day two of the psychedelics track at the Cannabis Science Conference East 2022, James Schwartz, BSN, LNC gave a presentation on the science and application of psychedelics for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Schwartz first explained the definitions of trauma and PTSD, how the brain uses predictive coding to interpret environments, how trauma is stored in the brain, and how psychedelics touch on all these concepts and can help brain function and increase neuroplasticity. Guided therapy is important, he noted, in the pre- and post-stages of treatments to help the patient explore and process their triggers and memories.

He then outlined several double-blind randomized trials on using psilocybin and other psychedelics as a treatment for PTSD or depression and explained the dosing, results, and feedback he had heard firsthand from his own patients. In his takeaways for the presentation, he noted that trauma affects everyone, psilocybin therapy shows promise, and that continued research is critical.

One question from the audience focused on finding concrete information on recommended micro and macro dosing. Schwartz gave his opinion on what a microdose is and recommended working with a laboratory that can provide information on a product to ensure consistency. He emphasized that this consistency helps patients have a positive treatment experience and want to continue their treatments, giving them time to break the cycles of the disease process.