Psychedelic influence in the United States : exploring the role of psychedelic drug policy in protecting dominant cultural values

Abstract

Veteran suicide in the United States is a critical concern, demanding innovative solutions. This paper investigates psychedelic drug policy, as these substances have been revealed to be a safe and effective treatment of PTSD in veterans. The research aims to identify the conditions that led to psychedelics being placed in the most restrictive drug schedule, and the evolving conditions that led to the resurgence of research. The study draws from drug legislation, media narratives, medical research, and relevant literature, applying it in process tracing methodology. It adopts a theoretical framework rooted in corruption, morality, law, and cultural conflicts. The research finds that political motives, rather than safety or efficacy concerns, led to the criminalization of psychedelics. The analysis identifies public perception as the most potent variable. Actors responded to public perception, working to either shift or maintain social attitudes, opinions, or norms. The fundamental mechanisms in this process center on drug policy – its enactment, preservation, and reduction – serving as a means of preserving dominant ideology while disguised as altruistic actions to safeguard public health. The implications of this research suggest that the current schedule I classification of psychedelics is unfounded, given their safety profile and potential medical benefits. Veterans, in particular, stand to benefit immensely from legal access to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The findings of clinical trials have offered hope in the battle against PTSD, potentially revealing a solution to this tragic issue. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the need for accessible and effective PTSD treatment. It reveals that the existing barriers to treatment are the remnants of a decades-old cultural conflict that instrumentalized drug policy. By raising awareness and challenging the current classification of psychedelics, this research humbly aspires to contribute to the future reduction of veteran suicide.