The history of psilocybin research
Psychedelics have been consumed and used by human beings since before recorded history. Whether in natural form (psilocybin, mescalin, ayahuasca, etc.), or synthetic (MDMA, LSD, etc.), scientists have long wondered about their potential benefits for the human mind. While research papers have discussed their benefits since the discovery of MDMA in the 1910s and the discovery of LSD in 1938, we focus on the research that emerged after the “dark period” that started with the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
Probably the most important body of psychedelic research comes from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS).For almost 40 years, MAPS has led the way with world class research into many different psychedelic molecules. MAPS has conducted many studies with MDMA and other psychedelics, producing great results and publications. The studies have shown such promise that they formally submitted to the FDA for approval of MDMA for the treatment of PTSD. You can review a great summary of psilocybin research on the MAPS website. Note: even though this submission was recently rejected by the FDA, we expect MAPS/Lykos to follow-on with another submission that addresses the reviewers’ concerns.Johns Hopkins University is one of the most famous centers for modern psychedelic research. Dr. Roland Griffiths led decades of research about psychedelics across many disease states.Learn more about Johns Hopkins Research and the history of psilocybin research. Johns Hopkins is also one of the flagship research centers to research psilocybin for cancer.

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Introduction to psilocybin
Clinical trials for psilocybin and other research in cancer
RECOMMENDED READING
For a fantastic summary of the history of psychedelic research, watch this 13 minute video from NYU’s Dr. Stephen Ross.
For a beautiful visual overview of the history of psychedelics, check out these amazing visuals from Tryp Therapeutics: The History of Psychedelics Part 1 and Part 2
For a great survey of psychedelic research conducted through 2022, you can catch up with this comprehensive report from the Homewood Research Institute at Queen’s University (Ontario, Canada): full report or summary of key findings
The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Psychedelics may or may not be legal in your jurisdiction. Consult a lawyer if you have questions about the law, and consult your care team before making any decisions about your health. Legal notice.
Note: There are several psychedelics under investigation for treatment of the mental and emotional symptoms of cancer. While we focus almost exclusively on psilocybin, we will include breaking information from trusted sources about others (MDMA, Ketamine, etc.).