Psychedelics in 2016: An Amazing Year for Research

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Psychedelics in 2016: An Amazing Year for Research
<div><p class="">By <a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/author/sirtripsalot/" title="Posts by Sir Tripsalot">Sir Tripsalot</a> December 30, 2016




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The year 2016 has had many unexpected events that has left many people shocked and speechless. Amid the chaos that has seemingly engulfed society, an amazing phenomenon has taken placepsychedelic drugs have planted their flag and received the recognition they deserve as powerful mental tools that can truly help people; theyre not just strange drugs for hippies and ravers.



<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/culture/this-is-your-brain-on-acid-scientists-image-the-tripping-brain-for-the-first-time-ever/">THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON ACID: SCIENTISTS PEER INTO THE TRIPPING MIND</a>



<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/culture/this-is-your-brain-on-acid-scientists-image-the-tripping-brain-for-the-first-time-ever/"></a>

Perhaps one of the most impressive and groundbreaking pieces of research this year was a study that analyzed the MRIs of individuals tripping on LSD. Even when their eyes were closed, they observed activity in the visual cortex and connections between different parts of the brain that dont normally talk to each other.



<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/culture/psychedelic-psychology-mushrooms-make-social-rejection-less-painful/">MUSHROOMS REDUCE THE FEELING OF SOCIAL REJECTION</a>



<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/culture/psychedelic-psychology-mushrooms-make-social-rejection-less-painful/"></a>



This study found psilocybin, the active component of hallucinogenic mushrooms, may one day help as a supplementary treatment in low doses for social anxiety.



<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/news/study-psilocybin-helps-smokers-quit-long-term/">PSILOCYBIN HELPS SMOKERS QUIT LONG TERM</a>

<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/news/study-psilocybin-helps-smokers-quit-long-term/"></a>



Researchers found psilocybin helps cigarette smokers stay clean even for 16 months after stopping treatment. Controlled doses of psilocybin during addiction therapy is enough to keep addicted smokers away from their vice.

<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/news/mdma-approved-for-final-stage-of-clinical-trials/">MDMA APPROVED FOR FINAL STAGE OF CLINICAL TRIALS</a>



<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/news/mdma-approved-for-final-stage-of-clinical-trials/"></a>



This flagship project of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has advanced considerably over the years, but the news that it was approved for the latest stage of research made headlines all over the world as people realized MDMA isnt just a party drug anymore.

<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/news/one-time-mushroom-trip-improves-anxiety-in-cancer-patients/">ONE-TIME MUSHROOM TRIPS IMPROVES DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN CANCER PATIENTS</a>



<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/news/one-time-mushroom-trip-improves-anxiety-in-cancer-patients/"></a>



Two back-to-back clinical trials showed that single treatment sessions with psilocybin improved terminal cancer patients outlook on life and helped them with anxiety and depression about their illness.....



<a data-ipb="nomediaparse" href="http://hightimes.com/news/psychedelics-in-2016-an-amazing-year-for-research/">http://hightimes.com/news/psychedelics-in-2016-an-amazing-year-for-research/</a>