Psychedelics clinical trials offer people a way to contribute to ongoing research, and may give you access to treatment options that aren’t available to the general public yet. They’re also an opportunity for people to advance scientific knowledge about new approaches to treatment-resistant conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction. Those conditions (and more) are currently being studied in clinical trials, and upcoming clinical trials need participants. Are you eligible?
If you want to join a psychedelics clinical trial, it’s not as easy as looking up a researcher and asking to be included. Any drug clinical trial, psychedelic or otherwise, has strict eligibility criteria and parameters for participants. Researchers have to be strict to maintain the integrity of their study designs.
That said, it’s possible to find and join psychedelics clinical trials. Keep reading to learn more about what clinical trials are, how to join, and essential questions to ask the research team.
What Is a Psychedelic Clinical Trial?
A psychedelic clinical trial has the same goal as any other drug clinical trial: to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment. 1 The difference, of course, is that psychedelics clinical trials involve different types of psychedelic drugs.
There are two types of clinical research: clinical trials and observational studies.
- Clinical trials: Also called interventional studies, clinical trials are performed in humans (as opposed to animal research). Clinical trials are used to collect data that evaluate a new treatment. For example, researchers from Braxia Scientific Corp. and Usona Institute are currently using a randomized clinical trial to study whether psilocybin is an effective treatment for depression. 2
- Observational studies: This research observes people in normal settings over time. Unlike clinical trials, participants aren’t assigned to specific treatments or procedures. For example, in 2019, researchers conducted an observational study of microdosing by tracking the experiences of 98 participants over six weeks. 3
ClinicalTrials.gov, one of the ways to find clinical trials near you, includes both clinical and observational studies. In the United States alone, there are over 50 psychedelics studies that are actively recruiting participants as of this writing.
These studies span a range of treatments, conditions, and psychedelics, like psilocybin for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and an online survey investigating psychedelics and wellness.
Why Should You Join a Psychedelic Clinical Trial?
There are many reasons people might want to join a psychedelics clinical trial. Becoming a psychedelic research participant is a big commitment in terms of time and energy, so it’s not a decision that should be made lightly. That said, here are a few reasons a person might want to participate:
- Access new treatment options: Some conditions don’t respond to conventional treatments, like therapy and medication. Psychedelics, such as MDMA and psilocybin, are potential interventions for treatment-resistant conditions like PTSD and depression. Clinical trials can give people with certain conditions access to new opportunities for innovative experimental treatments.
- Advance scientific knowledge: Clinical trials play essential roles in developing psychedelic therapies, from new drugs to innovative treatment options. Participating in clinical studies can help researchers learn more about specific drugs and conditions.
- Improve clinical trial diversity: In 2020, the FDA reported that 76 percent of clinical trial participants were white, 11 percent were Asian, and 7 percent were Black, which means that the global population is highly underrepresented in clinical research. 4 It’s vital that clinical studies have diverse participants to help produce more applicable findings for broader populations. People of different ages, ethnicities, races, and sexes can help ensure that clinical trials aren’t homogenous.
What Are the Current 2022 Open Psychedelics Trials?
Below, we’ve listed a selection of ongoing clinical trials that are actively recruiting participants. Check out the study details for more information about eligibility criteria.
Current open LSD psychedelic clinical trials 2022
As of this writing, there are six actively recruiting clinical studies focused on lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) as Treatment for Cluster Headache
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Recruiting: Adults between the ages of 25 and 75 who have chronic cluster headaches.
LSD Therapy for Persons Suffering From Major Depression
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Recruiting: Adults 25 years and older who have been diagnosed with depression.
Effects of MDMA Co-administration on the Response to LSD in Healthy Subjects
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Recruiting: Adults between the ages of 25 and 65 who are healthy and have a body mass index between 18-29 kg/m2.
Current open ketamine psychedelic clinical trials 2022
Currently, there are 221 ketamine clinical studies that are actively recruiting participants. However, it’s important to note that ketamine is primarily used as a medical anesthetic, and not all studies focus on its hallucinogenic properties.
Understanding Ketamine’s Dissociative Effects
- Location: California, United States
- Recruiting: Patients 18 years and older in the Stanford Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.
Ketamine for Mood Disorders With Suicidal Ideation
- Location: Rhode Island, United States
- Recruiting: Adults between the ages of 18 and 65 who have active suicidal ideation, are admitted to psychiatry under voluntary certification, and can give informed consent.
- Location: California, United States
- Recruiting: Adults aged 18 years and older diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and have moderate to severe anxiety.
Current open psilocybin psychedelic clinical trials 2022
As of this writing, 33 clinical studies are actively recruiting participants for research related to psilocybin.
Psilocybin Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease
- Location: California, United States
- Recruiting: Adults aged 40 to 75 with clinically diagnosed early-stage Parkinson’s disease and have depression, anxiety, or both.
Psilocybin Therapy for Depression in Bipolar II Disorder
- Location: California, United States
- Recruiting: Adults aged 30 to 65 diagnosed with bipolar disorder II and are currently experiencing depression.
Efficacy of Psilocybin in OCD: a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
- Location: Connecticut, United States
- Recruiting: Adults aged 21 to 65 diagnosed with OCD and have failed at least one standard form of treatment for OCD.
Current open MDMA psychedelic clinical trials 2022
Currently, there are 25 MDMA clinical studies currently recruiting participants around the globe.
Stanford Regulating Circuits of the Brain Study – MDMA
- Location: California, United States
- Recruiting: Adults aged 18 to 55 who have used MDMA at least twice in the past and have reported no severe adverse reactions.
A Treatment Development Study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Recruiting: Ontario residents aged 18 years and older who meet the criteria for PTSD, are in good physical health, and live within 200 km of the study site.
Social Anxiety MDMA-Assisted Therapy Investigation
- Location: Oregon, United States
- Recruiting: Adults between the ages of 18 to 65 who meet the criteria for social anxiety disorder.
Current open mescaline psychedelic clinical trials 2022
As of this writing, two mescaline clinical studies are actively recruiting participants.
Role of the Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor in Mescaline-induced Altered States of Consciousness
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Recruiting: Adults 25 to 65 years old with a body mass index between 18-29 kg/m2.
The Norwegian Addiction, Pain and Trauma Study
- Location: Lørenskog, Norway
- Recruiting: Patients aged 18 years and older in substance use treatment at a treatment center under Akershus University Hospital or Oslo University Hospital.
Current open DMT psychedelic clinical trials 2022
Currently, two clinical studies are actively recruiting participants for research involving dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
Effects of Dimethyltryptamine in Healthy Subjects
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Recruiting: Adults 25 to 65 years old with a body mass index between 18-29 kg/m2.
SPL026 (DMT Fumarate) in Healthy Subjects and MDD Patients
- Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Recruiting: This two-part study is recruiting two groups of participants: Adults aged 18 years and older who have either never taken psychedelics or have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and have not taken psychedelics within six months of the study.
How to Join Psychedelic Clinical Trial
Ready to join a psychedelics clinical trial? Here are the steps you’ll need to follow before participating in psychedelics research.
Find a clinical study
Here are some ways to find studies that are actively recruiting participants in your area:
- Go to ClinicalTrials.gov for a searchable database of studies around the world.
- Join ResearchMatch.org, a free and secure registry that connects researchers with potential volunteers.
- Talk to your healthcare provider, who may be able to recommend you for clinical trials.
Double-check the eligibility criteria
Clinical studies have to be strict with their eligibility criteria to create highly controlled conditions that, hopefully, produce more reliable results. If you scroll to the bottom of ClinicalTrials.gov, you’ll find extensive details about eligibility, including inclusion and exclusion criteria.
For example, you might be within the age range for a clinical study, but you might not be eligible if you have a history of mental illness or substance abuse.
Talk to your healthcare provider
Some studies require that you stop taking certain medications that may interfere with the studied psychedelics. Chat with your healthcare provider before you start or stop taking any medications.
Apply for the trial
Once you’ve found a clinical study and confirmed that you meet the eligibility criteria, reach out to the person in charge of recruiting. They may be listed as the main contact, study organizer, or principal investigator.
Researchers will ask you to sign an informed consent form as part of the application process. Informed consent is important because it provides everything you need to know about the research, such as risks, confidentiality, and your rights as a participant.
The FDA states that a potential research subject must have the opportunity to read the informed consent document and ask questions before participating in any trials. 5
Go through a screening process
Participants will be screened to make sure they qualify for the trial. Screenings may involve phsyical exams, psychological tests, cognitive tests, bloodwork, and other screening measures, depending on the study.
What to Expect While Doing a Psychedelic Clinical Trial
So, what happens after you’ve officially enrolled in a trial? Psychedelic clinical trials are similar to drug clinical trials. Here’s what to expect during the process: 1
- Researchers will conduct any cognitive and physical tests during your first visit (aka the “baseline” visit).
- If applicable, you’ll be randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. “Treatment” means you’re receiving the therapy being studied, while “control” means you receive a placebo or no therapy at all.
- Follow the trial procedures, which should be clearly communicated. Be sure to report any issues or concerns to the researchers.
- You may be asked to participate in additional evaluations and discussions with the research team.
- Stay in contact with your healthcare provider throughout the study.
Remember, your participation is voluntary. If you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or uninformed, you have the right to end your participation at any time.
Questions to Ask Before Participating in a Psychedelic Clinical Trial
Participating in a clinical study is a significant commitment. As a participant, you should feel empowered to ask questions about the study and data. Here are some questions to ask the research team: 6
- What is the goal of the study?
- Why is this psychedelic drug being studied?
- What will I have to do?
- How long will the trial last?
- Will I be paid for my participation and reimbursed for my expenses?
- What treatments will I receive during the trial?
- What is the likelihood that I will receive a placebo?
- What are the risks and benefits of this trial in comparison to current treatments?
- Will I have to stay at a hospital or clinic?
- How will you protect my health while I participate in the trial? What happens if I’m injured?
- Will I be able to continue the treatment after the trial concludes?
- Will I be able to see the results of the study?
- Will you follow up on my status after the study? If so, how frequently?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone participate in a psychedelic clinical trial?
Not everyone is eligible for a psychedelic clinical trial. Studies have specific eligibility criteria that determine whether or not a person is a good fit for a particular study. For example, if a person has a history of schizophrenia or a heart condition, they may not safely be able to take hallucinogenic substances.
Is it free to participate in a psychedelic clinical trial?
Participants generally do not have to pay to participate in clinical trials. However, you may have to pay for childcare and transportation. Ask the research team if you will be paid or reimbursed for extra expenses.
Are psychedelic clinical trials safe?
There’s a level of risk with new treatments, including psychedelics. However, researchers are required to follow strict rules, ethical guidelines, and informed consent procedures that are designed to help keep you safe.
An Institutional Review Board (IRB), which consists of physicians, statisticians, and community members, approve and monitor most clinical trials in the United States. 7 As a participant, you have the right to ask the research team if the study has been approved by an IRB.
Additionally, a Data and Safety Monitoring Committee (DMC), also known as a Data and Safety Monitoring Board, is responsible for supervising many clinical trials. The DMC is responsible for reviewing the results of a study and stopping a trial if the risks outweigh the benefits.
It’s important to note that these measures aren’t perfect. In 2022, Health Canada announced that it would review all trials involving MDMA to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. 8 This announcement came on the heels of concerns about patient safety in trials that the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is conducting regarding the use of MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Summary
Psychedelic clinical trials are opportunities for people to advance scientific knowledge and help develop new therapies for treatment-resistant conditions like depression and OCD. In order to participate in a psychedelic clinical trial, you have to meet specific eligibility criteria, and you should stay in communication with your healthcare provider. Additionally, your presence is voluntary, and you have every right to end your participation at any time.
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