Posted by Cam W. on March 22, 2001, at 10:21:13
In reply to Re: Scientists test hallucinogens for depression, posted by Eric on March 22, 2001, at 9:25:48
Eric - You have misread the text in the post that you responsed to. I totally disagree with you and steve and do so from a unemotional, purely scientific viewpoint (sorry).
My evaluation of the several hundred reviews of the thousands of scientific journal articles on this topic lead me to believe that LSD (and mescaline, the chemical constituent of peyote) are worth scientific examination. The can give us a much clearer understanding of how seemingly disparate brain circuitry results in the phenomenon which we call the mind. These chemicals may also help us determine why, the neuronal plasticity, such a wide variety of personalities arise from such a small genome.
Science needs to use as many tools as possible to find answers to the mind/body paradox. Just because some people use these substance indiscriminately does not mean that they should be studied. Setting (environment) and set (mindset or emotional state) play a large part in determining the type of experience one will have after ingesting a hallucinogenic. This is why these substances should be used in a controlled environment. When these factors are controlled, hallucinogenics are safer for the body and mind, both short term and long term, than are cigarettes. I have the scientific journal articles to back these claims as well.
Please check out the following website to see some of the interesting work being done in this area:
Sincerely - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:56948
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010319/msgs/57159.html