Introduction
Psychedelic substances have been a topic of renewed interest in recent years, particularly within the field of psychiatry research. This resurgence has prompted crucial discussions about the effects and implications of these substances, both positive and negative. In this article, we will break down what these substances are, their effects on the body, their potential in treating depression, and the legal landscape surrounding them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 in India.
Understanding Psychedelic Substances
Psychedelics are drugs that trigger changes to perception, mood, and thought processing, all while a person remains consciously aware. These drugs are non-addictive, non-toxic, and compared to illicit drugs, they induce significantly less harm to the user. The most commonly used psychedelics include d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin, with less common varieties including mescaline, found in the North American peyote cactus, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the main component of the South American ceremonial sacrament ayahuasca.
Effects of Psychedelic Consumption
People who use psychedelic substances report a range of experiences including changes in perception, somatic experience, mood, thought processing, and entheogenic experiences. These alterations can involve visual distortions or even synaesthesia, where sensory modalities cross, leading to unusual experiences like ‘hearing color’ or ‘seeing sounds’. Changes can also manifest physically and emotionally, causing elation, euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, and spiritual experiences. It is important to note that an overdose may require cardiac monitoring and supportive management in a low-stimulus environment.
Potential Risks and Issues
Despite the relative safety of natural psychedelics, synthetic alternatives such as 25I-NBOMe have been linked to acute cardiac issues, central nervous system and limb ischemia, and serotonin syndrome. Deaths attributed directly to synthetic psychedelic use have also been reported.
Depression Treatment and Psychedelics
Psychedelics show promising potential in treating depression. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in November 2022 found that a single 25-mg dose of psilocybin reduced depression scores over three weeks in people with treatment-resistant depression. This finding was subsequently replicated in a phase IIB trial, which indicated that a single dose of 25 mg psilocybin improved measures of depression severity, anxiety, and functioning.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985
In India, the use of psychedelic substances is regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985. The act was implemented to handle drug trafficking within the country, prohibiting the production, manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation & consumption of many narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. However, Bhang is excluded from the Act. Penalties for violations can range from fines to imprisonment, and even the death penalty in cases involving repeat offenders. Section 20 of the NDPS Act details punishments based on the quantity of drugs seized.
