History
Landmark study marking the revival of psilocybin research
2006
This publication is the first research since the 1970s to administer a classic psychedelic substance to drug naïve participants. Thirty participants received psilocybin and methylphenidate, and results showed that when administered under supportive conditions, psilocybin occasioned mystical type experiences and participants reported sustained positive changes in attitudes and behaviors which were attributed to the psilocybin experience.
Psilocybin produces enduring positive effects 14-months later
2008
Following up with participants in the Griffiths et al., 2006 study 14-months later, we found that 64% of participants indicated their psilocybin experience increased their life satisfaction and well-being. Additionally, 58% rated their psilocybin experiences among the five most personally meaningful experiences of their life, and 67% rated it among the five most spiritual significant experiences.
Guidelines for human psychedelic research
2008
First framework for safely shaping the new era of research. This highly cited paper has provided guidance to researchers and Institutional Review Boards at a growing number of universities which initiated research with psychedelics. This manuscript has helped safely shepherd the growing field of psychedelic research regarding the risks of psychedelic administration and the safeguards which are critical in addressing these risks.
Psilocybin increases the personality domain of openness
2011
First study to show that a single administration of psilocybin produced enduring change in personality, which was considered to be a fixed characteristic of individuals that does not change across the lifetime. The personality domain of openness is associated with creativity in the arts and sciences.
Assessment of the novel psychedelic Salvinorin A
2011, 2013, 2015, 2016
The first controlled human studies of salvinorin A demonstrated that this highly selective κ-opioid receptor agonist produces rapid, intense, and transient alterations in perception, dissociation, interoception, and memory under double-blind conditions. Follow-up work showed dose-dependent dissociative and cognitive effects that overlap with classic hallucinogen effects. In collaboration with Dr. Jordi Riba, Ana Elda Maqueda, and other colleagues, we also found that but that effects are mediated by kappa-opioid receptors and not serotonin 2A. Plasma levels of inhaled salvinorin A levels were linked to subjective drug strength. Collectively, these findings show that profound alterations in consciousness can arise through κ-opioid, expanding the neuropharmacology of psychedelic-like states and identifying salvinorin A as a unique, ultrapotent, short-acting experimental probe.
Measuring mystical experience
2012, 2015
Factor analysis and validation of the first validated psychological scale specifically designed for assessing spiritual or mystical subjective aspects of psychedelic experiences. Measuring mystical experience is important because research with cigarette smokers, distressed cancer patients, and healthy volunteers in non-therapeutic studies have all shown that mystical experience during psilocybin sessions predicts positive behavior change at least 6 months after sessions. Investigating mystical experiences may therefore be critical to further optimizing psychedelic interventions, and understanding how psilocybin affects consciousness.
Psychedelic assisted smoking cessation
2014, 2017
First study since the 1970s using a classic psychedelic to treat a substance use disorder, and the first ever study to examine a psychedelic to treat tobacco/nicotine addiction. The pilot study showed that 80% of participants were biologically verified as smoke free 6 months after psilocybin treatment. These are drastically higher than typical success rates, with the most effective medications showing success rates less than 35%. Following up with these participants 1-year later, we saw sustained benefits with 67% biologically confirmed abstinent from smoking, and 80% rated their psilocybin experience among the top five most personally meaningful and spiritually significant experiences of their lives.
Interactions between music and psychedelic drug effects
2015, 2017, 2018
In collaboration with Drs. Mendel Kaelen, Katrin Preller, Hollis Robbins, and other colleagues, a series of studies were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between music and the effects of psychedelics. These studies show that psychedelics intensify the emotional impact of music, enhancing feelings such as wonder, transcendence, and emotional openness. Neural imaging suggests that the 5HT2A receptor plays a critical role in these music-related alterations, revealing a potential mechanism underlying the interaction between psychedelics and music. Examining pieces of music that psilocybin guides found to be optimally supportive of peak psychedelic experiences revealed insights about the structure and features of these pieces, providing a first step toward the optimization of music for the support of peak psychedelic experiences.
Measuring adverse effects and challenging experiences after psilocybin
2016
First validated psychological scale specifically designed for assessing psychologically challenging experiences with psychedelics. We conducted a large scale survey study of roughly 2000 respondents who reported psychologically difficult experiences after taking psilocybin mushrooms, and we examined factors contributing to the increased risk of harm. Later, responses to this survey were used to construct and validate the 26-item Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), and was later validated in a separate sample.
Palliative effects of psilocybin treatment in cancer patients
2016
Largest and most rigorous study demonstrating that a single administration of psilocybin produces large and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. The results of this landmark study provided the basis for the initiation of registration trials in the United States and Europe seeking approval of psilocybin for medical treatment.
MDMA harm reduction
2017
In collaboration with Sarah Saleemi and colleagues, this study analyzed data collected by a pill-testing organization and demonstrated that large proportions of both “Molly” and “Ecstasy” are likely adulterated, posing serious risks. The study provides support for drug-checking/pill-testing services as effective harm-reduction tools, and suggests these services may reduce drug-related harms.
Paving the way for moving psilocybin out of Schedule I
2018
Anticipating the potential that Phase 3 research may confirm the efficacy and safety of psilocybin for one or more medical disorders, the Hopkins team, in collaboration with Dr. Jack Henningfield and Dr. Peter Hendricks, critically reviewed available evidence on the abuse liability of psilocybin, from chemistry to animal models to large scale government surveys, according the structure of the Controlled Substances Act. The review concluded that if psilocybin is approved as medicine, placement in Schedule IV may be appropriate with additional FDA mandated risk management provisions.
Founding of the world’s largest and most comprehensive academic center for psychedelic research
2019
Building off of 20 years of pioneering research, Johns Hopkins University established the Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research. Our mission is to answer the most important questions in psychedelic research, therapy, and clinical education, and to broaden the field of psychedelic science in collaboration with the best multi-disciplinary scientists in the world. Our center now boasts extensive and growing public, scientific, and clinical education, back-translational programs, bioethics work, exploration of community and peer-support input as stakeholders in psychedelic medicine, and both therapeutic and basic mechanistic clinical trials to understand the safety and efficacy of psychedelic drugs.
Launching of a pilot study for psilocybin-assisted therapy in patients with Anorexia Nervosa
2019
In collaboration with colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Eating Disorders Program, CPCR researchers are conducting an open-label pilot study to evaluate the safety and potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in adults with mild to moderate anorexia nervosa (AN). The study examines changes in quality of life, mood, and eating disorder symptoms, with additional measures including body mass index and food-related behaviors.
Enduring effects of psychedelic administration on human brain function
2020
Findings from the first study to investigate longitudinal effects on brain function after taking psilocybin suggest that psilocybin may increase emotional and brain plasticity. Brain functioning in regions related to emotions and top-down control of emotions were altered, and overall brain connectivity was increased at 1-week and 1-month after psilocybin.
Assessment of pharmacological manipulation of the human claustrum
2020
Using fMRI brain imaging techniques, CPCR researchers, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Maryland, observed the activity and connectivity of the claustrum in 15 people after taking psilocybin or placebo. The claustrum, once thought to be the seat of consciousness, is a thin sheet of gray matter that reaches out to every other region in the brain. The claustrum has historically been difficult to study, and thus, its function remains mysterious to scientists. Results showed that both the default mode network and areas of the brain believed to be responsible for setting attention and switching tasks may be disrupted during the effects of psilocybin, and alterations in the claustrum may account for these changes. This study moves us one step closer to understanding the mechanisms of psilocybin in the brain.
Measurement of psychological insight occurring during psychedelic experiences
2020
Although several measures have been developed to examine acute psychedelic effects (e.g., mystical-type and challenging experiences), no measure assesses acute psychologically insightful experiences that may occur during psychedelic experiences. CPCR researchers developed the Psychological Insight Questionnaire, a new measure of psychological insight and tested its psychometric properties in a large international survey study. The measure demonstrated support for several elements of reliability and validity. The measure has the potential to extend the understanding of the acute and enduring effects of psychedelics.
Clinical response and remission of depression after psilocybin therapy
2020
First randomized controlled trial measuring the efficacy of psilocybin therapy for depression among 24 adults. Findings showed that participants who received psilocybin-assisted therapy showed substantial and rapid improvement depression symptoms, measured by blinded clinicians using the GRID-HAMD. One month after receiving two doses of psilocybin, 71% showed a clinically significant response (reduced symptoms ≥ 50%) and 54% were in remission from depression. Findings suggest that psilocybin with therapy is efficacious in treating MDD, thus extending the results of previous studies of this intervention in patients with cancer and depression and of a nonrandomized study in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Launching of a pilot study for psilocybin-assisted therapy in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
2020
In collaboration with colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, CPCR researchers have launched the first clinical trial to investigate the effects of psilocybin in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease. This pilot study is evaluating whether psilocybin can safely and meaningfully reduce depression in this population. Over an eight-week treatment period—including two psilocybin sessions—researchers will assess changes in mood, quality of life, memory, and anxiety to determine whether this approach warrants larger, controlled clinical trials.
Launching of the largest dual-diagnosis study in psychedelic science to date, investigating the efficacy of psilocybin in the treatment of depression and alcohol use disorder
2020
This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial will evaluate the safety, efficacy, and brain mechanisms of psilocybin in individuals with both major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder—one of the most common and difficult-to-treat psychiatric combinations. By comparing psilocybin to placebo in 90 participants, the study aims to determine whether psilocybin can simultaneously reduce depressive symptoms and heavy drinking, potentially establishing the first evidence-based treatment approach for these co-occurring conditions.
Optimal dosing for psilocybin pharmacotherapy: considering weight-adjusted and fixed dosing approaches
2021
CPCR researchers conducted a large pooled analysis across ten prior psilocybin studies (total N = 288) to examine how acute subjective drug effects related to therapeutic outcomes and demographic factors such as body weight and sex. The analysis compared participants who received 20 mg/70 kg (N = 120), 30 mg/70 kg (N = 182), and those whose weight-adjusted dose approximated a fixed 25 mg dose (N = 103). Across all groups, no significant associations were found between subjective effects and any demographic variables, and body weight showed no measurable influence on the acute psilocybin experience. These findings offer strong empirical support for fixed-dose approaches in clinical and regulatory settings, emphasizing their practicality and equivalence to traditional weight-adjusted dosing.
NIH grant to study effects of psilocybin on tobacco use disorder
2021
Four million dollars in funding was received from the National Institutes of Health for a multi-site clinical trial investigating the impact of psilocybin on tobacco use disorder, with Johns Hopkins serving as the leading site. This funding was historic, as it marked the first time NIH has provided funding for a study of the therapeutic effects of a class psychedelic since the 1960s.
Low dose psilocybin and creativity study
2021
Johns Hopkins researchers are conducting a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to examine how a moderately low dose of psilocybin influences creativity, cognition, and consciousness.
First 12-Month Follow-Up of Psilocybin for Major Depressive Disorder
2022
One year after receiving psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder (n=24), 75% of our participants showed a clinical treatment response (reduction of symptom severity by 50% or more) and 58% were in remission. This marks the longest follow-up to date of psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression and demonstrates that antidepressant effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy are durable.
Clinical trial of psilocybin assisted therapy for individuals with Post Treatment Lyme Disease
2022
CPCR researchers are launching a pilot study to explore whether psilocybin can help reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life for people living with post-treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD). The study aims to provide early insights into whether psilocybin could offer relief for persistent symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and mood challenges in PTLD.
Translational science at the CPCR
2022
With Dr. Praachi Tiwari leading, in collaboration with Drs. Elise Weerts, Cassie Moore, and Bryan Jenkins, CPCR is investigating the effects of psychedelics in animal models of mental health. These findings will provide insights into human mental health phenomena and treatment models, building a foundation of translational research at the CPCR.
Launching of a pilot study of psilocybin treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
2023
Johns Hopkins researchers launched a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate whether psilocybin can improve outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder who are beginning buprenorphine treatment. This understudied population represents a large and vulnerable group, and early evidence suggests psilocybin may offer meaningful benefits when combined with standard care. In collaboration with experts from the Johns Hopkins Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, this study aims to advance a potentially transformative approach for improving recovery and treatment engagement in opioid use disorder.
Review of Adverse Events in Psychedelic Studies and Guidance
2024
This landmark systematic review and meta-analysis and most comprehensive safety evaluation of its kind to date examined adverse events across 114 clinical and research studies involving 3,504 participants who received classic psychedelics. Serious adverse events were rare, with none reported among healthy participants and occurring in about 4% of individuals with preexisting neuropsychiatric conditions, while medically significant nonserious events were also uncommon. By revealing both the generally favorable safety profile of psychedelics in monitored environments and the need for stronger, more consistent adverse-event reporting, this study provides essential groundwork for responsible clinical development and clearer communication of risks to patients, researchers, and the public.
Initiation of an Integration Clinic at Johns Hopkins
2024
Johns Hopkins has launched the Integration Clinic for Post-Psychedelic Difficulties, a first-of-its-kind service providing specialized medical and psychotherapeutic care for individuals experiencing challenges after a psychedelic experience. Staffed by Johns Hopkins–trained psychiatrists, including clinic co-founder Dr. Azin Elizabeth Bekhrad, the clinic offers comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment while advancing research at one of the world’s leading centers for psychedelic science. As psychedelic use grows worldwide, this clinic fills a critical gap by offering safe, expert support for those facing confusion, anxiety, perceptual changes, or other psychological difficulties following psychedelic use.
Johns Hopkins Researchers Create Course on Psychedelics
2025
Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research has launched a new online course on Coursera called Psychedelic Science and Medicine, offering a comprehensive, evidence-based primer on the history, neuroscience, clinical research, risks, and future of psychedelics for learners around the world. By making cutting-edge psychedelic science accessible to the public, the course aims to dispel myths, promote informed discourse, and foster a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential and limitations of these substances.