Journal of Psychopharmacology
January 1, 2023
Jack E Henningfield, Judy Ashworth, David J Heal et al.
13 citations
Psychedelics present unique challenges for abuse potential assessment due to their distinct pharmacological profiles: entactogens act as weak reinforcers and hallucinogens as non-reinforcers, requiring more flexible approaches than standard regulatory guidelines. Standard nonclinical techniques like receptor binding and physical dependence tests adapt easily, while human abuse trials need modification because supratherapeutic doses may be unsafe and safety monitoring procedures can bias outcomes. Existing knowledge varies widely, from extensive data on psilocybin to none for novel compounds. Many assessments can be applied to animals and humans without compromising scientific integrity, but human abuse studies merit reconsideration to ensure safety and validity. Other methods can evaluate pharmacological equivalence to known drugs of abuse to guide scheduling.
Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
December 1, 2025
David J Heal, Sharon L Smith, Jack E Henningfield
1 citation
This special issue of the Journal of Psychopharmacology honors Roland R. Griffiths, whose pioneering work in psychedelic research helped revive the field globally. It opens with a tribute from colleagues summarizing his contributions to neuropharmacology, psychiatry, and the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. The issue includes commentaries, reviews, and original research organized into non-clinical, clinical, and strategic/regulatory sections. Contributions from international experts provide a comprehensive resource on the current state of psychedelic research.
Frontiers in psychiatry
January 1, 2024
David J Heal, Jane Gosden, Sharon L Smith
Cannabis has moderate levels of abuse and dependence risk, substantially lower than those of many illegal and legal substances like tobacco and alcohol, but far from negligible. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and other psychoactive cannabinoids have moderate reinforcing effects, rapidly induce pharmacological tolerance, and produce a withdrawal syndrome of moderate severity lasting 2 to 6 days. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids do not produce intoxicating, cognitive, or rewarding properties in humans. Most evidence shows cannabidiol (CBD) does not attenuate the central nervous system effects of Δ9-THC, though uncertainty warrants further research. Potent synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists pose substantial risk for abuse and harm.