A history and future of psychedelics: The case of the Canadian military

The historical link between psychedelic drugs and the military is often seen as drug misuse or as contributing to anti-war sentiment. However, recent clinical evidence suggests these cultural associations may obscure the potential of psychedelic treatments for disorders common among military personnel, such as posttraumatic stress disorder. This article provides a historical overview of psychedelics and their association with anti-war activism, alongside the clinical recognition of mental disorders in the military, which has led to a reimagining of the relationship between psychedelics and mental illness within the military.

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Abstract

LAY SUMMARY The historical relationship between psychedelic drugs and the military has often been characterized in terms of drug misuse or the connection between drugs like d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or psilocybin (magic mushrooms) contributing to anti-war sentiments. Recent clinical evidence, however, suggests these cultural associations may be overshadowing the potential for psychedelic drug treatments for particular disorders prevalent across military personnel, including posttraumatic stress disorder. This article offers a historical overview of psychedelics and their association with anti-war activism alongside the clinical recognition of mental disorders within the military that led to the need to reimagine the relationship between psychedelics and mental illnesses within the military.