Can Psychedelic Drugs Treat Physical Pain? Scientific American on LSD and psilocybin for pain management, including early clinical research and risks

LSD and psilocybin are increasingly being studied for whether they can relieve physical pain, alongside growing interest from universities and companies in pain management research. Anecdotal reports and early clinical efforts are contrasted with the current lack of clear results. The article highlights case examples such as a person using psilocybin-containing mushrooms for mental health who also reports reduced neuropathic pain symptoms, and it notes research into conditions including cluster headaches, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and phantom limb pain. Researchers and clinicians discuss plausible mechanisms, such as serotonin receptor involvement and pain-modulation pathways, while also emphasizing uncertainty. Experts warn that evidence is still limited and that risks, including psychiatric side effects and abuse liability, must be carefully monitored. The discussion also points to a historic research thread where LSD was tested for pain decades ago, including a small study using low-dose LSD and findings that may warrant further rigorous trials.