Down the rabbit hole
Description
This thesis analyzes how and why the United States' government and its agencies restricted psychedelic therapy research despite promising medical findings. By examining a wide range of literature, this thesis provides evidence that control and greed are two main variables in the U.S. government's relationship with psychedelics. In doing so, it confronts how political goals of the government do not coincide with the best interests of the people, catalyzed by desires for financial and political gain, leading to maintained control over a population. Chapter 1 outlines the psychedelics LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, providing an overview of the history of medical findings on these drugs. Chapter 2 then discusses how the pattern of control between the government and psychedelics emerged from CIA mind control operations, eventually expanding the pattern of control to analyze how psychedelics were criminalized as they signified loosened control over the population. Chapter 3 portrays how the pattern of control established in Chapter 2 allowed for greater governmental financial and political gain, examining the role of the pharmaceutical industry in maintaining control over psychedelic research. Chapter 4 provides a clear, concise discussion about the prior three chapters and follows the intertwinement of greed and control throughout the thesis. Chapter 4 highlights the future of psychedelic therapy, remarking upon positive advancements that have occurred despite adversity in the field. Ultimately, the United States government and its agencies have been motivated by control and greed in regulating psychedelic therapy research, slowing down progress despite positive medical findings. This thesis adds to qualitative studies on government involvement throughout the psychedelic renaissance.