Arizona’s Scottsdale Research Institute is expecting to commence a novel psilocybin study this month. It will be the first in the United States examining the application of whole psilocybin mushrooms for treating post-traumatic stress disorder among veterans and first responders.
On Oct. 28, the Phoenix-based non-profit psychedelics lab formally announced the beginning of the clinical trial. It will be led by Dr. Sue Sisley, a renowned magic mushroom and cannabis researcher who currently serves as the institute’s President and principal director.
However, Sisley informed the Phoenix New Times in late October that the study still needed a stamp of approval from the DEA. She said Scottsdale expects to receive it within the next few weeks.
Post-approval, the investigation will begin by assessing the impact of the “Jedi Mind Fuck” psilocybin strain cultivated by Scottsdale on a group of 24 police officers, military service veterans and firefighters. They will be receiving 4.5 dried grams of the psychedelic fungi while under medical supervision.
At the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies conference this year, Sisley jokingly said she chose that variety of mushroom because she enjoyed being able to write it on government forms.
“This landmark study-made possible by the leadership at AZ Legislature, Governor [Katie] Hobbs and the State of Arizona Health Department reflects our mission to deliver real-world data that can guide policy and expand access to promising treatments for patients with PTSD,” said Sisley.
The United States Food and Drug Administration gave its assent to the clinical trial in late March. This distinction combined with the fact that whole shrooms are being used makes it a first-of-its-kind undertaking. Previous clinical research has exclusively relied on psilocybin extracts.
In the news release from Scottsdale, state Senator Kevin Payne voiced his support for the research initiative.
“Arizona is proud to lead the way with this pioneering study, which reflects our commitment to evidence-based, responsible exploration of new treatment options for patients in need,” he said.
The clinical research is being funded by a portion of a US$5-million-dollar taxpayer sum that the Arizona Legislature allocated to psilocybin studies in 2023 through passing House Bill 2486. This legislation established a Psilocybin Research Advisory Council under the Department of Health Services.
Psilocybin remains an illegal Schedule I substance in Arizona, but the state has cautiously supported studies on the compound for therapeutic indications.
Scottsdale also studies the impact of LSD on terminally-ill patients and has been authorized to complete trials involving MDMA for the treatment of PTSD.
Jedi Mind Fuck psilocybin mushrooms grown in Arizona. Photo credit: Scottsdale Research Institute
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