What is this study trying to find out about psychedelic effects?

This study is investigating whether different psychoactive substances can produce experiences similar to those caused by classic psychedelics. Researchers aim to understand these effects in healthy adult volunteers. The study is led by Johns Hopkins University and uses careful testing to explore these subjective experiences.

Who may be eligible for this psychedelic effects clinical trial?

Adults between 25 and 55 years old who are healthy and psychologically stable may be eligible. Participants should have a body mass index between 18 and 34 kg/m2 and agree to avoid psychoactive drugs including alcohol before sessions. Both men and women can join. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this psychedelic effects clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study drug or procedure and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for travel and other costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase 1

Age: 25Years - 55Years

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

ID06772753

Study of Psychedelic Effects from Psilocybin and Other Psychoactive Substances in Healthy Adults Aged 25 to 55

Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-02-23

Participants Needed

Research Sites

26 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether various psychoactive substances can cause experiences similar to those produced by classic psychedelics. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study involves healthy adult volunteers aged 25 to 55 and aims to understand the subjective effects of these substances. The study is sponsored by Johns Hopkins University and includes a randomized design with both participants and staff unaware of the drug given during sessions. Participants may receive one of several psychoactive drugs, including psilocybin, ketamine, dextromethorphan DXM, dimethyltryptamine DMT, methylenedioxymethamphetamine MDMA, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol THC, or an inactive placebo. Doses are oral and limited to amounts safely administered previously in laboratory settings. The study includes up to six experimental drug sessions per participant, preceded by two preparation sessions totaling four hours. After each drug session, participants attend follow-up visits to discuss their experiences. During the study, participants undergo medical and psychiatric screening with blood tests, physical exams, interviews, and questionnaires. Researchers assess the mystical effects of the substances using the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and evaluate drug effects with the Drug Effects Questionnaire at weeks two and seven. The study monitors participant responses closely and continues until December 2027, with healthy volunteers contributing data on the psychedelic-like effects of these substances.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Investigation of Psychedelic Effects in Psychoactive Substances

Who Can Participate

Age: 25Years - 55Years

All Genders

Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Be between 25 and 55 years old
Have a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 34 kg/m2
Agree to consume about the same amount of caffeine on session mornings as usual, or avoid caffeine if you normally do not consume it
Agree to avoid psychoactive drugs, including alcohol, for 24 hours before each drug session, except caffeine and nicotine
Be healthy and psychologically stable based on medical and psychiatric screening
Agree not to take as-needed prescription medications on session mornings unless approved by the study team

You will not qualify if you...

Women who are pregnant, nursing, or sexually active without effective birth control
Cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, angina, uncontrolled hypertension, or significant ECG abnormalities
History of epilepsy or seizures
Insulin-dependent diabetes or history of hypoglycemia if using oral hypoglycemic agents
Regular use of medications affecting serotonin neurons or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
Use of nonprescription, nutritional, or herbal supplements unless approved by investigators
History of moderate or severe substance use disorder with loss of control
Active suicidal thoughts or behavior at screening
Psychiatric disorders posing high risk as judged by the study team
First-degree relative with schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar I or II disorder, or related psychotic disorders
Participation in another clinical trial or drug use in research within 30 days prior to dosing
Known allergies or adverse reactions to study drugs or nitroglycerin
Use of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 inhibitors concurrently

Research Team

Zach Daily

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Study of Psychedelic Effects from Psilocybin and Other Psychoactive Substances in Healthy Adults Aged 25 to 55

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Brief Title

Who Can Participate

Eligibility Criteria

Research Team

Not the Right Trial for You?

On this page

Who Can Participate

Eligibility Criteria