In late April, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced plans to ease federal restrictions on cannabis by reclassifying it from a Schedule I drug to the less restricted Schedule III category. Schedule III includes drugs such as Tylenol with codeine, testosterone, and other anabolic steroids. This historic shift signals an acknowledgment of the promising medicinal value of cannabis.

This move comes in tandem with growing interest in the use of psilocybin, the active component in magic mushrooms, for the treatment of depression, chronic pain, and other conditions. In 2018 and 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted breakthrough therapy designation to psilocybin, aiming to expedite drug development given that preliminary studies suggest it may have substantial therapeutic value over currently available therapies for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder.

Both of these developments represent a dramatic change from long-standing federal policy around these substances, which has historically criminalized their use and blocked or delayed research efforts into their therapeutic potential.

As an assistant professor of anesthesiology and a pain researcher, I study alternative pain management options, including cannabis and psychedelics. I also have a personal stake in improving chronic pain treatment: In early 2009, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain throughout the body, sleep disturbances, and generalized sensory sensitivity. My personal and professional experiences have shown me the potential of these substances in treating chronic pain.

The reclassification of cannabis could open new avenues for research and therapy, particularly for the estimated 50 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain, defined as pain that persists for three months or more. Cannabis and psilocybin are promising therapies that could significantly contribute to pain management, offering alternatives to traditional prescription pain medications, which often carry the risk of addiction and overdose. Unlike other prescription pain meds, lethal overdoses from cannabis are almost unheard of.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is an ancient medicinal plant. Cannabis-based medicines have been used for at least 5,000 years for various applications, such as arthritis and pain control during and after surgery. Its reclassification reflects a growing recognition of its medicinal potential and aligns with contemporary research that highlights its benefits.

Psilocybin, on the other hand, has shown promise in early trials for its ability to alleviate symptoms of depression and chronic pain, conditions that are often resistant to conventional treatments. The FDA's breakthrough therapy designation for psilocybin underscores its potential as a revolutionary treatment option.

These changes in policy and perception could lead to more comprehensive and effective pain management strategies, reducing the reliance on opioids and other potentially harmful medications. By embracing the therapeutic potential of cannabis and psilocybin, we can address the significant unmet need for effective pain management solutions. This shift not only marks progress in drug policy but also opens the door to improved health outcomes for millions of Americans.