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June 28, 2023 12:00 pm ETEstimated Read Time: 4 Minutes
Exciting medical news is on the horizon in the world of psychedelics and cannabinoids. Having been granted a first-of-its-kind patent in 2021, CaaMTech, a research company based in Issaquah, Washington, plans to integrate psilocybin and cannabis into a unified medical formulation.
The allowance of this patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) was a historic moment for CaaMTech’s intellectual property division. Since filing this successful application in 2017, the division submitted over a hundred additional patent applications.
There is no doubt that this is a groundbreaking discovery. However, before diving into the potential benefits of psychotherapy with this new synergistic approach, let’s take a quick look at what science shows about the benefits of using these two compounds independently to treat mental health issues.
What Does Science Show About Using Psilocybin Alone in Mental Health Therapy?
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in specific varieties of “magic” mushrooms, has shown immense potential in treating various psychological conditions. Its impact has been particularly notable in cases of depression, anxiety, and addiction disorders.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology showed promising results in treating end-of-life anxiety and depression in cancer patients using psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. The study showed sustained decreases in depressed mood, anxiety, and psychological distress, with up to 80% of participants continuing to show clinically significant reductions in these symptoms at a 6-month follow-up.
What Does Science Show About Using Cannabis Alone in Mental Health Therapy?
Cannabis, specifically its active (and most popular) cannabinoids like THC and CBD, are known to have significant therapeutic potential in managing various psychological conditions. Among its many effects, cannabis provides anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic effects.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that patients reported a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress scores following cannabis use, with women showing more significant reductions than men. In particular, low THC/high CBD strains of cannabis contributed most to reductions in depression.
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How Does It Work?
For the production of this new combination medication, CaaMTech extracted specific compounds from psilocybin, cannabinoids, and terpenes. The achievement of this goal is aligned with the company’s mission, as outlined by CaaMTech’s founder and CEO, Dr. Andrew Chadeayne. He stressed that the company’s central objective was to pioneer next-gen psychedelic drugs. Considering the patent’s significance, Dr. Chadeayne explained, “Strong patent protection and fundamental research give our drugs the foundational support that they need to proceed through clinical trials and become FDA-approved medicines.”
Following the patent approval in 2021, CaaMTech released findings on 4-PrO-DMT, an experimental synthetic form of psilocybin. The newly patented blend interacts with serotonin receptors, offering potential relief for a range of mental health issues, including mood disorders, thoughts of suicide, and various other psychological conditions. Additionally, it highlights the ongoing demand for more research into the use of psychedelic substances in the development of new drugs.
These findings and the patent have opened up new opportunities for patients seeking reliable, scientifically-backed psychedelic therapies.
The Future of Mental Health Therapy: What Does This Mean?
As researchers look into the future of mental health therapy, the blending of psilocybin and cannabis stands out as a promising development. The ongoing research efforts, like those led by CaaMTech, reveal the potential for these combined therapies to revolutionize treatment strategies for various psychological conditions.
By fusing the psychedelic properties of psilocybin and the multifaceted benefits of cannabinoids, this innovative blend could pave the way for new treatments for mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and potentially even more complex issues like suicidal ideations.
Additionally, the synergistic effects of these compounds might offer a more holistic approach to therapy, providing relief on multiple levels—physical, emotional, and psychological. Nevertheless, there is a need for rigorous, comprehensive studies to fully grasp the potential benefits, risks, and mechanisms of action. With further exploration of these compounds, we may be on the cusp of a new era in mental health treatment, utilizing the therapeutic potential of nature’s own pharmacopeia.
Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.
Lemetria Whitehurst is a cannabis nurse educator and writer specializing in cannabis science and culture. Her career in the medical industry spans more than two decades where she began her career as a pharmacy technician before becoming a registered nurse. As an avid reader
and researcher, she is passionate about educating others about cannabis’ medicinal properties.
I’m a little uncertain about actually combining these two into a songle pharmaceutical. Here’s why.
The story points out correctly that cannabis and psilocybit are synergistic (presumably because they bind to different receptors). Based on numerous, albeit anecdotal, user reports, an equally accurate description is that cannabis “potentiates” the effects of psilocybin.
The difficulty here is that the individual effects are idiosyncratic. Some users find them exhilarating, others frightening. Furthermore, for a given psilocybin dosage, the effect of THC also seems to be dose-dependent for a given individual.
Add to that the facts that ingested THC has a slower and less unpredictable onset, as well as its metabolite being more potent. I’m not convinced there can be such a thing as a “one-ratio-fits-all” combination, administered at the outset as a single dose.
It would probably be more prudent to hold off on the THC until the psilocybin peak has been reached, and then titrate it on a subject-by-subject, trip-by-trip basis.
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