Cannabinoids and Psychedelics: A Therapeutic Revolution

Recent studies using cannabinoids, psychedelics, and other psychotropic substances have shown promising therapeutic potential. Clinical works on cannabinoids observed an important effect in epilepsy, and other studies found also encouraging outcomes in anxiety and dementia. Psychedelics like Ayahuasca and MDMA seem to decrease symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively. Studies with ibogaine showed preliminary results in the treatment of substance abuse disorder. Altogether, it seems that these psychoactive compounds can be helpful, but there are still a lot of questions and controversies. In this special topic, we aim to provoke and articulate ideas to foster a broad discussion on these issues. We stimulate authors to submit original research, reviews, and essays, from basic science to clinical studies. This includes, but is not limited to, basic works on the neurotransmitter systems, the effects of drugs on animal and human perception, emotion and cognition, such as on memory, sleep and creativity, for example. We also encourage studies on the negative effects of casual use and dependence, since cannabis and other psychedelic substances can be a problem for adolescents and adults of some risk groups. In addition, we motivate religious, sociological and anthropological studies regarding the history of using psychoactive substances, both for traditional and modern societies, for example. Finally, we welcome philosophical works on existential questions about all these psychoactive substances. In all, we mean to convey challenges and misunderstandings in this complex research field. We believe that this interaction of neuropsychology and social sciences can be positive to foster our understanding of a wide range of neuro-psycho-sociological disturbances, which could facilitate the development of possible new treatments.