The psychedelic revolution is leaving behind people of color
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By
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Jerel Ezell
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Sugy Choi
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May 1, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: The Exclusion of Communities of Color in the Psychedelic Movement
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Mental health disorders and substance use disorders |
| Key Mechanisms | Psychedelics may help address conditions such as depression, PTSD, and opioid addiction. |
| Target Population | Racial minorities, particularly Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities. |
| Care Setting | Clinical research and therapeutic environments. |
Key Highlights
- Psychedelics show potential in treating a variety of mental health conditions.
- Racial minorities have historically been excluded from psychedelics research.
- There is a significant disparity in clinical benefits from psychedelics between racial groups.
- Interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy is higher among racial minorities with unmet mental health needs.
- The global psychedelics market is projected to reach $11.7 billion by 2029.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Assess mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
Management
- Encourage participation of diverse racial groups in clinical trials for psychedelics.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of psychedelics across different racial and ethnic populations.
Risks
- Address the mistrust of medical research among racial minorities.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Racial minorities experiencing higher rates of mental health issues.
Psychedelics may provide significant benefits if tailored to the unique needs of racial minorities.
Clinical Best Practices
- Implement outreach efforts to engage racial minorities in psychedelics research.
- Create safe and supportive environments for psychedelic therapy.
- Tailor psychedelic treatment regimens to the social and psychological profiles of diverse populations.
References
