Federal Money To Support Research On Psychedelics As Alternative To Pills For Chronic Pain Among The Elderly

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently said it will fund clinical trials to exam the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy in older adults with chronic pain, reported Marijuana Moment.

According to NIH's Wednesday notice, it intends to direct $8.4 million toward research on "classic" psychedelics such as psilocybin, N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and mescaline, as well as methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

The funding notice pointed out that roughly 40% of older Americans said they've been living with chronic pain caused by musculoskeletal conditions, neuropathies and cancer.

Interestingly the document highlighted that cannabis and ketamine are not "considered psychedelic agents" for the purpose.

See also: Older Patients Are Choosing Cannabis To Treat Chronic Pain, Arthritis, Anxiety And Insomnia, New Study Shows

The new approach seeks to provide an alternative to mainstream treatments, which researchers called "complex and often inadequate."

Why It Matters

Traditional treatment often includes acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids and atypical analgesics with "limited efficacy," and come with a risk of adverse effects in older adults.

Meanwhile, "analgesics and non-pharmacologic therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, physical activity regimens, acupuncture, and electrical stimulation" often have "variable efficacy and uptake," the researchers explained.

Enter psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT).

"PAT uses psychedelic agents in combination with psychological support or psychotherapy in a conducive environment ("set and setting")," said the funding notice.”Evidence for the efficacy of PAT has been particularly notable in depression, anxiety (especially existential distress), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders, among other indications."

What's Next?

The grant will be supervised by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). It will award up to $3.4 million annually in fiscal 2025–2026 and up to $5 million per year in fiscal 2027–2029.

Who Can Apply

Eligible organizations that can apply for the grant include higher education institutions, nonprofits, local governments and federal agencies and for-profit organizations, to name a few. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply.

Now read: Huge Study Reveals Cannabis Provides Similar Pain Relief Benefits As Opioids Without Negative Consequences