Study Explores Therapeutic Potential of Combining LSD and MDMA

A groundbreaking study published in Nature investigates the effects of combining LSD and MDMA, a practice known as 'candy flipping,' to determine its therapeutic potential. Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to examine whether this combination could enhance the positive effects of LSD, which is increasingly being considered for psychiatric use

The study involved 24 healthy participants who were randomly assigned to receive either MDMA, LSD, both drugs combined, or a placebo. Results indicated that those who received the combination reported higher levels of well-being, happiness, and confidence compared to those who took LSD alone. However, the study's small sample size is a limitation, and further research is needed to confirm these findings

According to Isabelle Straunmann, a clinical research doctor at UHB who led the study, while the acute effects of LSD are generally positive, they can include anxiety. She notes that MDMA is known for its positive subjective effects and hypothesized that it could mitigate the negative aspects of LSD, resulting in a more positive overall experience

The study's findings suggest that the combination of LSD and MDMA prolongs the psychedelic experience compared to LSD alone, although no significant difference in peak euphoria was observed. Risk reduction expert Adam Waugh commented that while the combination is generally considered low-risk physically, it may intensify the trip psychologically, potentially leading to unpleasant experiences for some users

The practice of candy flipping has been popularized through anecdotal reports and is known for producing a more stable psychedelic experience. Although the combination is considered low-risk, the study emphasizes the need for more extensive research to fully understand the implications and potential therapeutic applications of combining LSD and MDMA