RantCrush Top 5: December 2, 2016

First it was marijuana for medical use, now researchers are looking into the benefits of hallucinogenic mushrooms for easing anxiety and depression in cancer patients. In a study published yesterday, scientists showed amazing results of how the ingredient psilocybin in pill form reduced 80 percent of anxiety and depression symptoms and lasted for about seven months, with minimal side effects.

Researches declare Psilocybin cal alleviate anxiety & depression; I think “Rubber Soul” already proved this in 1965.

— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) December 1, 2016

Considering those psychological issues affect 40 percent of cancer patients, the discovery could have a huge impact on patients and their families. Researchers do point out that this doesn’t mean eating magic mushrooms on your own would have the same effect. The patients in the study took the psilocybin as a pill, in a controlled environment, and guided by doctors.

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.