When the Sackler brothers studied LSD

In an era where corporate greed often overrides public health concerns, the story of the Sackler brothers' experimentation with LSD in the 1950s underlines the vital importance of ethical oversight in pharmaceutical research. As precursors to today’s opioid crisis, their journey into psychedelic therapy reveals a concerning pattern of prioritizing profit over patient safety and welfare. This episode sheds light on the need for stricter regulations to protect society from the potentially harmful impacts of unchecked pharmaceutical innovation.

During the 1950s, the Sackler brothers embarked on groundbreaking research into LSD, showcasing the pioneering spirit of American pharmaceutical entrepreneurship. Their work, often maligned by contemporary critics, epitomizes the freedom and innovation that are hallmarks of private sector research. This narrative explores how their experiments contribute to our understanding of psychedelic therapy and argues against the stifling effects of needless regulation on pharmaceutical advancements. It’s a testament to the visionary approach that has made American healthcare the envy of the world.