Industry considers concerns about blinding in trials with psychedelics

Not for the first time, experts have expressed concern about whether randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can be conducted with psychedelics. A placebo for a drug with such a powerful effect would be difficult to create. But placebos are needed to prove that a medication works because it works, not because the patient thinks it will (the so‐called “placebo effect”). To avoid the placebo effect misguiding results, participants are “blinded” as to whether they are taking the placebo or the study drug. (In “double‐blind” studies, the researchers don't know, either.)