The UFC could start experimenting with psychedelic drugs.
UFC President Dana White said the organization has been in contact with Johns Hopkins University about its studies on the impact of psychedelics on fighters’ brain health.
The interest reportedly stems from an HBO “Real Sports” segment featuring former fighters discussing their treatment experiences.
Johns Hopkins is studying the therapeutic effects of microdosing psilocybin and LSD, producing more than 60 peer-reviewed research papers since its 2000 U.S. government approval.
UFC could look to become a benefactor of a psychedelic study, it told ESPN, and may approve using its own current and former athletes in the research.
Former UFC flyweight Ian McCall, who has worked with the Baltimore university on psilocybin treatment, told ESPN there’s a responsibility to take better care of athletes and other PTSD victims.
As fighters await a potential breakthrough, the UFC made its latest contribution to Las Vegas’ Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, donating another $1 million this month.
