What Pharmacists Should Know About Psychedelic Medicine | APhA 2025
Mark Garofoli, PharmD, BCGP, CPE, director of experiential learning at West Virginia University, discusses the potential of psuychedelic therapy in pharmacy.
Mark Garofoli, PharmD, BCGP, CPE, director of experiential learning at West Virginia University, discussed the evolving landscape of psychedelics and clinical trials, emphasizing the critical role of pharmacists as medication experts. Garofoli highlighted the importance of staying informed through evidence-based practices, focusing on ongoing and active clinical trials rather than relying solely on published research.
A key theme was the complexity surrounding psychedelics, particularly the need for standardization and precise dosage understanding. He noted that the FDA has begun providing specific guidance for clinical trials involving psychedelics, which represents a significant step toward potential medical integration. Further, he underscored the importance of distinguishing between different substance sources, legal classifications, and potential medical applications.
Garofoli also addressed the challenges of navigating new and potentially controversial medical information. Using examples like changing cholesterol guidelines, he emphasized the need for health care professionals to remain adaptable and objective when encountering emerging research. This is especially crucial with psychedelics, a topic often surrounded by sensationalism and polarized perspectives. Pharmacists must approach such topics with a nuanced, evidence-based perspective. This means understanding the regulatory landscape, recognizing the differences between controlled substances, and being prepared to have informed conversations with patients. The ultimate goal is to provide credible, scientifically grounded information that can potentially help patients, particularly in areas like managing major depressive disorder or exploring alternative treatment options.
By maintaining professional objectivity and a commitment to continuous learning, pharmacists can play a crucial role in responsibly integrating new medical knowledge and potential treatments into health care practice.
"We can count on one hand how many times [questions about psychedelics] would come up in any given pharmacy, clinic, hospital, you name it," Garofoli said. "But we've got to be ready for those conversations. It's like anticipating a patient having an asthma attack in front of you. Have you thought through what you're going to do for the rescue inhaler along the way, so that when it happens, you're good?"
