Not entirely sure that a study of this kind really shows anything reliable, but
here's the way it's reported:
Newly published research suggests that common psychedelic drugs -- such
as magic mushrooms, LSD and mescaline (a substance derived from the
peyote cactus) -- may reduce criminal offences.
The new study, co-authored by UBC Okanagan's Associate Professor of
Psychology Zach Walsh, found that psychedelic drugs are associated with a
decreased likelihood of antisocial criminal behaviour.
"These findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that use
of classic psychedelics may have positive effects for reducing
antisocial behaviour," said Walsh, a p. "They certainly highlight the
need for further research into the potentially beneficial effects of
these stigmatized substances for both individual and public health."
Lead author, University of Alabama Assoc. Prof. Peter Hendricks, used
data obtained by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which is
administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to
explore the connection between the use of classic psychedelic substances
and criminal behaviour among more than 480,000 American adult
respondents from the past 13 years.
Key findings of the study are that respondents who have used
psychedelic drugs had 27 per cent decreased odds of larceny or theft,
and 22 per cent decreased odds of arrest for a violent crime in the past
year. At the same time, lifetime use of other illicit substances was
generally associated with increased odds of criminal behaviour.
Well, it's a bit of a better idea than the
Clockwork Orange style treatment for criminals, I guess...
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