Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science: Psilocybin and Māori Practices for Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine addiction remains one of the most challenging substance use disorders to treat. Traditional approaches often fall short, leaving many individuals and communities struggling with the devastating effects of this powerful stimulant. In New Zealand, an innovative clinical trial is exploring a unique combination of ancient indigenous wisdom and modern psychedelic therapy that could offer new hope for those battling methamphetamine addiction.

The Methamphetamine Crisis

Methamphetamine, commonly known as "meth," is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It creates an intense rush of pleasure by flooding the brain with dopamine, followed by a prolonged period of heightened energy and alertness. Over time, regular use can lead to severe physical and psychological dependence, making it extremely difficult to quit. The effects of methamphetamine addiction extend far beyond the individual user. Families are torn apart, communities suffer increased crime rates, and healthcare systems bear the burden of treating both the immediate and long-term health consequences. In many places around the world, including New Zealand, methamphetamine addiction has reached crisis levels, particularly affecting indigenous and marginalized communities. Conventional treatments for methamphetamine addiction include behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, sometimes combined with support groups. However, these approaches have shown limited success, with high relapse rates and low treatment retention. This reality has driven researchers to explore alternative approaches, including psychedelic-assisted therapy.

A Groundbreaking Clinical Trial

In January 2025, a landmark clinical trial began in Gisborne, New Zealand. This pioneering study, supported by Tū Wairua and the Mātai Medical Research Institute, is the first of its kind to combine indigenous Māori knowledge systems (mātauranga Māori) with modern clinical methodologies to address methamphetamine addiction. The trial uses natural psilocybin extract provided by Optimi Health Corp., a Canadian company specializing in psychedelic pharmaceuticals. Psilocybin is the active compound in what are commonly known as "magic mushrooms," which have been used in various cultural and spiritual practices for thousands of years. What makes this trial truly unique is its setting and approach. Rather than taking place in a sterile hospital environment, the therapy sessions are conducted at Rangiwaho Marae, a traditional Māori meeting ground. The treatment protocol emphasizes tikanga (cultural protocols) and collective reflection, honoring the mana (spiritual power/prestige) and well-being of participants and their communities. Dr. Patrick McHugh, lead investigator for the study and researcher at Mātai Medical Research Institute, explained: "By integrating mātauranga Māori and tikanga into the clinical framework, we're not only exploring the therapeutic potential of psilocybin but also honoring the mana and well-being of the participants and their communities."

The Power of Cultural Context

For many indigenous peoples, including the Māori of New Zealand, healing has always been understood as a holistic process that involves the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of a person. Traditional healing practices often take place within a community context, recognizing that individual well-being is connected to the health of the collective. This perspective aligns well with emerging research on psychedelic therapy, which suggests that the setting, mindset, and cultural context of the experience play crucial roles in determining therapeutic outcomes. By conducting psilocybin sessions within a culturally meaningful environment and incorporating traditional Māori healing practices, the researchers hope to enhance the therapeutic potential of the medicine. The Tū Wairua initiative brings together indigenous leaders, health researchers, and industry partners to explore the therapeutic potential of taonga (mushroom) varieties. This collaborative approach ensures that the research respects and incorporates Māori values and perspectives rather than imposing Western medical paradigms. Dane Stevens, CEO of Optimi Health, noted: "The Tū Wairua initiative is a testament to how modern science and indigenous knowledge can come together to address some of the world's most pressing mental health challenges."

How the Treatment Works

Participants in the trial first complete preparatory sessions to ensure they are mentally and emotionally ready for the psilocybin experience. These sessions include education about what to expect, psychological preparation, and cultural grounding in Māori traditions. The psilocybin sessions themselves take place in a group setting at the marae, guided by both trained therapists and cultural practitioners. Participants receive a carefully measured dose of natural psilocybin extract, which induces a period of altered consciousness lasting approximately 4-6 hours. During this time, individuals may experience profound insights, emotional release, and a sense of connection to themselves, others, and the natural world. These experiences can help break the patterns of thinking and behavior that maintain addiction, while also addressing underlying trauma that may have contributed to substance use in the first place. Following the psilocybin sessions, integration work helps participants make sense of their experiences and apply insights to their daily lives. This phase is crucial for translating the temporary shifts in consciousness into lasting behavioral change.

Early Promise and Future Directions

While the trial is still in its early stages, with the first participants having just completed their initial sessions, there is cautious optimism about its potential. Similar approaches using psilocybin have shown promise for treating other forms of addiction, including alcohol use disorder and tobacco dependence. The researchers are carefully monitoring both the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. They are particularly interested in whether the culturally grounded approach enhances outcomes compared to standard clinical protocols used in other psilocybin studies. If successful, this model could be adapted for other indigenous communities around the world, many of which face disproportionately high rates of substance use disorders. It also represents an important step toward recognizing and valuing indigenous knowledge in addressing contemporary health challenges.

Considerations and Cautions

While the early reports from this trial are encouraging, several important considerations should be kept in mind:

1. This is a controlled clinical trial: The psilocybin used in this study is pharmaceutical-grade and administered under careful supervision. Self-medication with mushrooms or other psychedelics carries significant risks and is not recommended.
2. Cultural context matters: The effectiveness of this approach may be tied to its cultural grounding. Simply extracting the use of psilocybin without the accompanying cultural practices and community support may not yield the same results.
3. More research is needed: This is a preliminary study, and larger trials with longer follow-up periods will be necessary to establish the long-term effectiveness of this approach.
4. Legal status varies: Psilocybin remains a controlled substance in most jurisdictions, though its legal status is evolving as research demonstrates its potential therapeutic benefits.

A Model for Respectful Collaboration

Beyond its potential impact on methamphetamine addiction treatment, this trial represents an important model for respectful collaboration between Western scientific institutions and indigenous communities. Rather than appropriating traditional practices or imposing outside solutions, the researchers have worked in partnership with Māori leaders to develop an approach that honors cultural wisdom while incorporating modern scientific methods. This collaborative spirit extends to the broader psychedelic research community as well. Learnings from this clinical trial will inform future research phases and contribute to the global understanding of culturally informed psychedelic therapies. As we continue to face complex health challenges like addiction, this kind of cross-cultural collaboration—bringing together diverse knowledge systems with mutual respect—may offer our best hope for developing truly effective solutions.

References

This article is based on information from the following source:Optimi Health Reports First Patients Dosed in Landmark Natural Psilocybin Study in New Zealand

For more information about psychedelic research and therapy, you can visit the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) .

To learn more about Māori health perspectives, visit Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand .