CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
72. Medical Use of Psychedelic
Drugs
QUESTION: What is the Jewish attitude toward using addictive
psychedelic (mind altering) drugs as part of the healing process? Such drugs would be used
under the direction of a physician to deal with severe psychological disturbance. (M. S.,
Cleveland, OH)ANSWER: A wide variety of drugs have been described by the
Talmud, although none of them seem to have been mind altering (Julius Preuss, Biblical and
Talmudic Medicine, translated by Fred Rosner, pp. 433 ff). Various medieval physicians
have given us the name of the drugs which they used. The most extensive list is that of
Maimonides which contains more than two thousands items. We recognize that the medicinal
use of drugs has expanded vastly in the last century and has become a regular part of medical
treatment. This form of treatment, as well as all others, should be used under the general
permission provided by the statements, “And he shall surely be healed,” and “You shall live by
them” (Ex. 21.19). When there is danger to life, the physician is encouraged to utilize all means
at his disposal (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 116). The use of drugs in order to aid healing
under the prescription of a physician is, therefore, permitted. It makes no difference whether the
drugs are mind altering or not, as long as they have been prescribed to heal those who
areMay 1985
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.