CARR 119-120

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.