Using psilocybin to help people quit smoking
Official title: 5-HT2A Agonist Psilocybin in the Treatment of Tobacco Use Disorder
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10669236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether taking psilocybin, along with cognitive behavior therapy, can help people quit smoking better than using nicotine patches with the same therapy, and it's open to a diverse group of participants who will be paid for their time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $927,912 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DA052174-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10669236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who are current smokers and seeking help to quit smoking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently smoking or those with contraindications to psilocybin may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of psilocybin, a compound that activates the 5-HT2A receptor, in combination with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to assist individuals in quitting smoking. The study will be conducted as a multi-site, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, comparing the effectiveness of psilocybin against nicotine patches, both paired with CBT. Participants will be recruited from diverse backgrounds and compensated for their involvement, aiming to improve smoking cessation rates among a broader population. The trial seeks to validate previous findings and address gaps in participant diversity and socioeconomic status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with tobacco use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with psilocybin for smoking cessation, but this double-blind trial is a novel approach to further validate its efficacy.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Matthew Wayne — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Matthew Wayne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.