Could a psychedelic compound help smokers quit for good?

NCT ID NCT05452772

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether psilocybin, a psychedelic substance, can help people stop smoking. Sixty-six daily smokers who have tried and failed to quit before will receive either psilocybin or niacin (a vitamin) in two sessions one week apart. Researchers will check if participants have remained smoke-free after 12 months using self-reports and biological tests.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: psilocybin
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new treatment option for tobacco use disorder, helping people quit smoking more effectively.
What could go wrong: This is a phase 2 trial with only 66 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Psilocybin can cause intense psychological effects, and the study compares it to niacin, not a standard cessation therapy.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cigarette Smoking nicotine dependence Smoking Smoking Cessation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TOBACCO USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States
New York University
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10016, United States
University of Alabama at Birmingham
RECRUITING

Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States

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