**Abstract:** Recent years have seen a resurgence in the scientific exploration of psychedelic drugs, particularly in their potential therapeutic uses for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, these studies are not without challenges, one of the most significant being the placebo effect, which is exacerbated by the unique and often profound experiences associated with a "trip." The intense subjective experiences that psychedelics can induce make it difficult for researchers to distinguish between the drug's actual effects and the participants' expectations or psychological responses to the experience. This issue is particularly pertinent given the growing public interest in psychedelics and the positive media coverage that often accompanies it, potentially skewing participants' expectations and, consequently, their reported outcomes. To address this challenge, researchers are developing innovative trial designs that aim to mitigate the placebo effect and provide more reliable data on the efficacy of psychedelic drugs. One such approach is the use of "active placebos," substances that mimic some of the physical sensations of a psychedelic trip but lack its psychoactive properties. For example, niacin, which can cause skin flushing and a sense of warmth, is sometimes used as an active placebo in studies involving psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. This method helps to ensure that participants are unsure whether they have received the actual drug or a placebo, thereby reducing the influence of their expectations on the study results. Another strategy involves blinding both the participants and the researchers to the type of drug administered, a technique known as double-blind trials. However, achieving true double blinding in psychedelic research is challenging due to the distinct and intense nature of the drug experience. To overcome this, some studies are incorporating a "double-blind, double-dummy" design, where participants receive both the psychedelic and an inert substance, and researchers are also unaware of which is which. This design is intended to control for the placebo effect by ensuring that neither the participants nor the researchers can easily guess the type of drug being administered. Moreover, researchers are employing a range of psychological and physiological measures to better quantify the effects of psychedelics. These measures include standardized questionnaires that assess the intensity of the psychedelic experience, as well as neuroimaging techniques that can provide insights into how the drug affects brain function. By combining these tools with traditional clinical outcomes, researchers hope to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of psychedelics and to identify any potential biases in their studies. The article also highlights the importance of setting and context in psychedelic research. The environment in which the drug is administered, along with the relationship between the participant and the researcher, can significantly influence the participant's experience and the perceived therapeutic benefits. Some studies are therefore carefully controlling these variables, ensuring that the setting is comfortable and supportive, and that the researchers are well-trained in providing psychological support during the session. This approach is designed to minimize the variability in outcomes that might otherwise be attributed to external factors rather than the drug itself. Despite these methodological advancements, the article notes that the field of psychedelic research is still in its early stages, and more work is needed to refine these trial designs and to conduct large-scale, randomized controlled trials. The ultimate goal is to produce robust, unbiased evidence that can inform the clinical use of psychedelics and contribute to the broader understanding of their therapeutic potential. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for continued caution and rigorous scientific standards in the study of psychedelics. While the initial findings are promising, the potent placebo effect associated with these drugs means that researchers must be vigilant in their efforts to separate the true pharmacological effects from the psychological impact of the "trip." This ongoing challenge underscores the importance of innovative and thoughtful trial designs in advancing the field and ensuring that the therapeutic potential of psychedelics is accurately assessed.