By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are examining the potential benefits of psychedelic drugs for people suffering from a variety of conditions, including depression.

Jonathan Moreno, professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy and History and Sociology of Science at Penn, studies the history of brain research. His book “Mind Wars” detailed the CIA’s interest in the use of psychedelic drugs, but he says that research stopped in the 1960s because of irresponsible use by civilians.

“Here we are about 40-50 years later finally with the albatross, I hope, off our backs about the stigma of psychedelics. And [we're] looking seriously at the way that drugs might be able to help people who are otherwise not helped.”

Moreno wants to make it clear these substances must be used under strict medical supervision.

“It’s a very dangerous drug, but it is time to open up the question of whether any of these hallucinogens can have some good medical purpose.”